There has been increased interest in the relationship between faith and health in recent years. The Adventist Health Study that was done in the USA has proved that there is a strong relationship between religion and health. Those results were so powerful that the Adventist Church in Africa will be doing similar studies in our African context to determine whether these results are reproducible.

The Adventist Church believes that man is an integrated whole-being which includes physical, social, mental, and spiritual dimensions. This is the origin of the ‘whole person care’ approach of the Adventist Church. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:7-8: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” In the Spirit of Prophecy, Ellen White affirms that ” True religion brings man into harmony with the laws of God…Religion tends directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our enjoyment of all its blessings.” (Patriarch & Prophets, p. 600)

Religious practice significantly contributes to physical & mental health. Among adults, religious people have been found to have reduced risk of cancer, lowered blood pressure, lower levels of stress, better immune functions and increased life expectancy. Among youth, religious attendance has been associated with decreased involvement in risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, use of drugs and involvement in violent activities as well as reduced or delayed, sexual activity.

Research has also demonstrated the beneficial effect of faith and spirituality on mental health. For example, religious beliefs and practices are associated with lower rates of depression, less anxiety, fewer suicides, and less substance abuse. Some religious practices and rituals have been shown not just to avoid negative conditions, but to have health enhancing benefits. For example, a recent study found that Sabbath-keeping was associated with better mental health among 5,000 Seventh-day Adventist adults that were studied in America. Studies indicate that religious faith can also promote physical and mental health through regulation of healthy behaviors and personal lifestyles, community & social support, coping resources and behaviors, positive attitudes, and healthy emotions.

Nevertheless, studies are not completely uniform in mentioning beneficial associations. A few studies have shown either no associations or negative associations with religion and/or spirituality with various aspects of health. This potential demands that we take a responsible approach toward the use of religion and/or spirituality as a preventive and/or curative measure.

It is clear that religion and/or spirituality has the ability to promote or damage physical and mental health. There is much that we can do as church members and as a family of God to amplify the positive potential of religious connection to health. Let us share with the world what God has given us to help all of us to live healthier and more satisfying lives to the glory of God.

New members in a church can be categorised into two groups: Those with a church background who are just changing churches or returning to the faith and new believers with no church background. Regardless of which category a new member falls in, the truth is that they all have one thing in common which is the need to feel part of a genuine fellowship and have real relationships with other believers.

Imaging a young couple who moves to a new place near the church. They have not been to a church for a long time but since they see the church’s sign everyday welcoming them on their way home, they eventually decide to visit. As they walk from their parking spot toward the church, they smile as they pass members talking in groups of twos and threes, but nobody seems interested in talking to them. In the sanctuary, they feel alone as they sit through the otherwise enjoyable service. Even though they liked what they heard, they are not sure if they will be coming back.

What could have been done to help this couple feel better about their experience? Here are five practical suggestions on how to make new guests and members feel like valued parts of the church family:

Make a good first impression: “You only get once chance to make a first impression” goes the saying. This is especially true at church. If we are not intentional about being friendly to anyone who might be a guest, the established members will tend to socialize among themselves leaving the new members without a place. So the first step is to make an effort to learn and remember the name of your guests at church. Remember, every church member is a host not a guest. (Proverbs 18:24)

Give a gift: Give your guests something to remember your church. It does not have to be expensive. It can be an information pack, a book, a bookmark or anything that will show appreciation for their visit.

Have and implement a follow up plan: Assign a member of church to contact guests within 24 hours ensure that all their questions have been answered and that they feel valued and cared for. Whether text message, phone call or email, be intentional about communicating with your guests after the service. Regular members should challenge themselves to ensure that they greet someone they do not know or introduce their friends to someone that they do not know.

Nurturing/Discipleship: Be intentional about visiting and investing time in a new member. It may not only result in their eternal salvation but a long lasting friendship. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3)

Involving them in church activities: It is important to ensure that new guests and new members are familiar with the church’s calendar of activities both formal and social. One of the best ways to do this is to invite them to join a small group which will make it easier for them to open up and interact with other members.

Always remember that after someone joins the church, we should show them at least as much love and attention as when they were a guest.

What kind of power is it that creates families? What is it that creates great marriages, gives homes to adopted and biological children and orphans? What is it that makes a family out of the the global family of God that spans ages of time and across cultures?

Is it beliefs? The Bible says that even the demons believe, so that cannot be the key. When we look at the command of Jesus in John 13, we are given a view as to what Jesus thought was the essential ingredient. He said that "all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Jn 13:35) Not the Sabbath, nor what we eat, nor what we believe about prophecy, (as important as those things are), Jesus says the one way for everyone to identify this family is through their genuine love for one another.

In fact, in John 17, when Christ makes his dying request for us to His Father before going to the cross, He asks that we may be one. He asks for us to be united in love. He knew the power of love was the power that would make us more than just another group of people with a set of beliefs. He knew that in order to be united in love, we would need the power of His Spirit and the Hope of Heaven in our Hearts.

Jesus knew that the small and great differences that exist between us, and the great hurts and disappointments that we would face amongst our family members could only be overcome with the power of His forgiveness and His love.

So many of us are cherishing our pain and our differences rather than His love and power to forgive. If there are those, especially within the community of believers that you have not forgiven and for whom you have not received genuine love from the Father, then no matter what you believe or do in the church, you are in need of the power of God to bring you into His family.

I know that the enemy is constantly sowing seeds of dischord into the vineyard of God's family. Just like I have, I am sure that you have seen or experienced true suffering, injustice and pain even from within the community of believers. Jesus did. And if we claim to be His followers, we must follow Him also down this road of suffering where we are rejected and wounded even by people who should be our allies, and claim His power from above to genuinely love those who sin against us. Jesus went to His death pleading for forgiveness for those who were torturing and murdering Him. He died, loving His betrayer, Judas. And He died with love in His heart for you and me, knowing how we love ourselves and our ways so much more than we love Him.

If the Perfect Son of God, who, unlike us never deserved anything other than worship could endure all of that for us, how much more should we freely celebrate and forgive even the worst offenders we face in our lives? If you've been hurt, pray for and show kindness to your "enemies". Go and speak to them privately and in humility. Only through the cross of Christ will we find guaranteed power to forgive the unforgivable and love the unlovable, and find the peace and joy necessary for us to become One.

In Africa, the tribe that a person identifies with can be very important. Many other places have tribes, but here, knowing where you come from is important if you want people to know who you are. Many visitors are amazed that we can know a person’s tribe by their look, by their name and many other ways. That identity normally determines our language, our food, our beliefs, our spouse and even our work.

Normally, we don’t have any choice about our identity. Our tribes, our nation and even our name are already chosen for us when we are born. But the Bible tells us that God gives us a choice regarding our true identity. Jesus tells us that we must choose to be born again. And then 2 Cor. 5:17 tells us that we become a completely new creature who is given a new name by Christ (Rev. 2). Philippians 3 says that we even get to choose a our citizenship because when we choose to follow Jesus we become citizens of Heaven. Not only do we choose that citizenship, but our new identity gives us a new job as "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor 5:20).

If all of this is true then followers of Jesus should be unaffected by problems that come from differences in tribes, languages, financial status and nationalities. When we are thinking about our differences like these it is a sign that we believe more in the identity given to us by the world than we do in the one given to us by Christ. Christ was speaking to all of us when He warned the Pharisees and Sadducees not to "think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Matt. 3:9). Where we come from never matters as much as where we are going.

God created the languages in Genesis 11 as a way to keep humanity from trusting in the strength of their worldly heritage more than they trusted in Him. We must be careful not to allow tribal, economic national and other differences to distract us from trusting in God.

Christian brothers and sisters, remember who you really are. God loves your tribe, your nation and everything about you. Scripture tells us that in Heaven there will be “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands”.

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians who are born again in Christ, let each of us reject the temptations of the enemy to see tribalism, nationality and other kinds of groups as ways to divide us from one another or from God. May we always remember our true identities. We are the ones on this earth who are to use our differences as tools of influence so that people "from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" may also join us as citizens of Heaven.

Effective parenting cannot be accomplished passively without the intentional and active focus on this important responsibility. God’s original and best design is for parenting to be a shared responsibility between mother and father. Unfortunately, our culture too often sees the responsibility of parenting as one for the mother and not so much a father. As such God’s intended influence of the father towards the children is not realized.

Ephesians 6:1-4 reminds us of the equal responsibility of both parents. Fathers are just as essential to child development as mothers. This involvement extends beyond just the father-child relationship even to the way that he relates to his wife and others. Children are very impressionable and learn more by observation than from structured lessons so as fathers, it is important that we set a target to training our children through our presence and our example.

Play time with children is highly stimulating allowing children to experience a closer bond with their father. It also helps children understand and test boundaries in a safe environment which helps them figure out how things work in the world outside of the home. It is in these light moments that a father’s presence is appreciated and the child realizes that their father is accessible to them beyond the responsibility of providing for their physical needs.

The question however is how can a father be more available? Here are a few things that can make it easier for fathers to relate with and be more involved with their children.

Communicate with them both physically and verbally. Spending time enjoying the company of your child affirms your love for them. Remember that communication is both in what you say and what you do. Children are excellent readers of non-verbal communication, so remember to be mindful of not just what you say or do but howyou say and do things. By being affectionate with your spouse, you are also communicating and teaching your child how to be affectionate with others.

Fathers should place a priority on spending time with their children. Use this time to mentor and train your child by doing things with them that are important to you as well as to them. One of the activities that should be prioritized is supporting the child in their schoolwork. As you share time together in these activities, God will give you the opportunity to teach them the simple, but important things in life. Messages will always make a difference when they come from you. Remember that non-verbal communication is your best teaching tool, so be the best role model that you can be.

Remember that a mother is naturally protective while a father tends to push the child to reach new heights and to test their limits. Your presence makes a strong contribution to helping your children to build independence and confidence.

Too often as fathers in our society, we spend more time providing for the family than in being part of the family. Make sure that you know that your presence is the most important things that a father can provide to his wife and children. Other things are also important, but this your presence is essential. Share in the physical, emotional and spiritual development of your family. May we stand tall as fathers and model our homes in a way that will impact our children’s lives for a lifetime, and beyond.

It is a common understanding that the command to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to be fruitful and to multiply was a call to parenthood. This was also the first call to make disciples. God showed through His example with Adam and Eve that the first step toward fulfilling that calling was for married adults to have a strong connection and relationship with Him. They were familiar with the sound of God walking among them in the Garden as a Friend. In this way, God was a Father to them. By walking with them in the Garden, God invested time and energy in His children to show them His nature, and to help them understand the world that He created. God was doing all that He could to make of His own children faithful disciples who would live forever in Heaven on Earth.

God set an example to Adam and Eve which showed them the importance of spending time with their children, teaching them about God and about the world that He had provided for them. In Deuteronomy 11:18-21 God’s design for discipleship through parenting is clear:

“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.”

Parents should first be disciples who have the words of God written in their hearts and souls, and allow those words to guide them and determine their actions. Ephesians 5 shows us that God’s design for marriage includes spouses helping each other to be more faithful disciples. are important tools to make sure that each parent is growing in Christ. We are to prayerfully seek to present each other to God “holy and without blemish.”

Even when our marriages are strong, we do well to remember that parenting is accomplished in a fallen world. There are many brave and faithful souls who have been forced to courageously do all that they can to raise godly children as single parents. The church should support, encourage and assist them in this challenging calling. As parents, All of our examples are far from perfect, and the influences around our children are often far from pure. The history of war and rebellion in Heaven reminds us that even a perfect world with perfect examples there is no guarantee that individuals with freedom of choice will be faithful and wise. No parent should underestimate the great importance of their influence as parents, but we should recognize that we cannot hope to have more control over the choices of our children than God has had with His.

There are many people among us in our churches who do not have children. This was God’s choice in most cases because we know that children are a gift from God and it is up to Him to offer one gift or another to us.

In the process of encouraging the pursuit of the biblical ideal for families, we must join with Christ in compassion for couples who have no children or no spouse to raise the children that they do have. No matter the reason for these situations, we must respond with biblical compassion and sacrificial love to support. As a church, our call to make disciples extends to families who may be missing a parent or children just as much as it does to anyone else. We want to encourage the church to be encourage them as they strive to make disciples with the opportunities that God has given to them. Our first responsibility is to be faithful disciples ourselves, and because of that, we need to focus on loving one another and encouraging all of God’s children along the way.

“Where is the baby?” one of the girls from church asked after meeting us in town. Now, you need to realize that this was about four months into our marriage. You see, when you get married the African setting, everyone is looking closely at the tummy immediately after the honeymoon. But my husband Ivan and I decided that we would wait two years before having children. That is quite unusual so we had to get used to the not-so-subtle questions and suggestions about when we were going to have children. But we did not mind much. We were not in any rush.

After the two years, we were ready. Or so we thought. We were trying and we were praying, but nothing was happening. At first, it didn’t bother us much, but as time went by, it started becoming a society issue. People were asking. Others were whispering. Others were making lewd comments that many times left me in tears. The odd thing is, that even though people from church put the most pressure on us, when I asked for prayer, I was told that of all the things they prayed for, it had never occurred to them to pray for us to get children!

Complaining and putting pressure on couples cannot improve these situations. God alone can give children, so rather than causing pain with words to people, believers should talk to God if we care about people having children. Five years have gone by and we learned of a medical condition that had been preventing a pregnancy. We worked hard to correct the problem, but after a year, there was still no child.

Even though the waiting was hard, and there were many tears along the way, I was okay, because I truly trusted God to know what was best for us. I would discuss the situation with God and claim the promises of the Bible as I prayed. I prayed that God would not allow me to bring his name to shame by not we choosing to trust him. You see people would come to us and tell us how they will take us to whoever and whoever who will be sure to help us conceive. We had agreed over the years that if we ever conceive, we want to be able to tell people that this child was from God in every sense of the word. We did not want any human being to take the glory. So, together with my faithful and loving husband who made me feel like a queen every day, we fasted, and we prayed and cried out to God for help.

Along with prayer, I was taking my medication and making regular visits to my gynecologist. On one of those visits, I remember telling him that I was not feeling well. He took one look at me and just smiled. He told me at five weeks, a home test might not show positive, so I should do a blood test to check if I were pregnant. I remember me being happily numb after he told me that I was pregnant. For all the times I had gone to hospital, that was the first time I went without my husband. I had to tell him the news on phone. After seven years and six months of marriage, on July 15th 2015, I gave birth to Enoch Daniel Bukenya.

But the story does not end there. While caring for our new baby, I was surprised one morning with a very serious but familiar kick to my abdomen. … From the inside! I shot right up, my mind reeling with the realization that my stomach is not kicking itself and that I must be pregnant. I discovered after a visit to the doctor that I was six months pregnant and I did not know. So, a year and a half after the first child that we had waited so long for, we had our second child.I am forever blessed to have my boys and I am grateful to my family and friends who cried with me, prayed with me and continue to support me in this journey of motherhood. When we were praying, we knew that God may have had different plans for us than to have children, and we would have trusted him under any circumstances. But we knew that God would be faithful to us if we just trusted him. Because no matter what God chooses for us, when we trust him we know that weeping can only endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning! (Psalms 30:5)

When it comes to making disciples of our children and youth, not just pastors, but every parent has a significant role to play. As a pastor, many people expect that my priority as I make decisions for my family about where we will be living and what we will be doing will be mission. It is a reasonable expectation, and it is an accurate one. But the Bible makes it clear that all of us who have accepted Christ have also been called to be a part of God’s special kingdom of priests. Every believer in Christ is expected by God to use their lives for the purpose of making disciples and giving Him glory in everything that they do. If you are not a pastor, but you are a believer in Christ, God still expects that you belong entirely to Him and that He will be in control of every area of your life.

There is really no area of ministry that is more significant and important for those who have children than the ministry of being a parent. We must remember that this role of ministry is given to us by God and not by society. Society only demands that we raise obedient and respectful children. Even though society looks on the outward appearance, God is concerned with the heart. If we want our children to see how to love Him properly, we must allow them to witness the faith that is required to set money aside so that we can return a faithful tithe. Allow them to understand why we forgive people who have caused us to suffer. We should show them what it looks like to pray to God and trust Him for guidance rather than choosing the path that seems to make the most sense to us or to others.

In our own lives as parents, we have had many moments when our children have watched us sacrifice our preferences for the sake of mission. Probably one of the greatest struggles was when we believed that we must send our children away to school so that we could continue to answer His calling. Even though it was a deep struggle for us, we understood that it would undermine our discipleship of the children for us to do what we wanted by keeping them with us when we knew that God was calling us to do something different. We may think that we are showing our children love by compromising the standards and calling of God for them to be happy and comfortable. But the terrible truth is that when we do that, we are teaching them by our examples only to be worshippers of their own desires rather than to be worshippers of God.

In ECD there are so many wonderful examples of parents, schools and churches who are truly caring and inspirational for our young people. It is easy to see why Christ reserved his strongest condemnation for those who bring harm to a child when you see the faith and love that these little ones have for God. Christ cares for children because He understands that raising children is mission. And every parent is needed to be involved. Children are rewarded through obedience to their parents, but parents are even more richly rewarded when their children, through the example of their parents, learn to love the Lord with all of their hearts.

As with behavior, a child’s appetite also needs to be educated.

Natural inherited tendencies of many children are not necessarily towards healthy foods, but rather to salty or sugary processed foods and to strong flavors such as meat. Letting children freely serve unhealthy foods to indulge their natural, uneducated appetite is harmful and may result in a diseased body. A study conducted by the University College of London (UK) with 214 pairs of twins indicated that food preferences for meat and fish are highly hereditary, whereas preferences for fruit and vegetables are derived from education and must be learned. This finding affirms the role of a parent to educate their children in healthy eating.

Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived between 460 – 370 BC and is widely regarded as the father of modern medicine argued that disease was the result of environmental factors, diet, and living habits. He believed that all diseases originate in our gut.

Scientists and medical professionals have recently linked a huge number of diseases to the makeup of our intestinal microbiome. Our body’s microbiome consists of the trillions of bacteria and microbes that live in our gut and elsewhere in and on our bodies. As well as aiding our digestion, the microbiome helps regulate our immune system, our metabolism and even impacts communication with our brain, influencing everything from our appetite and instincts to our mood. What we eat and when we eat powerfully affects the microbiome it is important to educate our children well so that their eating habits can contribute to, rather than hinder their pursuit of a happy and successful experience in life.

The first principle that parents should understand when addressing the issue of health in their family is that health education should begin as early as possible in a child’s life. Habits that are acquired during infancy and childhood remain ingrained in one’s memory for the duration of life. The earlier a habit is acquired, whether it be good or bad, the stronger it will be rooted and the harder it will become to modify. It is never too early to start. For example, even breastfeeding promotes development of a healthy intestinal microbiome.

Second, parents should use their churches and other resources around them to equip themselves to understand and teach the human physiology. Parents need to understand how the human living machinery of the body works so that they can educate the children. Teach from cause to effect; showing them that if they violate the laws of their being, they must pay the penalty by suffering disease. This should be instructed patiently, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little… pressing on until victory is won.

Finally, here are some tips on how to make healthful living a family matter:

At home, offer only healthy foods to eat.Teach the family to “eat their colors” by having a wide variety of colors of fruits and vegetables available at mealtime.This will also help parents to offer a moderate variety of foods which will help guarantee that necessary nutrients are not excluded from the family diet.Set limits of what is acceptable or unacceptable at the table. Mealtimes should be pleasant times of family interaction, so removing cell phones and other distractions will enhance mealtimes in addition to making sure that the food that is prepared is delicious and nutritious.Encourage family members to allow their digestive system to rest properly by not eating between meals.Make sure that it is safe for your children to follow the example set by their parents. Children learn by imitation from their parents, so be sure to use your most influential and powerful tool. Parents, pray that the Lord will help you to set a good example!

La Division Afrique Centrale-Est de l'Église Adventiste du septième jour (DACE) remercie tous ceux qui ont répondu à l'appel de prier pour la liberté religieuse et pour notre mission de servir le peuple burundais. En ce moment, nous demandons une prière fervente et continue pour le rétablissement de la liberté religieuse dans cette nation afin que notre église puisse servir et bénir efficacement le peuple burundais au nom du Christ. Au cours des trois années qui ont précédé l'automne 2018, les dirigeants de la DACE ont travaillé avec loyauté pour répondre aux préoccupations sérieuses portées à son attention concernant la gouvernance et le leadership de l’Union Mission du Burundi (UMB). La Division a envoyé plusieurs délégués et officiers de la Division pour soutenir et aider les dirigeants de l'Union à répondre aux préoccupations qui menaçaient de nuire à l'unité et à l'efficience de l'église. L’une des nombreuses préoccupations frappantes a été la découverte d’une utilisation abusive des fonds par l’ancien trésorier de l’Union, qui, après avoir reconnu ses violations, les a aggravées en tentant sans succès de ternir la réputation des travailleurs de l’Union et de la DACE qui ont aidé à découvrir les irrégularités. Malheureusement, après plusieurs visites au Burundi pour remédier à ces problèmes de gestion, il est apparu qu'aucune assistance supplémentaire à l’administration de l'ancien Président de l’UMB, Joseph Ndikubwayo, n'aurait été en mesure de résoudre la crise de leadership qui s'aggravait dans la région. Dans l'espoir d'améliorer l'harmonie et l'efficacité de l'équipe dirigeante de l'église et après avoir consulté les dirigeants de l'église au Burundi, y compris Joseph Ndikubwayo lui-même, la DACE a voté le 6 novembre 2018 d'exercer son droit de révoquer et de remplacer le Président de l'Union.

Reconnaissant que notre église au Burundi avait besoin d'un leadership capable de garantir l'intégrité tout en évitant le favoritisme et le tribalisme, la DACE a dûment nommé le pasteur Lamec Barishinga à la présidence de l’Union Mission du Burundi. Le pasteur Barishinga a été choisi en raison de sa réputation d'intégrité, de maturité et de leadership équilibré qu'il a mérité en exerçant ses fonctions de dirigeant dans l'église au Burundi. La DACE continue de souligner combien il est important que l’Église puisse librement élire et fournir des dirigeants impartiaux et qui puissent poursuivre le difficile travail consistant à établir et à maintenir l’unité et l’harmonie au sein de l’Union Mission du Burundi. Après son renvoi, Joseph Ndikubwayo a annoncé de manière inattendue son intention d'utiliser la force pour conserver la direction de l'église au Burundi. Ses relations avec les autorités gouvernementales ont été utilisées non seulement pour empêcher la police d'interdire aux responsables de l’Union nouvellement nommés d'accéder aux bureaux administratifs de l’Union Mission du Burundi, mais aussi, dans certains cas, des dirigeants et des membres de l'église perçus comme étant fidèles aux règlements et au protocole de l'église ont été battus et emprisonnés. En raison de ces comportements non bibliques et inacceptables, et de sa réticence à agir conformément aux règlements établis de l'église, les lettres de créances pastorales de Joseph Ndikubwayo ont été révoquées. Il n'est donc plus un pasteur reconnu dans l'Église Adventiste du septième jour et n'est donc pas éligible pour servir dans la position qu’il a préalablement occupée. Nous invitons tous à offrir des prières sincères pour que lui et sa famille soient richement bénis en Christ.

Le fruit du travail de Joseph Ndikubwayo contre les règlements de l’Église représente une menace sérieuse pour les fondements du ministère adventiste dans cette nation. En raison de son influence, le gouvernement ne reconnaît plus aucun lien entre l’Union Mission du Burundi et le reste de l'Église Adventiste mondiale. Ses efforts ont créé une situation dans laquelle le gouvernement ne reconnaît plus que la partie de l'Église Adventiste du septième jour sur laquelle il cherche à exercer un contrôle direct par l'intermédiaire de son dirigeant qu’il a désigné, M. Ndikubwayo lui-même. Non seulement le gouvernement a cherché à contrôler la direction de l’église, mais aussi dans une récente lettre du gouvernement, Joseph Ndikubwayo a reçu officiellement l’autorisation d’accéder aux comptes bancaires de l’église dans le pays. Même dans son ancienne position, le règlement de l'église n'autorisait pas le président à avoir un tel accès par crainte que cet accès ne favorise la corruption. Malheureusement, de telles préoccupations concernant la corruption se sont avérées plus que justifiées dans le cas présent. L’église est prête à partager avec des personnes ou des organismes d’influence dans cette situation des preuves documentées montrant que, depuis que M. Ndikubwayo a été autorisé d’accéder aux comptes de l’église, de retraits très importants et non autorisés ont été effectués. Subséquemment des dons publics ont été octroyés aux autorités gouvernementales au nom de l'église. Un tel usage abusif non autorisé des fonds de l'église et leur utilisation dans le but de s'attirer des faveurs politiques contre l'église est un très mauvais service rendu à la cause de la justice dans le pays. Une caractéristique essentielle de la théologie et de la philosophie de l’Église Adventiste du septième jour est la ferme conviction que les structures d’église qui sont imposées aux gens par la force du gouvernement déplaisent à Dieu. Nous sommes convaincus que l'imposition d'une structure ou d'une pratique ecclésiastique par le gouvernement représente un mariage de l’église et de l'état qui mène inévitablement à une corruption des fondements spirituels de l'église et a également été historiquement une source de grands maux dans la société. Malheureusement, les récents emprisonnements de dirigeants et de membres d’église, la violence à l’égard des membres de l’église et même le détournement de fonds de l’église pour des efforts politiques sont autant de témoignages de la validité des préoccupations de l’église.

En demandant à son gouvernement de le nommer de force à la direction de l’église, Joseph Ndikubwayo a cherché à violer les valeurs fondamentales de l’église qu’il avait autrefois servie. Si l'Église Adventiste du septième jour permettait à l'influence du gouvernement ou à sa force de déterminer le choix des pasteurs ou de tout autre dirigeant de l'église, cela représenterait un si haut niveau de compromis et une aussi grande corruption de ses valeurs fondamentales au point de porter atteinte à la mission de l'église. Nous soutenons fermement le rôle légitime du gouvernement dans la société burundaise et nous prions que les efforts de Joseph Ndikubwayo pour tenter de convaincre le gouvernement de saper l’Église Adventiste du septième jour cessent ou soient contrecarrés. Nous sommes reconnaissants de constater certains signes montrant que Dieu agit pour préserver l'intégrité de son église. Nous sommes reconnaissants aux membres dirigeants du gouvernement qui ont joué un rôle dans la récente libération des membres et des dirigeants adventistes injustement emprisonnés. Des milliers de membres et de pasteurs de l’Église Adventiste du septième jour ont signé des pétitions appelant au rejet des tentatives de Joseph Ndikubwayo d’obliger le gouvernement à imposer sa direction à l’Église Adventiste du septième jour au Burundi. La DACE recommande vivement à tous ses membres de représenter le Christ avec prière au milieu de la situation actuelle. Indépendamment de nos opinions sur toutes les questions, nous encourageons tous les membres à manifester leur amour les uns pour les autres, pour nos communautés et plus particulièrement pour ceux avec qui nous sommes en désaccord. Nous exhortons tous les membres adventistes à faire dans la prière tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour faire connaître la grâce et l'amour de leur Sauveur dans toutes leurs discussions sur toutes les questions. L’Église Adventiste du septième jour affirme que tous les membres de l’Église sont appelés par le Christ à servir, dans la prière, comme des artisans de la paix remplis de la joie et de la paix que seul le Christ peut offrir. Nous affirmons que les croyants dotés d'une foi sincère et mature et qui croient réellement en la justice de leur cause et en la fidélité de leur Sauveur manifesteront, dans la prière, un amour extraordinaire les uns envers les autres et la volonté de servir leurs prochains pendant cette période difficile. L’Église Adventiste du septième jour invite tout le monde à prier pour les membres du gouvernement burundais et pour le peuple qu’ils servent. Nous sollicitons également des prières pour les membres de l'Église Adventiste du septième jour au Burundi, qui cherchent à grandir en Christ et dans le service chrétien dans leurs communautés. L’Église Adventiste du septième jour au Burundi compte actuellement 186 000 membres et s’est fermement mobilisée pour soutenir les communautés de ce pays. L’Église reste attachée à sa mission de servir les habitants de cette nation en s’efforçant de répondre à leurs besoins. L’Église encourage vivement tous les membres à se conformer à toutes les lois et régulations gouvernementales qui n’interfèrent pas avec le service rendu à Dieu, et à transmettre, dans la prière, toutes leurs préoccupations à Christ, le véritable Chef de notre église.

The East-Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (ECD) is grateful to all of those who have answered the call to pray for religious liberty and our mission to serve the people in the nation of Burundi. At this time, we ask for continued fervent continued prayer for the restoration religious liberty in that nation so that our church can effectively serve and bless the people of Burundi in the name of Christ.

Over the three years leading up to the fall of 2018, ECD leadership has worked faithfully to respond to serious concerns that were brought to its attention regarding governance and leadership in the Burundi Union Mission (BUM). The Division sent several envoys and division officers to support and assist the Union leadership to address the concerns that were threatening to harm the unity and effectiveness of the church. One of the many notable concerns was the discovery of the misuse of funds by the former treasurer of the Union, who, after admitting his errors, added to them by unsuccessfully attempting to tarnish the reputations of those workers at the Union and at ECD who had helped to uncover the irregularities.

Unfortunately, after several visits to Burundi to address these management concerns, it became clear that no amount of additional support for the leadership of former BUM President Joseph Ndikubwayo would have been able to resolve the worsening leadership crisis there. In the hope of improving the harmony and effectiveness of the church leadership team, and after consulting with the leadership of the church within Burundi, including Joseph Ndikubwayo himself, ECD voted on November 6, 2018 to exercise its right to remove and replace the President of the Union.

Recognizing that our church in Burundi required leadership which could provide integrity while avoiding favoritism and tribalism, ECD duly appointed Pastor Lameck Barishinga as the new President of the Burundi Union Mission. Pastor Barishinga was selected because of his reputation for integrity, maturity and balanced leadership which he earned while serving in his previous church leadership roles in Burundi. ECD continues to stress the importance of the church being able to select and provide leaders for itself that can be impartial and pursue the difficult work of establishing and maintaining unity and harmony within the Union.

After his removal, Joseph Ndikubwayo unexpectedly declared his intention to use force to retain leadership of the church in Burundi. His relationships with government authorities was used not only to have police deny the newly appointed leadership of the Union access to the Burundi Union Mission administrative offices, but in some cases, church leaders and members perceived as loyal to church policy and protocol have been beaten and imprisoned.

Because of these unbiblical and unacceptable behaviors, and because of his unwillingness to act in accordance with established church policy, the pastoral credentials of Joseph Ndikubwayo have been revoked. He is no longer a recognized pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is therefore ineligible to serve in the role he once held. We invite all to offer sincere prayers for him and his family to be richly blessed in Christ.

The fruit of Joseph Ndikubwayo’s work against church policies represent a gravely serious threat to the foundations of Adventist ministry in that nation. As a result of his influence, the national government no longer recognizes any connection between the Burundi Union Mission and the rest of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. His efforts have created a situation where the government now only recognizes the portion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that they seek to have direct control over through their appointed leader, Mr. Ndikubwayo himself. Not only has the government sought to control the leadership of the church, but in a recent letter issued by the government, Joseph Ndikubwayo has, by fiat been granted access to the church’s financial accounts in the nation. Even in his former post, church policy does not allow for presidents to have such access out of concern that such access would invite corruption.

Sadly, such concerns regarding corruption have proven themselves to be more than justified in this case. The church stands ready to share, with individuals or agencies of influence in the situation, documented evidence showing that since Mr. Ndikubwayo has been granted access to the accounts of the church, extremely large and unauthorized withdrawals have been made. Subsequent public donations to government authorities have been issued in the name of the church. Such unauthorized misuse of church funds and their use for the purposes of currying political favor against the church is a great disservice to the cause of justice in the nation.

An indispensable feature of Seventh-day Adventist theology and philosophy is the firm conviction that church structures which are imposed on people through government force are displeasing to God. It is our conviction that the imposition of ecclesiastical structure or practice by government represents a marriage of church and state which invariably leads to a corruption of the spiritual foundations of the church and has also historically been a source of great evils in society. Unfortunately, the recent imprisonments of church leaders, and members, violence against church members and even the misappropriation of church funds for political efforts all stand as testimony to the validity of the church’s concerns.

Joseph Ndikubwayo has sought to violate the core values of the church he once served by requesting that his government forcibly appoint him as the church’s leader. For the Seventh-day Adventist church to permit government influence or force to determine the appointment of pastors or any other leaders of the church would represent such a high level of compromise, and such a great corruption of its core values as to undermine the church’s mission. We strongly support the government’s legitimate role in Burundi society, and it is our prayer that Joseph Ndikubwayo’s efforts to tempt the government to undermine the Seventh-day Adventist church would cease or otherwise be thwarted.

We are grateful that we are seeing some signs that God is moving to preserve the integrity of His church. We are appreciative of the government leaders who played a role in the recent release of the unjustly imprisoned Adventist members and leaders. Thousands of members and pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist church have signed petitions appealing for the rejection of Joseph Ndikubwayo’s attempts to force the government to impose his leadership on the Seventh-day Adventist church in Burundi.

ECD strongly admonishesall of its members to prayerfully represent Christ in the midst of this current situation. Regardless of our opinions on any issue, we encourage all members to demonstrate love for one another, for our communities and especially for those with whom we disagree. We urge all Adventist members to prayerfully do all that they can to make the grace and love of their Savior known in all of their discussions regarding any issue. The Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms that all members of the Church are called by Christ to prayerfully serve as peacemakers who are filled with the joy and peace that only Christ can provide. We affirm that believers with sincere and mature faith and who truly believe in the righteousness of their cause and the faithfulness of their Savior will prayerfully exhibit extraordinary love for one another and willingness to serve their neighbors during this difficult time.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church invites all to pray for Burundi’s government leaders and for the people that they serve. We also solicit prayers for the membership of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Burundi as they seek to grow in Christ and in Christian service in their communities. The Church in Burundi currently has 186,000 members and has been heavily engaged in strong efforts to support the communities in that nation. The church remains committed to its mission to serve the people of that nation by working to meet their needs. The church strongly encourages all members to comply with any and all laws and government policies that do not interfere with service to God, and to prayerfully bring all of their concerns to Christ, the true Leader of our church.

I had come to church seeking to draw closer to God. Instead, I got a recommendation to draw closer to someone whose character and behavior I knew would lead me much farther from God than I ever wanted to be. Instead of being uplifted toward God, I was revolted by the suggestion. Being so conscious of my emotions at the time made me able to freely express myself with Christian meekness, gentleness and grace to the recommender. Ever since, to my delight, no further thoughtless suggestions have come forth.

I do not know how men survive but it sure helps to have a sisterhood of friends who hold me accountable. Not just on tangible elements such as career, academics and finances, but even on nontangible, non-descript things like feelings and emotions. I can be vulnerable around them with no sense of shame or fear or criticism. In fact, choosing to be vulnerable opens my world to them, enough for them to be of some help even if it means a listening ear only.

Even better, I can be open enough with Jesus and tell Him of my deepest joys, pains, fears and ambitions. I rise from my prayer closet much more relieved and encouraged.

You cannot be careless around the opposite sex and hope to stay sexually pure. Set boundaries! These boundaries need to be established by also guarding your own emotions. Realize that one person, no matter how much they love you, cannot meet your emotional need. Even a future spouse. We also need friends, satisfying work, healthy solitude, play and other life experiences to fulfil our needs. The more secure we feel within ourselves, the more able we are to grant our future partner (and ourselves) the room they need to include other loving relationships and recreational activities in their life.

Appreciate the fact that if you cannot be happy without a partner, you will not be with one, either. When your happiness is dependent on another person, it’s not love; it’s co-dependency. Seek your individual happiness, sense of worth, and security in the Lord instead of from friendships or a future spouse. When two happy partners interact this way, greater joy can be experienced.

I know that as I learn to be emotionally content in this season of singleness, I shall be emotionally satisfied when married.

In spite of the fact that several countries around the world have a divorce rate higher than 50%, people still find many benefits to marriage. They do so for a number of reasons, including wanting a sense of security, wanting to work towards mutual goals with a partner, and feeling content that they have reached the ideal of a lifelong, satisfying, loving relationship.

Marriage’s mental health benefits also include reduced prevalence of mental disorders, and higher levels of emotional and psychological well-being than those who are single, divorced, or cohabiting. Marriage protects against feelings of loneliness and married mothers tend to enjoy greater psychological well-being and greater intimacy than cohabiting or single mothers.

Marriage also has a wide range of benefits for physical health, including less chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke, and a higher chance of recovering from major surgery, among several others.

While there are mental and physical health benefits to marriage, what do we know about its benefits for our spiritual health? Firstly, Marriage was God’s design. Genesis 1:27-28 makes it clear that marriage is meant for one male and one female, and in the next chapter, we learn that God Himself decreed that man’s solitude is not good (Genesis 2:18). God designed marriage in part as a remedy to that solitude when He fashioned out of Adam’s rib a helper perfectly suitable for him. He then took the role as the first Father to give away the bride and performed the very first wedding ceremony recorded in earth’s history. This remedy is so important that God admonishes us that “let no one separate” the marriage bond (Mark 10:9).

Secondly, the Bible talks about a “oneness” that exists between the Father and Son (John 10:30; John 17:20-23). Similarly, there is a “oneness” that is applied to the marital relationship (Genesis 2:24). With God’s divine math, one plus one equals one. However, becoming one does not mean that you lose your own identity. On the contrary, it means completing and complementing one another to such an extent that you can both be better together than you could have been as singles. It is a blending of two lives on every level that reaches way beyond just physical and psycho-emotional (mental health) levels, but to your spiritual health as well. Even though marriage provides for this special oneness, it is important to realize that oneness does not happen automatically simply because a couple starts living together. The benefit of oneness requires a determined effort and considerable time spent with each other and with God. Oneness requires intentional effort both to know one another on deeper levels and to mature in Christ.

Thirdly, marriage benefits each spouse as an earthly picture of the relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. He uses it as a ministry to shape our character and help get us spiritually

healthy by giving to each spouse a picture of His faithful love for us. Paul describes this beautifully when he writes

“… husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of His body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.(Ephesians 5:25-33)”

The world also benefits spiritually through Christian marriages because God uses it as an example to show what his love is like by the way in which husbands and wives relate to each other. This is why faith in Christ can be such an advantage in marriage. This is the very reason as to why Satan attacks Christian marriages. When Christian marriages break up, it sends a false message to the world that Christ does not love His bride with enduring love. When we forgive and love each other in spite

INTERVIEW WITH DR. ARCHER

Q: You are very intentional about how you invest in your marriage. Why is that

important?

A: Because I know that this is the marriage that God has intended for me to be in, I need to strive to offer the best version of me that I can. Everyone is 100% responsible for their own attitudes and behaviors, so I can’t control my spouse, but I can and should do all that I can to make the environment of our marriage supportive of happiness and bliss.

Q: What attitudes are helpful to bring to a

marriage?

A: Forgiveness and Grace. If there is unforgiveness or holding back in a marriage, that could be the death of it. That comes from our awareness of having been forgiven by Christ. We have to make the decision to forgive, even when our feelings don’t match. My husband is very good at that and it makes me want to be more like him and more like Christ.

Q: So, is forgiveness and grace your definition

of love?

A: The Spirit of Prophecy says that love is a principle of action. It’s a decision. We always tend to focus on feelings. There is some of that, but it’s a decision. Christ makes the decision every day to love His enemies. If we’re married, we’ve made the decision to love our spouse forever. It’s easy sometimes, but not always. When one person makes the decision to be forgiving and merciful no matter who is right or wrong, that’s the only way to be successful.

Q: How do you get to that place of forgiveness

and mercy when you’re feeling angry?

A: This is how I know that Jesus is real, because humans by themselves don’t have that ability. It has to come from Jesus. It’s the Holy Spirit, when He reminds me of a verse or something. I think of what Christ does to forgive me, and also I think of the example my husband sets.

Q: How important is a relationship with God

in a marriage?

A: Absolutely important! If your relationship is fractured with God, then your ability to relate to other people is fractured. If I’m not consuming the Word of God, then it won’t be there to help me in the difficult moments. The hard things in marriage have driven me to the Word. A connection with Christ is sometimes all you have.

A story is told of two oxen who for many years worked in the fields of a poor old farmer. The farmer was very kind to them, especially when the work was particularly hard. Even so, one of the oxen decided that he wanted to go to a larger, nicer farm further down the road, saying “I’m tired of working in these small fields and only enjoying these small, small bits of grass! Today, I’m leaving this small farm and going to the large one where oxen like me can be properly appreciated!” So, the foolish ox left his partner and went to the large farm, where he hoped to be invited to a nice barn with lots of juicy grass to eat. Unfortunately the workers on the large farm already had more than enough oxen to plow their fields and decided that the best way to appreciate this fine ox was to serve him up for dinner!

Just like the foolish ox, we create trouble for ourselves when we try to operate based on what we think we deserve rather than on the basis of what we have been given. In Genesis chapter 3 we see that God had given Adam and Eve an entire world to enjoy. They had important work to do for Him, all of the food they could eat and a beautiful garden as their home. They enjoyed the companionship of a perfect spouse who was perfectly designed to compliment them.

It would have been easy for mankind to begin to believe that they had a right to own all that was in the world. The very fact that God had the power to forbid them from touching the tree in the center of the garden was a constant reminder that it was not them, but God who owned the world. Stealing from the tree by eating the fruit was a denial of God’s ownership. It was a bold declaration that the couple believed that they had a right even to this tree even though they had no real need of anything more.

In marriage, many make the mistake of believing that they deserve more than they truly have a right to. Even though we have been given so much, we allow ourselves to be like the ox who rejects what he has been given because of what he thinks he can take.

Marriage gives us the opportunity to appreciate God and His gifts. When we do this, we show our respect for the sovereignty of God in His choice of blessings that He has provided to us. When we allow ourselves to complain and grumble, we become blind and foolish and are unable to truly enjoy the gifts that God has given us to bring delight to our hearts.

In marriage, it is well to focus on the blessings that we receive through it instead of always comparing and complaining. I have witnessed too many times how people have destroyed the purposes that God had intended for them by abandoning God’s gifts because they were hoping to steal something else for themselves that God had not given to them. Unlimited joy belongs to us if we will only decide to trust God and delight in His goodness to us!

Of course, there will be problems in our lives and in our marriages. At times there are sacrifices that must be made and burdens that we must carry. But just like the one forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, these things simply serve to remind us that we are not in control of everything. These trials remind us that our lives and our world actually belong to God, and that we must trust Him for everything that we need.

When we do this, then we will be able to enjoy our lives and our marriages completely the way God designed for us to enjoy them. When we are tempted to think that God owes us something more, let’s remember the lesson of the ox that stayed on the small farm. That ox would tell you the same thing that Christ told us so long ago: “It is much more blessed to give than it is to receive.”

The beginning of the year is often very exciting for Christians. It is a time when many are still filled with joy because of the celebrations remembering the Gift God has given us through Jesus Christ. It is also a time when everyone is eagerly looking forward to what blessings God will share with us in the new year. Important lessons about how to live for God in the new year are provided to us from the account of the Mary’s visit with Elizabeth in Luke chapter 2.

Imagine the joy that these women felt as they considered the miracles God performed by placing within them these children of promise. I pray that you have discovered the special purpose that God has given you. If you have, then you know the joy that these ladies must have felt. If you have not yet recognized it, remain faithful and keep praying for it, because God Himself wants you to have it even more than you may desire it for yourself.

All of us have been given some special work to do for God. As we think about new beginnings, it is important for us to count every day as precious opportunities to fulfill those purposes of God. It may not be easy. God’s purpose for you in this moment might call for great effort and sacrifice on your part. But it is a gift from God designed just for you. Never allow yourself to be cheated out of God’s because you were unwilling to try.

This reminds me of a lesson that I learned many years ago when took my wife to the hospital for a routine appointment. After she went in for her visit, I took my seat to patiently wait for her in the waiting room. That’s when the screaming began. This visit had gone from routine to alarming as I heard different women in distress in various areas of the building. “Kinachotokea hapa?” I can only laugh now as I imagine what look must have been on my face as I asked what was happening here!

Thankfully, the nurse reassured me that there was nothing to worry about. She explained that in this part of the hospital there was a maternity ward, and that the screams that I was hearing, were simply announcements that a new gift from God had arrived in the world.

Sometimes we have to endure a struggle to bring forth the gifts that God has given to us in this life. Don’t be cheated out of these things by running away from the difficulties that are part of the process that He is using to bring them to you. Hard work and sacrifice are often necessary in order to overcome the enemy and claim the blessings that God has for you. Never underestimate the power that comes from praying faithfully. Then make the effort to trust God enough to work faithfully to accomplish the calling that He has given you.

The Bible tells us that at the sound of Mary’s voice when she entered Elizabeth’s home, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. God often has people that He places in our lives to support and encourage what He is doing in our lives, just as Mary did for Elizabeth. We should pray for and fellowship with the people who will make the “baby” God has given us “leap” within us.

There are others that the enemy seeks to place in our lives who seek to destroy what God is doing. There are those who could have told Elizabeth that she was too old to have a child. Or that she was crazy for thinking that she had really heard from God. It is important to prayerfully discern which people are wisely counseling biblical caution and those who do not have the faith to believe what God has told you. Once you know that God has truly shown you the way, never waste one minute entertaining those who seek to interfere with that purpose.

As you begin this year, take time to pray and think carefully about God’s purpose for you. Pray, seek godly counsel and then work toward the vision without doubting God. Look for people who will pray with you in support of that vision, and do not pay attention to those who are tearing down what God is building in you. If you can trust Him and ask for His help, you will indeed find that you can do all things, through Christ who will give you the strength! (Philippians 4:13)

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Revelation 3:18. OHC 350.1

The great Redeemer represents Himself as a heavenly merchantman, laden with riches, calling from house to house, presenting His priceless goods. OHC 350.2

We must have the buyers and the sellers cleared out of the soul temple, that Jesus may take up His abode within us. Now He stands at the door of the heart as a heavenly merchantman; He says, ... “Open unto me; buy of me the heavenly wares; buy of me the gold tried in the fire.” Buy faith and love, the precious, beautiful attributes of our Redeemer.... He invites us to buy the white raiment, which is His glorious righteousness; and the eyesalve, that we may discern spiritual things. Oh, shall we not open the heart's door to this heavenly visitor?

OHC 350.3

We cannot provide a robe of righteousness for ourselves, for the prophet says, “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6. There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness. OHC 350.4

The eye is the sensitive conscience, the inner light, of the mind. Upon its correct view of things the spiritual healthfulness of the whole soul and being depends. The “eyesalve,” the Word of God, makes the conscience smart under its application, for it convicts of sin. But the smarting is necessary that the healing may follow, and the eye be single to the glory of God.... Says Christ, By renouncing your own self-sufficiency, giving up all things, however dear to you, you may buy the gold, the raiment, and the eyesalve that you may see. OHC 350.5

The Saviour comes with jewels of truth of the richest value in distinction from all counterfeits, all that is spurious. He comes to every house, to every door; He is knocking, presenting His priceless treasure, urging, “Buy of me.”

I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgements, and do them; and hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God . Eze. 20: 19, 20.

The Sabbath was given to all mankind to commemorate the work of Creation. The great Jehovah, when He had laid the foundations of the earth, when he had dressed the whole world in its garb of beauty, and created all the wonders of the land and the sea, instituted the Sabbath day and made it holy. When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, the Sabbath was set apart as God's memorial. God sanctified and blessed the day in which he had rested from all His wondrous work. . . .

As the tree of knowledge was placed in the midst of the Garden of Eden, so the Sabbath command is placed in the midst of the Decalogue. In regard to the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the restriction was made, "Ye shall not eat of it, . . . lest ye die." Gen. 3:3. Of the Sabbath God said, Ye shall not defile it, but keep it holy. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." Ex. 20:8. As the tree of knowledge was the test of Adam's obedience, so the fourth command is the test that God has given to prove the loyalty of all His people.

The Sabbath is a token between God and His people. It is a holy day, given by the Creator to man as a day upon which to rest, and reflect upon sacred things. God designed it to be observed through every age as a perpetual covenant. It was to be regarded as a peculiar treasure, a trust to be carefully cherished.

As we observe the Sabbath let us remember that it is the sign which heaven has given to man that he is accepted in the Beloved; that if he is obedient, he may enter the city of God, and partake of the fruit of the tree of life. As we refrain from labor on the seventh day, we testify to the world that we are on God's side, and are striving to live in perfect conformity to His commandments. Thus we recognize as our sovereign the God who made the world in six days and rested on the seventh.

The Sabbath is the clasp which unites God and His people.

Siku ya Jumapili Oktoba 14, 2018, Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu ilipitisha waraka uitwao, “Kuheshimu na Kutekeleza Maamuzi ya Sesheni ya Konferensi Kuu na Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu,” kwa idadi ya kura 185 kwa 124. Uamuzi huo ulikuwa ni mwendelezo wa kura iliyopigwa na Kamati ya Utendaji katika mkutano wa Oktoba 2017

Kusudi la waraka huu uliopigiwa kura ni kuyahifadhi mamlaka yenye msingi wa Kibiblia, yaliyotolewa na Munguya mfumo wa kanisa na kuweka mchakato wa kiukombozi wa kuviwezesha vyombo vya kanisa kuwa katika mwafaka na kanisa la ulimwengu na maamuzi yake yanayofanyika katika ngazi za juu kabisa za kiuwakilishi, yaani Sesheni ya Konferensi Kuu na Kamati yake ya Utendaji. (Soma makala ya maswali na majibu)

Oktoba 14, 2018, zaidi ya wajumbe 300 wa Kamati ya Utendaji kutoka katika ulimwengu wote pamoja na mamia ya waalikwa na watazamaji, wakiwa katika Ukumbi wa Kellog Arena, walielezwa juu ya mazingira ya waraka huo, yakihusishwa majibu kwa maswali yaliyoulizwa kuhusu kusudi na mchakato wa uliopendekezwa.

Kwa muhtasari ilikuwa imeoneshwa kwamba:

Msingi wa waraka huo ni mawazo yaliyotoka kwa mamia ya viongozi katika ulimwengu wote.Karibu robo tatu ya viongozi wa Kanisa waliarifu kuwa zinatakiwa zichukuliwe hatua kwa vyombo ambavyo haviwi katika mwafaka na maamuzi ya kanisa la ulimwengu Waraka ulikuwa na upatanifu kamili na Katiba ya kanisa la ulimwengu, Kanuni na Sera ya Konferensi Kuu. Waraka unatoa njia yenye kiini katika Kristo ya kushughulikia masuala yanayohusu kutofuatwa kwa sera kwa kuhimiza chombo kilichokaribu zaidi na suala kulishughulikia tatizo Waraka unajumuisha hatua za tahadhari zilizowekwa kwa ustadi ili kujilinda na “Mamlaka ya Kifalme,” kuhodhi mamlaka na mfumo wa kanisa wa utawala msonge.

Mwenyekiti wa Kanisa la Waadventista wa Sabato, aliwaambia wajumbe wa Kamati kuwa “Mianzo ya waraka huu inatoka kwenu; ni waraka wenu, Suala ni je, taasisi zipo tayari kufuata kanuni ambazo wameziweka wenyewe?”

Tunu za Kamati ya Kusimamia Umoja

Michael Ryan, mwenyekiti wa kamati hiyo alitoa dondoo za tunu za uendeshaji na taratibu za Kamati:

Uwazi—Kutoa taarifa zote hadharani na kwa wakati.Kushirikisha watu wengi—Kukusanya mawazo kutoka kwa viongozi wa kanisa wanaowaongoza washiriki..Ufupi—Kufupisha waraka na kuufanya uwe rahisi. Mwafaka—kulinda upatanifu wa waraka na Katiba ya Konferensi Kuu, Kanuni na Sera.Ukubalifu—Kuyakubali maamuzi ya Sesheni ya Konferensi Kuu kama zenye mamlaka

Waraka ulijengwa kwa takwimu zilizokusanywa kwa mbinu zinazozingatia ubora na kiasi kinachotosha (qualitative and quantitative data) katika mikutano kumi na mine – mmoja kutoka katika kila Divisheni, na kutoka Unioni ya Mashariki ya Kati (MEU), ambayo ilikuwa na wenyeviti 137 wa unioni na viongozi 683 wa kanisa ulimwenguni. Pia dodoso lililoandaliwa kitaalamu lilitolewa na Ofisi ya Kanisa ya Hifadhi ya Nyaraka, Takwimu na Utafiti (ASTR) kwa wenyeviti 137 wa unioni ulimwenguni. Madodoso yalisambazwa yakiwa katika lugha mbali mbali na matokeo yalionesha asilimia 100 walishiriki.

Matokeo ya Utafiti

Matokeo ya utafiti yalidhihirisha kuwa karibu asilimia 75 ya wenyeviti wa unioni waliitikia kuwa inafaa zichukuliwe hatua kwa vyombo vya kanisa ambavyo havikuwa katika mwafaka na maamuzi ya kanisa la ulimwengu, aliripoti, David Trim, Mkurugenzi wa ASTR.

Katika hitimisho, Trim alionesha kwamba wakati waraka unaopendekezwa hautaweza kukidhi matakwa ya kila mmoja, hapakuwa na “kukubaliana katika jambo la muhimu: kwamba kutofuata sera hakuwezi kuvumiliwa na hatua inatakiwa zichukuliwe, kulingana na namna Kanisa letu linavyofanya kazi kama taasisi.”

Waraka ni Halali

Kufuatia ripoti ya Trim, Karnik Doukmetzian, mshauri mkuu wa Konferensi Kuu na Divisheni ya Kaskazini mwa Amerika ya kanisa la Waadventista wa Sabato, alithibitisha kuwa waraka ulikuwa katika mwafaka na Katiba na Kanuni za Kanisa.

“Iwapo ukubalifu wa sera hautafikiwa [baada ya kufuata mchakato uliodondolewa kwenye waraka] . . . taasisi au kiongozi anaweza kuwa kwenye mwelekeo wa moja kati ya hatua tatu za marudi,” alisema Doukmetzian alipokuwa akitoa muhtasari wa waraka. Alithibitisha kuwa, “Maonyo kwa taasisi, kemeo la hadhara kwa kiongozi aliyechaguliwa na taasisi, au matumizi ya sera iliyopo sasa au nyaraka zinazoongoza utekelezaji wa Kuondolewa kwa Sababu, hakuna uchaguzi uliokiukwa miongoni mwa hizi aina tatu, mchakato uliodondolewa, na dhamira ya Katiba au Kanuni za Konferensi Kuu, ambazo wote tumekubaliana kuzifuata na kuzitumia, ”

Mwenendo wa Muda Mrefu kwa Viongozi

Katika mada yake, Hensley Moorooven, katibu wa Kamati na katibu msaidizi wa kanisa la ulimwengu, alielekeza kwamba, “kukubaliana na sera ni kiwango cha siku nyingi cha mwenendo wa viongozi Waadventista wa Sabato.”

Akiwageukia wajumbe wa Kamati ya Utendaji, aliuliza, “Ni kitu gani kinacholishikilia kanisa pamoja?” Kujisalimisha kwetu kwa Roho Mtakatifu. Ukubali wetu wa kuendelea kustawi kwa ajili ya umoja. Kujitoa kwetu kwa ajili ya utume kwa ulimwengu mzima. Kwa hiyo, sera ni matokeo ya Umoja,haisababishi umoja.

Moorooven alisema, “Hebu nitoe hoja kwenu, kwamba hatua ya kwanza kuelekea katika kuligawanya kanisa inachukuliwa kiongozi anapoamua kwenda kinyume na yale ambayo tayari tumekubaliana – sio unaoligawa kanisa!”

Moorooven aliongeza kuwa “Sera haiko kimya kuhusu matarajio ya maofisa kutenda kazi katika mwafaka na kile kilichomo ndani ya kitabu cha sera.”

Baada ya hapo alinukuu kutoka katika sera:

B 15 10 Kufuata Sera Kunatakiwa—1. Sera ya Konferensi Kuu inafuatwa na taasisi kwa umakini katika maeneo yote ya ulimwengu. Kazi katika kila taasisi itasimamiwa kwa mwafaka kamili na sera za Konferensi Kuu na za divisheni.

B 15 15 Maofisa/Watawala Kufanya kazi kwa upatanifu na sera—Maofisa na Watawala wanatarajiwa kutenda kazi katika mwafaka na Sera ya konferensi Kuu. Wale wanaoonesha kushindwa au kutokuwa tayari kusimamia kazi yao katika mwafaka na sera, hawatatakiwa kuendelea kuwekwa katika uongozi mkuu na maeneo yao na bodi/Kamati za uongozi.

Moorooven aliendelea kuelekeza kuwa sera hizi zimekuwepo kwa miongo mingi

Alihitimisha kuwa,“Kufuata Sera ni, na imekuwa kwa muda mrefu, ndio kiwango cha mwenendo wa viongozi wa kanisa la Waadventista, na waraka unaopendekezwa umekazwa kwenye kanuni hii.”

Alipokuwa akiuwasilisha waraka kwa ajili ya kuangaliwa na Kamati ya Utendaji, Michael Ryan alisema:

“Jambo linalopendekezwa ni mchakato uliotafakariwa kwa uangalifu kwa ajili ya kushughulikia aina mbali mbali za ukiukaji wa sera, mchakato unaoweka chujio na kuweka ulinzi dhidi ya matumizi holela ya mamlaka na ukaidi wa maksudi juu ya mambo yaliyokubaliwa na wote. Unapotafakari pendekezo hili, ninakuomba uzingatie akilini kwamba zaidi ya theluthi mbili ya viongozi wanaowakilisha ngazi za Kanisa la ulimwengu wanaamini kuwa zinatakiwa ziwepo hatua za kitaasisi za kuchukuliwa dhidi ya misheni, konferensi, na unioni zinazokataa kufuata kile ambacho wawakilishi wa kanisa la ulimwengu, wakitenda kwa umoja, wamejadili na kukubaliana.”

Mfumo wa kanisa ni kiini cha umoja miongoni mwa waumini wa Agano Jipya. Pasipo mfumo wa Kanisa na kufuata makubaliano ya pamoja yanayofanyika kwenye Sesheni za Konferensi Kuu, kanisa lipo kwenye hatari ya kuvunjika vipande, vipande, na kwenye mkondo wa kuelekea kwa kila kanisa mahalia kujitegemea.

Ni ombi la viongozi wa Konferensi Kuu kwamba waraka uliopo sasa utasaidia kutunza mfumo wa kanisa la ulimwengu kutimiza agizo la Yesu la kupeleka injili kwa kila taifa, kabila, lugha, na jamaa.

Hata hivyo, kusudi hasa la mfumo wa kanisa letu ni kufanikisha lengo lenye kiini katika Kristo, na msingi katika Biblia, yaani utume unaowezeshwa na Roho.

Ili kupata taarifa juu ya mjadala wa vipengele na uamuzi, angalia kwenye taarifa iliyotolewa na Adventist News Network na Adventist Reviewyenye kichwa cha habari “Wajumbe wa Mkutano wa Mwisho wa Mwaka wapiga Kura kuukubali waraka wa Ukubalifu wa sera” (http:news.adventist.org/en/all-news/news/go/2018-10-14/annual-council-delegates-vote-to-adopt-compliance-document/)

Kufuatia kura iliyopigwa Jumapili kuhusu,“Kuheshimu na Kutekeleza Maamuzi ya Sesheni ya Konferensi na Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu,” maswali mwengi yamekuwa takiulizwa kuhusu maana ya kura na athari yake kwa uongozi wa kanisa. Katika makala ifuatayo, tunajaribu kujibu baadhi ya maswali haya.

Waraka huu unahusu nini ?

“Kuheshimu na Kutekeleza Maamuzi ya Sesheni ya Konferensi Kuu na Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu,” ni jaribio la kujibu swali ambalo linauliza, “Ni nini kitatokea endapo taasisi ya Kiadventista inatenda kinyume na maamuzi yaliyofanywa na chombo kizima cha waumini kwenye Sesheni ya Konferensi Kuu na ya Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu”

Sera ni nini na kwa nini ni ya muhimu?

Kundi la watu au taasisi inapoamua kuungana katika aina yo yote ya mfumo wanakubaliana kanuni na taratibu kadhaa ambazo kila upande unahiari kuzifuata. Uimara ya taasisi unapatikana katika kujitoa kwa kila upande unaounda taasisi kufuata kile kilichoamliwa na wengi. Kikundi hakiwezi kutimiza makusudi yake endapo wengi wao wanajikita katika mapambano ya muda mrefu dhidi ya kanuni zilizokubaliwa.

Ni kwa namna gani sera inayotumika sasa inavyoshughulikia suala ukiukwaji wa taratibu?

Kwa mujibu wa sera inayotumika sasa, chombo cho chote cha taasisi kinaoonesha kushindwa au kutotaka kusimamia kazi yao kwa upatanifu na sera ya kanisa la ulimwengu kitakuwa katika uelekeo wa: 1) chombo hicho kushushwa hadi na kupewa hadhi ya misheni; 2) kiongozi wa chombo hicho kuondolewa kutoka kwenye Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu “kwa sababu”; 3) Chombo kinavunjwa na kuundwa upya.

Kitatokea nini sasa wakati Waraka huu umekwisha kupitishwa?

Endapo suala la ukiukaji wa taratibu likitambulika, taasisi iliyokaribu na chombo kinachokiuka taratibu itawajibika katika kulishughulikia. Ni pale tu ambapo taasisi mahalia itakaposhindwa kukifanya chombo husika kifuate taratibu, ndipo Kamati ya Utawala ya Konferensi Kuu (ADCOM) itakapofikiria kuiingiza kazini kamati ya usimamizi wa ukubalifu wa sera.

Kamati za kusimamia ukubalifu wa sera ni nini na zinafanyaje kazi?

Kamati za kusimamia ukubalifu wa sera ni Kamati ndogo za Kamati ya Utawala ya Konferensi Kuu (GC ADCOM) na kwa asili ni Kamati za ushauri. Kama ilivyoelezewa hapo juu Kamati hizi zinafanya kazi endapo tu ngazi za chini za uongozi mahalia (yaani Konferensi, Unioni na/au divisheni) zilizokaribu na chombo kisichofuata sera zimeshindwa kusaidia katika kukirudisha chombo husika katika kuheshimu sera.

Kamati za Kusimamia Ukubalifu wa sera zinayo mamlaka gani?

Kamati hizi hazina mamlaka. Ni Kamati za ushauri kwa asili na huwa zinatoa taarifa za yale waliyoyabaini kwenye Kamati ya Utawala ya Konferensi Kuu (GC ADCOM). Hatua yo yote inayochukuliwa inatakiwa ithibitishwe na Kamati ya Utawala ya Konferensi Kuu (GC ADCOM), Kamati ya Maofisa wa Konferensi Kuu na wa Divisheni (GCDO), na Hatimaye Kamati ya Utendaji ya Konferensi Kuu.

Je, Divisheni ni chombo kilichojitenga na Konferensi Kuu ya Kanisa?

Hapana. Katika Kanisa la Waadventista wa sabato, Unioni, ambazo zinaundwa na Konferensi (au, kwa mazingira fulani huundwa na makanisa) ndizo zinazounda Konferensi Kuu. Divisheni sio taasisi inayojitegemea bali yenyewe ni sehemu ya Konferensi Kuu na hivyo haiwezi kujitenga na Konferensi Kuu.

Je, Waraka huu ni mchakato wa kimabavu wa ushurutishaji kutoka ngazi ya juu ya kanisa kwenda chini?

Hapana. Kama ilivyo katika utawala wote wa Kanisa la Waadventista, Waraka huu unatambua kuwa kila ngazi ya kanisa ina mamlaka yaliyokasimiwa na unahimiza kuwa masuala ya ukiukwaji wa sera yashughulikiwe katika ngazi iliyokaribu na chombo husika kadiri iwezekanavyo. Hata hivyo, Waraka pia, unatambua wajimbu wa ngazi za juu za mfumo wa kanisa wa kushughulikia jambo hili ikiwa vhombo vingine vya kanisa haviwezi kuchukua hatua.

Je, Waraka huu unabadili mfumo na namna kanisa letu linavyofanya kazi?

Hapana.Sera za Kanisa ni makubaliano ambayo kwayo viongozi katika ngazi zote wamekubali kuyafuata tunapoendelea kufanya kazi kwa pamoja katika kutimisa utume wetu. Pote katika historia yetu, zimekuw a zikiinuka changamoto za kiteolojia na za kimfumo zikielekezwa kwa mamlaka ua Kanisa. Na kila mara Mungu ameliwezesha Kanisa Lake kushinda changamoto hizi na kuendelea kusitawi na kukua.

Ninalihofia kanisa langu, nitafanya nini?

Tunapendekeza usome huu Waraka wewe mwenyewe. Unaweza pia kuliombea kanisa lako na uongozi wake. Na unaweza kutumaini kuwa Mungu atamlinda kila mmoja wetu. Kila mmoja anakubali kwamba tunachohitaji ni kusonga mbela kama kanisa lililoungana katika kuutangaza upendo wa Yesu na ujio wake uliokaribu. Hakuna hata mmoja, hayupo miongoni mwa viongozi wako au watawala, wasiokubaliana na hilo. Tunapambana tu kuona tunavyoweza kulifana sasa kwa namna iliyo bora zaidi. Tunamwomba kila mshiriki wetu kuendelea kutuweka kwenye maombi yenu tunapoendeleza utume wetu wa uliounganika wa kumfikia kila mtu kwa ajili ya Kristo, “na kujitahidi kuuhifadhi umoja wa Roho katika kifungo cha amani” (Waefeso. 4:3).

Ni wapi tunapoweza kujifunza ziadi kuhusu Waraka huu na namna ulivyoandaliwa?

Unaweza kujifunza zaidi kuhusu mazingira yaliyopelekea kuandaliwa kwa Waraka huu na maana yake kwa kosoma makala ya “Katika Mwafaka na Kanisa la Ulimwengu: Mazingira ya Waraka Uliopigiwa Kura”

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Cor. 13:5.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." Many . . . may immediately respond, "Why, yes; I am in the faith, I believe every point of the truth." But do you practice what you believe? Are you at peace with God and with your brethren? Can you pray with sincerity, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors"? ... Is there no bitterness in your hearts, no envying, no jealousy, no evil surmising? ... Is there no emulation, no desire for special favor and honors, no wish to have the supremacy? . . .

We do well to examine ourselves to see what manner of spirit we are cherishing. Let us learn to speak gently, quietly, even under circumstances the most trying. Let us control not only our words, but our thoughts and imaginations. Let us be kind, be courteous.

Many are sensible of their great deficiency, and they read, and pray, and resolve, and yet make no progress. They seem to be powerless to resist temptation. The reason is, they do not go deep enough. They do not seek for a thorough conversion of the soul, that the streams which issue from it may be pure, and the deportment may testify that Christ reigns within. All defects of character originate in the heart. Pride, vanity, evil temper, and covetousness proceed from the carnal heart unrenewed by the grace of Christ. If the heart is refined, softened, and ennobled, the words and actions will testify to the fact. When the soul has been entirely surrendered to God, there will be a firm reliance upon His promises, and earnest prayer and determined effort to control the words and actions.

We profess a great and holy faith; and our characters must be in accordance with that faith, and with God's great moral standard. . . .

Let us examine our hearts in the light of the great principles of the law of God as defined by Christ: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." Luke 10:27.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace . John 16:33.

"That in me ye might have peace"--peace in Christ, peace through belief of the truth. The Comforter is called the Spirit of truth because there is comfort and hope and peace in the truth. Falsehood cannot give genuine peace; this can be received only through the truth. . . .

Jesus prayed that His followers might be one; but we are not to sacrifice the truth in order to secure this union, for we are to be sanctified through the truth. Here is the foundation of all true peace. Human wisdom would change all this, pronouncing this basis too narrow. Men would try to effect unity through concession to popular opinion, through compromise with the world, a sacrifice of vital godliness. But truth is God's basis for the unity of His people.

Sanctification, unity, peace--all are to be ours through the truth. The belief of the truth does not make men gloomy and uncomfortable. If you have peace in Christ, His precious blood is speaking pardon and hope to your soul. Yes, more, you have joy in the Holy Spirit, through accepting the precious promises. Jesus says, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Therefore the world shall not overcome you if you believe in Me. It is a world that I have conquered. Because I have overcome, if you believe in Me, you shall overcome. . . .

All that Jesus has promised, He will fulfill; and it is greatly dishonoring to Him for us to doubt Him. All His words are spirit and life. Accepted and obeyed, they will give peace and happiness and assurance forever. . . . Christ declares that He has given us peace; it belongs to us. And He has spoken these things, that in Him we may have that which through infinite sacrifice He had purchased for us--what He holds as ours. This peace we need not seek in the world, for the world has it not to bestow. It is in Christ. He will give it, in spite of the world, notwithstanding its threats and decrees, its alluring, deceiving promises.

Like many children, I grew up in a poor and marginalized village where there were no paved roads or electricity to provide light in the night. I still remember the old oil lanterns that we used to study by and walking long distances every morning to get to school on those dusty roads. And, I also remember the long walks home after refusing to stay in town like many of the others did. Most could not wait to leave our sleepy village, but I could not wait to return home.

Many of my guys worked hard and did very well at school because it was a chance to escape our village and find opportunity. Everyone was so surprised to see so many students from this little poor village scoring sometimes up to the top twelve places, even above the best schools in the entire province.

I did well in school, but instead of following everyone else’s dream for me to go to the city and make money, I decided to follow His plans for me to become a pastor.

Once again, that dusty road led us all away from home for our education. While others went to find success in the cities, I went to study at a seminary. And while others finally had escaped the village by finding good jobs and nice cars to drive, I eventually returned to work near my village as a district pastor.

What God was calling me to do did not make much sense to the people that I knew, but it did make sense to God. In Isaiah 55:8-9 God’s word says:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

When things do not look good to us, we want to throw them away, or get rid of them. Not God. When He sees things that are broken, that is when He draws near. Always remember that God is nearer to you when things seem broken than ever before. Don’t ever give up on God’s plans for you or on people because they seem to be difficult. God can use you to transform situations, places and relationships if He is allowed!

Later, I left again to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. But God sent me right back down the same dusty road to my poor, forgotten village. Even though it did not make sense to anyone else, I obeyed God when He led me to build a new house in that old village! Even though everyone was asking what that old village could do for me, God was asking me what could He do for the village if I would trust Him.

That is when God led me to build a new home right there in that small and dying community.

And then God used that decision to inspire other professionals to return and do the same. One house after another was built so that, if you go there today, you will see so many big, new homes that mine may even seem small by comparison! So many people returned from the cities with their new cars to build homes that they even began upgrading the roads! God has given new life to the village, just like He desires to do with us. If you’re ever discouraged, remember that God does His best work in times like that. If you will trust Him, God will use you to bring new life and transformation to those around you.

In Matthew 10:42 Jesus says that “if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Can others count on you for a “cup of cold water” in their time of need?

And this is where our story gets even better. Jesus said to all who believe “I go to prepare a place for you.” Jesus went back to His home to build a house for all who are willing to believe.

And now, God is sending be back to that same growing village with others so that He can build a new house made of “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). This December, many will be invited to trust Christ through a special evangelistic campaign.

Please join me in praying for my village and also that God will use you life to build for Himself a new house wherever He tells you to go.

What does a trio of children have to teach us about the Trinity? It appears that they can actually teach us a great deal. On a recent Sabbath I joined a group of students and faculty from Maxwell Academy as they prayed for people in a nearby community. There, I met three children, Rose, April and Kevin. Their humble surroundings and peeking toes smiling up at me through holes in their shoes reminded me that these were children whose riches came from within rather than the things that they had acquired from without.

Near Rose’s home there was a collection of odd things that my wife Karen had almost mistaken for trash. This assortment of sticks, bottles and string was not litter, but toys that clearly held great value for this little choir. The children had transformed trash into treasures.

It occurred to me that God accomplishes the same kind transformation everywhere He appears. In the Bible’s creation account, we see that God transforms the faceless waters into a beautiful, perfect world that even He called “very good”. A few chapters later, we read about how God transformed a couple named Abram and Sarai who were barren and struggled to believe God, into Abraham and Sarah, ancestors to a countless kingdom of priests.

When God acts, the transformation He creates is not only complete, but lavish and extravagant. What God is doing for us right now is exceedingly and abundantly more than we would ask or imagine! God is diligently transforming us, who had been both sinners and enemies of God into saints and friends of His (Rom. 5:8-10, 1 Cor. 1:2, John 15:15). The Apostle Paul declares that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (1 Cor. 5:17).

Since God loves to do for people what the children had done with their toys, I wondered what my role would be in the work that He was doing for these kids. Was it enough to sing and pray with them? When Christ was on earth there “were whole villages where there was not a moan of sickness in any house; for He had passed through them, and healed all their sick.” (Desire of Ages page 242). Wouldn’t He be doing the same if He was here, walking in our communities today?

But He is here.

Today he walks the streets in the form of His Body, the Church with the power of His Spirit. We often seek revival and reformation so that we can experience the power of God. But true revival and reformation is so that we can display the power of God. This display comes in the form of transformed characters, people and communities around us. In the Adventist statement on Revival and reformation there is a call to seek the power of the Holy Spirit “which will transform our lives, our families, our organizations and our communities.” Anything less is to have the mere form of godliness without the power.

Are the people around us being transformed and blessed because of our presence in their lives? Are our children and spouses experiencing the majesty of His forgiveness and grace through us? Are our communities being transformed and experiencing healing and blessing because our churches are in their midst?

True revival and reformation leads to offer people love as evidence for the truths that we share. It’s important to share the truths of Scripture. It is even more urgent that we lay our lives on the line to love people lavishly, lovingly and completely. That’s because “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.’” (Ministry of Healing, page 143)

This is our mission priority: transformation. Make an extraordinary effort to bless someone today. You will both be blessed. Together, let’s join Christ in this work of transforming each other and our communities with extravagant love. When we do we will truly be able to say “It’s harvest time!”

Photo courtesy of iStock photo

L’article suivant, sous la forme de questions et réponses a été remis par le Département de la Communication de la Conférence Générale. ~ La rédaction

L’Église Adventiste du Septième Jour est une communauté spirituelle internationale comptant 21 millions de membres liés par le Saint-Esprit dans son engagement envers le Christ, Son message et Sa mission. Notre organisation ecclésiale mondiale consolide l’unité de l’Église, préserve son intégrité doctrinale et promeut sa mission.

Au cours des derniers mois, des questions ont été soulevées à propos de l’Église Adventiste du Septième Jour et de ses dirigeants. Nous vous invitons à considérer celles qui suivent :

Dans sa démarche visant à unir l’église sur des questions difficiles, la direction de la Conférence Générale est-elle devenue un pouvoir persécuteur comme identifié dans Apocalypse 13 ?

Suggérer que l’Église Adventiste du Septième Jour ou que ses dirigeants accomplissent la prophétie d’Apocalypse 13:7 équivaut à identifier virtuellement l’Église à Babylone. Le contexte fait clairement référence à Daniel 7 où une puissance espérera changer les temps et les lois. La seule et unique puissance qui revendique cette volonté et correspond à la description prophétique est la papauté romaine, qui a exercé le pouvoir à la fois religieux et politique tout au long de son histoire, notamment au Moyen Âge, de 538 à 1798.

En encourageant l’Église à se conformer à ce qui a été voté par la Conférence Générale en Session et par son Comité Exécutif, les dirigeants de l’église s’acquittent de leur obligation de faire respecter les décisions de l’Église mondiale.

La direction de la Conférence Générale exerce-t-elle un « pouvoir royal » s’apparentant à l’autorité papale ?

L’accusation selon laquelle la Conférence Générale ou ses dirigeants exercent un « pouvoir royal » s’apparentant à l’autorité papale indique une méconnaissance de la grande différence qui existe entre les processus décisionnels dans l’Église Catholique Romaine et ceux qui ont cours dans l’Église Adventiste du Septième Jour.

La papauté est un système d’autorité centralisée, partant du haut vers le bas, articulé autour d’un pape infaillible et de ses cardinaux. Mais dans l’Église Adventiste, l’autorité est exercée dans les deux sens, du bas vers le haut et du haut vers le bas, par l’intermédiaire de représentants comprenant à tous les niveaux de comité, des femmes et des hommes, des membres laïcs ainsi que des pasteurs.

Dans l’Église Catholique, les décisions relatives à la doctrine sont décrétées par le pape et les principaux théologiens de l’Église. En revanche, dans l’Église Adventiste, la déclaration des 28 Croyances Fondamentales résume simplement ce que les membres croient déjà, sur la base de leur propre étude de la Bible. Seul le rassemblement le plus important et le plus représentatif de dirigeants et de membres laïcs à l’occasion de la Session de la Conférence Générale qui a lieu tous les cinq ans, peut modifier cette déclaration de croyances, le Manuel d’Église et certains règlements de la Conférence Générale, parce qu’elles touchent tous les niveaux de l’Église. L’Église Adventiste du Septième Jour, à tous les niveaux, fonctionne avec un système représentatif de gouvernement. Les dirigeants de l’Église sont des responsables élus qui sont tenus de respecter les décisions votées par la Session de la Conférence Générale et par le Comité Exécutif de la Conférence Générale.

Le fait que la résolution des cas de non-respect des normes dans divers domaines de la vie de l’Église prenne du temps, témoigne clairement du fait que l’Église Adventiste a un système d’autorité distribué, plutôt qu’un système allant du haut vers le bas, avec des niveaux de contrôle et de régulation appropriés. Il est également possible de résoudre les problèmes à travers les plus hauts niveaux de gouvernement de l’Église, tels que le Comité Exécutif de la Conférence Générale ou le rassemblement mondial de dirigeants et de membres laïcs lors de la Session de la Conférence Générale.

En 2015, la Session de la Conférence Générale a voté contre le fait de permettre aux divisions mondiales de choisir de consacrer des femmes au ministère pastoral. Les rapports complets du Comité d’Étude sur la Théologie de la Consécration (TOSC) ont-ils été mis à la disposition des délégués et des membres avant la Session de la Conférence Générale de 2015 ?

Le processus mis en place pour l’étude de la question de la consécration était en tout point minutieux, rigoureux et transparent. En plus du Comité d’Étude sur la Théologie de la Consécration (TOSC) mis en place par l’Église, la poursuite de cette étude à d’autres niveaux a également été encouragée. Les comités de division ont présenté un rapport de leurs conclusions à TOSC et vice-versa, ce qui a permis un dialogue approfondi sur ces questions au niveau mondial.

Les documents présentés au TOSC ont été mis à la disposition du public, en ligne, peu de temps après chaque réunion du comité, sur le site Web de ASTR (www.adventistarchives.org/gc-tosc).

Trois semaines avant le Concile annuel de 2014,Adventist Review et Adventist News Network ont publié un appel aux membres d’église – et en particulier aux membres du Comité Exécutif et aux délégués du Concile Général de 2015 – à étudier dans un esprit de prière, la Bible et les documents disponibles sur le site web de ASTR. L’appel (bit.ly/ARappeal et bit.ly/ANNappeal) comprenait de nombreux liens en ligne vers les documents correspondants.

Lors du Conseil Annuel de 2014, les membres du Comité Exécutif de la Conférence Générale ont reçu des rapports de 30 minutes représentant chacune des trois positions issues du TOSC. Ils ont également reçu un rapport de 125 pages, publié en juin 2014, contenant des résumés détaillés de ces trois positions et de leurs recommandations respectives à propos de la suite à donner.

Les rapports de 30 minutes présentés au Concile Annuel ont été publiés dans leur intégralité dans Adventist Review avec le libellé suivant: Position 1 (bit.ly/ARposition1), Position 2 (bit.ly/ARposition2), et Position 3 (bit.ly/ARposition3).

Le 4 mars 2015, une lettre a été envoyée à chaque délégué à la Session de la Conférence Générale avec un lien vers les documents de la session, y compris le rapport complet du TOSC et un lien pour demander une copie imprimée.

Lors de la Session de la Conférence Générale elle-même, les résumés de chacune des trois positions ont été lus, ce qui a laissé plus de temps pour la discussion, et des copies imprimées du rapport du TOSC ont été mises à disposition.

Il convient de rappeler que le TOSC n’était qu’un comité d’étude, n’ayant aucune autorité administrative et qu’il n’était pas non plus représentatif du champ mondial. Son objectif était d’étudier le sujet de la consécration et de faire connaître ses conclusions à l’église dans son ensemble. En tant que comité d’étude, sa tâche consistait uniquement à faire des recherches et à soumettre des rapports.

En tant que tel, le sondage effectué par le président ne constituait aucunement un vote officiel. Les résultats indiquaient que le comité était divisé de manière à peu près égale entre les trois positions. Tandis que certains essayaient d’interpréter ce « vote » comme favorisant la consécration des femmes au ministère pastoral, d’autres soulignent qu’une majorité tout aussi importante considérait le leadership masculin comme étant le modèle biblique idéal pour le peuple de Dieu.

L’Église supprime-t-elle la liberté de conscience en demandant aux dirigeants élus de se conformer aux décisions votées lors de la Session de la Conférence Générale et par le Comité Exécutif ?

Les dirigeants de l’Église ont une responsabilité spéciale de donner un exemple de fidélité au Christ. Pour ce faire, ils amènent l’Église dans des liens d’unité plus étroits basés sur les croyances et les pratiques que nous avons votées. L’une des causes de la désunion est le non-respect des règlements adoptés par l’église. Les individus ne sont pas obligés d’accepter ces règlements. L’usage de la force ne fait pas partie du plan du ciel. Si un dirigeant d’église se retrouve en complète opposition aux règlements de l’église et ne peut vivre ainsi en bonne conscience, il a toujours la possibilité de démissionner de son poste de dirigeant. Chaque individu est libre de suivre la direction divine selon qu’il ou elle la comprend, mais chaque dirigeant a la responsabilité de faire respecter les décisions votées par la Conférence Générale en Session et les décisions du Comité Exécutif de la Conférence Générale. La liberté de conscience d’un côté et la responsabilité des dirigeants envers l’église mondiale de l’autre sont des valeurs précieuses qui devraient toujours être préservées et respectées parmi nous.

Quand quelqu’un n’est pas d’accord avec la direction de l’Église, quel est le moyen approprié de remettre en question ses actions et ses décisions ?

En cas de désaccord, il faut essayer de suivre les principes de Matthieu 18. Les attaques personnelles et publiques vont à l’encontre de notre mandat biblique en tant que Chrétiens. Jésus a été clair : nous devrions nous traiter les uns les autres comme nous souhaiterions être traités.

Il en va de même pour la manière dont nous traitons les dirigeants. Même l’apôtre Paul, lorsqu’on lui a fait le reproche d’avoir tenu des propos irrespectueux envers le souverain sacrificateur juif, a déclaré : « Je ne savais pas, frères, que ce fût le souverain sacrificateur ; car il est écrit : ‘Tu ne parleras pas mal du chef de ton peuple.’ » (Actes 23:5). En entendant ou en lisant les propos forts tenus aujourd’hui contre les dirigeants de l’Église, on se demande si ceux qui portent les accusations connaissent la personne qu’ils attaquent.

La Bible nous encourage à parler avec respect les uns des autres et aussi à propos de nos dirigeants. Laissons le Saint-Esprit contrôler nos paroles et nos actions.

Pourquoi l’unité est-elle si importante ?

L’église est l’objet de la considération suprême de Dieu. Jésus a prié spécifiquement pour Son église alors qu’Il affrontait la honte de la croix, reconnaissant que leur unité était une condition préalable nécessaire à la réussite de la mission qu’Il leur confiait.

Ce n’est que lorsque nous nous unissons dans la foi, la pratique et la mission que nous pouvons accomplir avec succès le travail que Dieu nous a confié. Un monde à l’agonie attend la proclamation du message biblique unique et centré sur le Christ qui a été confié à l’Église Adventiste du Septième Jour pour les derniers jours. L’impératif du ciel est « d’aller dans le monde entier et de prêcher l’Évangile » (Marc 16:16). Seule une église unie dans l’amour et la doctrine, engagée dans la mission et remplie de la puissance du Saint-Esprit, réalisera le dessein de Christ en préparant le peuple à la venue de notre Seigneur.

Si le respect des décisions est si difficile à obtenir et si cette question suscite tant de divisions, ne vaudrait-il pas mieux oublier tout cela et se concentrer sur la mission ?

L’Église mondiale aimerait laisser ces querelles derrière nous. Nous croyons que nous devons nous concentrer sur la mission et le mandat confié par Dieu de proclamer Son évangile d’amour dans le monde en tant qu’église unie. Cependant, nous ne pouvons tout simplement pas ignorer les décisions que nous prenons en tant que corps mondial.

Chaque famille connait de temps en temps des luttes pour résoudre des problèmes difficiles. Les familles qui ignorent les problèmes continuent de souffrir, mais celles qui font en sorte de résoudre ces questions en ressortent plus fortes.

Nous croyons que nous sortirons de cette épreuve plus forts et unis en tant que famille de l’Église mondiale. Nous appelons chaque membre et chaque dirigeant à prier pour que la puissance du Saint-Esprit nous conduise.

Cet article est tiré d’un document plus volumineux, qui traite de manière plus approfondie de ces problèmes spécifiques ; il est disponible à l’adresse https://executivecommittee.adventist.org/newsletter/.

Traduction: Patrick Luciathe

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecclesiastes 11:6. OHC 301.1

As professing children of God, we are under solemn obligation to seek and to save the lost.... God wants you to associate with believers and unbelievers, that you may help all to a fuller knowledge of the truth. Get acquainted with those whom you think you can help; then when you get into conversation with them do not talk of nothingness and folly, but tell of the precious things of God.... Angels of God will make impressions upon the mind, if in the spirit of Christ you will seek to reach and to help souls. OHC 301.2

Wherever you are, let your light shine forth. Hand out papers and pamphlets to those with whom you associate, when you are riding on the cars, visiting, conversing with your neighbors; and improve every opportunity to speak a word in season.... OHC 301.3

We should cultivate kindliness and courtesy in our association with those whom we meet. Let us ... strive always to present the truth in an easy way. This truth means life, eternal life to the receiver. Study therefore to pass easily and courteously from subjects of a temporal nature to the spiritual and eternal.... While walking by the way, or seated by the wayside, you may drop into some heart the seed of truth. OHC 301.4

There is work to be done for our Master. There are souls who may by our influence be led to Christ. Who is ready to engage in this work with all the heart? ... OHC 301.5

“Thine is the seedtime; God alone Beholds the end of what is sown; Beyond our vision, weak and dim, The harvesttime is hid with Him; Yet unforgotten where it lies, The seed of generous sacrifice, Though seeming on the desert cast, Shall rise with bloom and fruit at last.”

Following Sunday’s vote on the document “Regard for and Practice of General Conference Session and General Conference Executive Committee Actions”, many questions have been asked about the meaning of the vote and how it impacts church governance. In the following article, we try to answer some of these questions.

What was the document about?

“Regard for and Practice of General Conference Session and General Conference Executive Committee Actions” is an attempt to answer one question and that is “what happens when an Adventist organization acts contrary to the decisions made by the whole body of believers at a General Conference Session and by the Executive Committee?”

What is policy and why does it matter?

When a group of people or an organization decides to come together in any organized way, they agree on a set of rules or policies that each group is willing to abide by. The strength of an organization is found in the commitment of each part of the body to abide by what the majority has decided. A group cannot fulfill its purpose if a majority engages in prolonged fighting over the agreed rules.

How does current working policy deal with non-compliance?

According to current policy, an entity that shows an inability or unwillingness to administer their work in harmony with world church policy is subject to: 1) the entity being downgraded to mission status; 2) the entity’s leader being removed from the GC Executive Committee “for cause”; and 3) the entity being disbanded and reorganized.

What will happen now that the document has been approved?

If a matter of non-compliance is identified, the closest organization to the non-compliant entity is responsible for looking into the matter. Only if the local organization is unable to bring the entity into compliance, will GC Administrative Committee (ADCOM) consider activating the relevant compliance committee.

What are the compliance committees and how do they work?

The compliance committees are sub-committees of GC ADCOM and are advisory in nature. As stated above, they are activated only after lower levels of local governance (conference, union, and/or division) closest to the non-compliant entity have been unable to help bring it back into compliance.

What authority do the compliance committees have?

The compliance committees have no authority. They are advisory in nature and report their findings to GC ADCOM. Any consequences need to be approved by GC ADCOM, the General Conference and Division Officers Committee (GCDO), and finally the GC Executive Committee.

Is a Division of the Church a separate entity from the General Conference?

No. In the Adventist Church, unions, which are comprised of conferences (or, in some cases, churches) make up the General Conference. Divisions are not separate constituent organizations but are part of the General Conference itself and therefore cannot separate themselves from the General Conference.

Is this document a top-down, authoritarian process of enforcement?

No. As with all Adventist church governance, it recognizes each level of the church has a certain delegated authority and encourages non-compliance to be resolved as close to the situation as possible. However, the document also recognizes the responsibility of higher levels of church organization to resolve the matter if other church entities are unable to take action.

Does this document change the way our church operates?

No. Church policies are the agreements by which leaders at all levels have decided to follow as we work together for the accomplishment of our mission. Throughout our history, both theological and organizational challenges to the church’s authority have arisen. And always God has enabled His Church to overcome these challenges and continue thriving and growing.

I am afraid for my church, what can I do?

We recommendfor yourself. You can also pray for your church and its leadership. And you can trust that God will take care of each one of us. Everyone agrees that what we want is to move forward as a united church to proclaim the love of Jesus and His soon return. No one, none of your leaders or administrators, disagree with that. We are simply struggling as to how best to do that right now. We ask each of our members to continue to keep us in their prayers as we continue our united mission of reaching each person for Christ, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3, NKJV).

Where can I learn more about the document and how it was developed?

You can learn more about the background of this document and its implications by reading “Harmony with the World Church: Background Given for Voted Document.”

On Sunday, October 14, the General Conference (GC) Executive Committee approved a document, The decision was an extension of a vote by the GC Executive Committee at its October 2017 meeting.

The purpose of this voted document is to preserve the God-given, Bible-based authority of church organization and provide a redemptive process of enabling church entities to be in harmony with the world church and its decisions made at the highest representative levels—the General Conference Session and its Executive Committee. For a Q & A article about this document, click here.

On October 14, more than 300 executive committee members from around the world, along with hundreds of invitees and observers in the Kellogg Arena were provided with complete background information, including answers to questions raised regarding the purpose and process of the proposed document.

In summary, it was shown that:

The document was based on input from hundreds of leaders around the world.Nearly three-fourths of church leaders reported that there should be consequences for entities not in harmony with world church decisions.The document was fully in harmony with the world church’s Constitution and Bylaws, and General Conference Working Policy.The document provides for a Christ-centered approach to resolving issues of non-compliance by encouraging the entity closest to the issue to resolve the problem. The document contains carefully crafted safeguards to protect against “Kingly Power,” centralized authority and a hierarchal form of church structure.

“The origins of this document come from you; it is your document,” stated Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to the committee members. “The issue is: ‘Should organizations be willing to abide by the rules they themselves have set up?’ ”

Values of the Unity Oversight Committee

Michael Ryan, chair of the UOC, outlined the committee’s operating and procedural values:

Transparency—to make public all information in a timely manner.Wide input—to gather input from church leadership representing their members.Brevity—to keep the document simple and short. Adherence—to preserve harmony with the GC Constitution and Bylaws and Working Policy.Acceptance—to accept the GC Session actions as authoritative.

The document was based on both qualitative and quantitative data gathered in fourteen meetings—one in each world division, and the Middle East Union—with 137 union presidents and 683 other world church leaders. A professionally designed survey was also sent out by the church’s Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR) to the 137 union presidents worldwide. The questionnaire was circulated in multiple languages resulting in 100 percent participation.

Survey Results

Survey results revealed that nearly 75 percent of union presidents responded that consequences were appropriate for church entities that were not in harmony with world church decisions, reported David Trim, Director of ASTR.

In conclusion, Trim pointed out that while the document being proposed would not meet the wishes of everyone, there was “consensus on a key point: that non-compliance cannot be ignored and should result in consequences, in terms of how our Church works as an organization.”

Document is Legal

Following Trim’s presentation, Karnik Doukmetzian, general counsel for the General Conference and the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, affirmed that the document was in harmony with the church’s constitution and bylaws.

“If compliance is not achieved [after following the process outlined in the document] . . . the organization or leader may be subject to one of the three disciplinary options,” stated Doukmetzian as he summarized the document. “Warning for the organization, Public Reprimand of the elected leader of the organization, or application of current policy or governing documents to implement a Removal for Cause. None of these three options nor the process outlined violate either the spirit or the text of the Constitution or Bylaws of the General Conference under which we have all agreed to abide and operate,” he affirmed.

Longstanding Conduct for Leaders

In his presentation, Hensley Moorooven, secretary of the committee and undersecretary for the world church, pointed out that “compliance with working policy is a long standard of conduct for Seventh-day Adventist leaders.”

Turning to the Executive Committee members, he asked, “’What holds the Church together?’” Our daily submission to the Holy Spirit. Our willingness to keep striving for togetherness. Our commitment to a worldwide mission. Policy, therefore, is theresultof unity, not the cause of it.

May I submit to you,” said Moorooven, “that the first step toward splitting the church is taken when a leader decides to go against what we have already agreed upon—it is nota document that splits the church!”

Moorooven added that “Policy is not silent upon the expectation for officers to work in harmony with what is in this [Working Policy] book.”

He then quoted from the Working Policy:

B 15 10 Adherence to Policy Required—1. The General Conference Working Policy shall be strictly adhered to by all organizations in every part of the world field. The work in every organization shall be administered in full harmony with the policies of the General Conference and of the divisions respectively.

B 15 15 Officers/Administrators to Work in Harmony with Policy—Officers and administrators are expected to work in harmony with the General Conference Working Policy. Those who show inability or unwillingness to administer their work in harmony with policy should not be continued in executive leadership by their respective constituencies or governing boards/committees.

Moorooven went on to point out that these policies have been in existence for decades.

“Compliance with Working Policyis, and has long been, a standard of conduct for Seventh-day Adventist leaders, and the document that is being proposed is riveted on this principle,” Moorooven concluded.

In presenting the document for consideration by the Executive Committee, Michael Ryan stated:

“What is proposed is a carefully considered due process for dealing with various kinds of non-compliance, a process that sets up filters and protections against both the arbitrary exercise of power and the willful defiance of what has been commonly agreed. As you consider the proposal, I ask you to bear in mind that more than two-thirds of the leaders of the constituent units of the world Church believe that there should be organizational consequences for missions, conferences, and unions that refuse to comply with what representatives of the world Church, acting together, have discussed and decided.”

Church organization is at the heart of unity among New Testament believers. Without church organization and compliance to the mutual agreements made in the General Conference Sessions, the church is in danger of fragmentation and a drift toward congregationalism.

It is the prayer of the GC leadership that the current document will help preserve the structure of the world church to fulfill the mandate of Jesus to take the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. After all, the very purpose of our church structure is to facilitate a Christ-centered, Bible-based focus on a Spirit-empowered mission.

For a report on the item’s discussion and vote, see the report by Adventist News Network and the Adventist Reviewin“Annual Council delegates vote to adopt compliance document.”

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6. OHC 294.1

The talent of speech was given to be used for the benefit of all. Pleasant, cheery words cost no more than unpleasant, moody words. Sharp words wound and bruise the soul. In this life everyone has difficulties with which to wrestle. Everyone meets with grievances and disappointments. Shall we not bring sunshine instead of gloom into the lives of those with whom we come in contact? Shall we not speak words that will help and bless? Such words will be just as verily a blessing to us as to those to whom they are spoken. OHC 294.2

Parents, allow no faultfinding in your home. Teach your children to speak pleasant words, words that will bring sunshine and joy. Angels are not attracted to a home where discord reigns. Bring practical godliness into the home. Prepare yourselves and your children for entrance into the city of God. Angels will be your helpers. Satan will tempt you, but do not yield. Do not speak one word of which the enemy can take advantage. OHC 294.3

Day by day we are sowing seeds for the future harvest. We cannot be too careful of the seed we sow by our words. Often words are carelessly spoken and forgotten, but these words, for good or ill, will bring forth a harvest. Sow one unkind, harsh word, and this seed, finding soil in the minds of the hearers, will spring up to bear fruit after its kind. Sow one seed in loving, gentle, Christlike words, and it will bring you rich returns. Let us guard ourselves, lest we speak words that are not a blessing, but a curse. If we sow wheat we shall reap wheat; if we sow tares we shall reap tares; and the harvest, whether of wheat or of tares, will be sure and abundant. OHC 294.4

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7. The harvest is sure. No frost shall blight it, no palmer worm destroy it.

OHC 294.5

God calls upon His children to guard their words.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23. OHC 287.1

Genuine self-denial will be practiced by all who follow Christ. Judas undertook to follow Christ, and at the same time to carry out his selfish, covetous plans. He had the same privileges as had the other disciples. He had the same privileges of hearing the lessons of Christ, which plainly presented practical godliness; but he was not always pleased with the plain truth. It cut him, and instead of taking up personal labor with Judas Iscariot, he found fault with the words and works of Christ, and criticized His plain teachings. Instead of being transformed in character, he was cultivating self-love, self-esteem, and the love of money. OHC 287.2

To live for self is to perish. Covetousness, the desire of benefit for self's sake, cuts the soul off from life. It is the spirit of Satan to get, to draw to self. It is the spirit of Christ to give, to sacrifice self for the good of others. OHC 287.3

There can be no self-seeking in the life of him who follows the Saviour. The true Christian banishes all selfishness from his heart. How can he live for self as he thinks of Christ hanging on the cross, giving His life for the life of the world? In your behalf Jesus died a death of shame. Are you willing to consecrate yourself to His service? to hold yourself ready to be or to do anything He may require? Are you willing to put self aside, and speak a word of warning to the companion you see yielding to Satan's temptations? Are you willing to sacrifice some of your plans for the sake of trying to lead him in safe paths? Many youth are in peril who might be saved if Christians would manifest toward them a loving, unselfish interest.... OHC 287.4

The true Christian works unselfishly and untiringly for the Master. He does not seek ease or self-gratification, but holds all, even life itself, subject to God's call. And to him are spoken the words, “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:39.

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4:19. OHC 280.1

We must beware that we do not become overburdened even with what seem the necessary cares of life, so that we are unable to do the most essential work.... The largest share of the thoughts and the busy activities that engage hands and hearts, are given to selfish, personal, earthly interests. These are allowed to become so engrossing as to prevent attention to the things of eternity. The soul is left to starve for want of nourishment. Mind and body become worn out by protracted hours of application to worldly things.

This is just as Satan designed it should be. All the freshness and vigor of the mind, all the keen thought, is given to the world, and God has the feeble, distracted thought, the fruit of a wearied and worried mind. The things of the highest consequence, which pertain to the eternal peace, are made subordinate to the common concerns of life, and God is robbed every day of service which would strengthen spirituality, lifting the thoughts heavenward, and bringing the soul into communion with God and holy angels. OHC 280.2

We are not to allow the things of this world so to absorb the attention that mind and body are completely engrossed. Thus those around us are robbed of the kindly words and deeds that would help them in the upward way. The channel of light is clogged with worldly matters. The grace that Christ is longing to impart, He cannot bestow. Many are coming to have less and less strength to impart to others, because they do not receive power from the Source of all power. God calls upon them to separate from the things which corrode the mind and spoil the religious experience. OHC 280.3

All are pressed with urgent cares, burdens, and duties; but the greater the pressure upon you, the heavier the burdens you have to bear, the greater your need of divine aid. Jesus will be your helper. You need constantly the light of life of lighten your pathway, and then its divine rays will reflect upon others.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price . 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

Lovers of fashion may claim to be followers of Christ, but their dress and conversation show what occupies the mind and engages the affections. The outside appearance is an index to the heart. True refinement does not find satisfaction in the adorning of the body for display. A modest, godly woman will dress modestly. Simplicity of apparel always makes a sensible woman appear to the best advantage. A refined, cultured mind will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire. In the sanctified heart there is no place for thoughts of needless adornment.

There is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the happiness of all around us in this life, and will shine with undimmed luster in the immortal future. It is the adorning of a meek and lowly spirit. God has bidden us wear the richest dress upon the soul.

The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness.... Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian's life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.

It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that "meek and quiet spirit," the "fine linen, white and clean" (Rev. 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, "They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." Rev. 3:4.

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are . 1 Cor. 3:17.

Perfection of character cannot be attained when the laws of nature are disregarded; for this is transgression of the law of God. His law is written by His own finger upon every nerve, every muscle, every fiber of our being, upon every faculty which has been entrusted to man. These gifts are bestowed, not to be abused and corrupted, but to be used to His honor and glory in the uplifting of humanity....

The relation that exists between mind and body is very intimate: when one is affected, the other is always more or less in sympathy. It is impossible for men, while under the power of sinful, health-destroying habits, to appreciate sacred truths. When the intellect is clouded, the moral powers are enfeebled, and sin does not look sinful. The most ennobling, grand, and glorious themes of God's Word seem but idle tales. Satan can then easily snatch away the good seed that has been sown in the heart; for the soul is in no condition to comprehend or understand its true value. It is thus that selfish, health-destroying indulgences are counteracting the influence of the message which is to prepare a people for the great day of God.

We are living in a most solemn, awful moment of this earth's history. Not a soul whose life is one of careless self-degradation, through transgression of physical laws, will stand in the great day of trial just before us. There is a terrible account to be rendered to God by those who have but little regard for the human body, and treat it ruthlessly. ... True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand.

The least departure from the strictest integrity under any circumstances because it is convenient, will harden the conscience and prepare the way for the violation of moral obligations in other ways. If we treat the health of the body, which is our highest earthly interest, without due consideration, we prepare the way for temptation and the violation of higher claims.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you . 2 Cor. 6:17.

The true Christian will not choose the company of the unconverted.

If Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, we cannot enjoy the malarious spiritual atmosphere which surrounds the souls of the irreligious. . . .

Your acquaintances who are utterly averse to spiritual things are not refined, ennobled, and elevated by the practice of the truth. They are not under the leadership of Christ, but under the black banner of the prince of darkness.

To associate with those who neither fear nor love God, unless you associate with them for the purpose of winning them to Jesus, will be a detriment to your spirituality. If you cannot lift them up, their influence will tell upon you in corrupting and tainting your faith. It is right for you to treat them kindly; but not well for you to love and choose their society, for if you choose the atmosphere that surrounds their souls, you will forfeit the companionship of Jesus. By every means in your power seek to repress sin; but never for one moment give sanction to sin either by your deeds, your words, your silence, or your presence. Every time sin is sanctioned by the professed follower of Christ, his sense of sin is weakened, and his judgment thus becomes perverted. . . .

The Lord Jesus cannot keep any soul who places himself upon the enemy's ground and surrounds himself with the society of those who prefer such conversation and conduct as is an offense to the God he reveres and loves. . . .

Cling close to those who will have an uplifting tendency, whose souls are surrounded with a pure and holy atmosphere. . . . God will be nearer to your heart, more in your thoughts, because you have separated from the world and from influences that would lead you away from the truth, and you will be less compassed with the snares of Satan.

A Story of Mr. KAI YOACH from Greater Equatorial Field

Mr. Kai Yoach who hails from Mayom County of former unity state, was born to parents he calls 'pagans' including his relatives. “They all practice paganism”, he says. In his words, Kai states that he got a message about God and Jesus in 1994 and got converted to Catholic faith. He continued to be a faithful member of the Catholic Church until 2001 when he got married and had a son.

However, he mentions, his son died when he was just seven months old. He believed the child was killed by a wizard through what was locally called an 'evil eye'. The family claimed that he died because the witch had entered hair into his body. Following the death of the son, Kai abandoned his faith in the Catholic Church because he thought God and Satan were one. "How could God allow Satan to kill my son?” he wondered. Regardless of both (God and Satan) being blamed for the death of the son, Mr. Kai decided to go and serve Satan through singing and sacrificial gifts. He killed 20 cows to the devil!

From 2003 to 2010, Kai became fully immersed in serving Satan. He assumed healing powers, treating sick people using ashes of cow dung. He says, “one day my wife got sick and I again went to the witchcraft to inquire about the sickness. The witch told me that it was the black cow my brother had given me that was making her sick and that she would die”. “This time, I started doubting witchcraft”. “How can a black cow my brother gave me would kill my wife?” I wondered. I asked the witch, “Is it you who is talking or the devil talking through you? The witch answered: “both of us”. The witch told me “because you are talking in this manner take your wife away from here.” I told him “I will take my wife but I will not come to you again.” Having disagreed with the witch, I took my wife to the hospital only to be diagnosed with Malaria and chest Infection. She was treated and became well.

Following this incident, Mr. Kai decided to leave the village of Maper where the witch lives. He sold his house in secret for fear that people would refuse to buy it because of his involvement in witchcraft. He moved to Mayom, a town where his aunt Nyathidor, a Seventh-day Adventist believer, lives.

Nyathidor encouraged him to come with her to church, but Mr. Kai told her that he had been in a church and did not get power to protect him. He told her he decided to serve Satan and equally found that there is neither peace nor relief. Nyathidor then asked, “Which Church did you go to?” Kai answered, “The Catholic Church”. She said, “You are right, you have not found a church yet. She asked him to come to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and he would find the truth. Kai agreed and answered "I will go and see whether they are the same or different".

Mr. Kai reported that, “After I came to the Adventist Church, I found the truth now I won't go anywhere else." He received the Adventist message in 2011 and was baptized in January 2013. Now Kai who is 45, serves as an elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Riak in Mayom County of the former Unity State in South Sudan. He praises God for His goodness and protection.

Photo courtesy of South Sudan Attached Territory.

The word 'disciple' is a common word today among Christians. It is mostly drawn from the New Testament story of Jesus found in the Gospels and parts of the book of Acts. What words can help the 21st century Christian understand the word 'disciple'? What does the word really mean?

Back in Bible times, the word 'disciple' simply meant 'student', 'learner', or a 'follower.' A disciple was a person who, along with a team of other people, was committed to a teacher (then called a 'Rabbi'). The goal of the disciples was to learn from their master and become like him. They followed him everywhere and learned everything he taught. Disciples were totally committed to their rabbi in every way. Understanding this Jewish culture of education helps the Christian reader appreciate the stories of Jesus and His disciples in the Gospels.

Yes, Jesus had disciples and Christians mostly remember especially the men among them, who became known as 'apostles'– Peter, James, John, Matthew, Judas, and so on. But . . .

Did you know Jesus had women disciples?

Most of the time we focus on and remember the 12 male disciples who became apostles but we forget the more committed female disciples. Luke 8:1-3 mentions the names of these faithful women: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and many others. The Gospel of Luke states that they supported Jesus with their means, their wealth and much more.

This fact can be appreciated when one brings to mind that Jesus had no personal income generating business but as He travelled around with His disciples, ministering to people, He and His team also needed to be ministered to. They had human needs to be met. They needed food, clothes and hospitable accommodation. The text points out that these women disciples of Jesus supported Him with what they had. They gave in cash and in kind to care for the needs of Jesus and His followers. They were giving disciples.

Why did these women give? What must their motivation have been for giving? The Bible passage gives us a hint. The first woman mentioned was Mary of Magdala (also known as Mary Magdalene) and she is described as a person whom Jesus had delivered from 7 demons. Her life must have been horrible before Jesus set her free from devilish oppression. It must have been good to be free. To understand what a demon possessed person looks like and lives like, just read the description of the man in Mark 5:1-10. It is definitely not a pleasant experience. But she was free now because Jesus set her free. It is believed that this is the same Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him during His visit to Bethany in Luke 10:38-42. She is believed to be the same Mary who washed Jesus with her tears and bought a special expensive perfume for Jesus and anointed Him with it in preparation for His death and burial (John 12:1 – 4). Why did Mary give so much of her time and money for Jesus? Because He had given her a new and better life. She was blessed, alive and well because of Jesus.

She gave in appreciation of what her Lord had done for her. “The desire that Mary had to do this service for her Lord was of more value to Him than all the ointment in the world, because it expressed her appreciation of the world’s Redeemer. It was the love of Christ that constrained her.” (Desire of Ages, 564. 5). Out of appreciation for her Master, she was a giving disciple.

It also seems that the other women, Joanna and Susanna, who supported Jesus had also been healed by Jesus. Though the text does not mention this, it seems to be implied. These women not only followed Jesus, they also gave to support Him. They gave out of an appreciation for what Jesus had done for them. They were grateful giving disciples.

So do you claim to be a disciple of Jesus? Are you a giving disciple like these women who gave to support Jesus out of what they had?

Adventist disciples of Jesus should give for the same reason these women gave. Giving is done in appreciation and gratitude for what the Lord has done in the personal and communal life. Taking time to think of the Lord’s continual goodness should result in showing gratitude by giving to support the Lord’s work. Be grateful by being a giving disciple.

Somebody said that; “it is possible to give without loving but impossible to love without giving”. When I read this maxim, it did not take long before I understood the truth it encapsulates. Think of taxpayers. Many of them do pay taxes out of coercion. They know that not paying taxes means heavy fines or prison. Consider with me the praises some citizens lavish on their despotic dictators. They adulate tyrannical regimes not because of humility but because of weakness and fear. In fact, history reveals that some leaders were conscious of this affectation. Thus, was the third roman emperor Caligula who once said: “Let them hate me as long as they fear me.”

Giving without loving can also be manifested in Idol worshipping. A fellow whom God rescued once gave me a testimony on how he sacrificed his children and his wife to placate his raging god. He did not love his religion but he had no choice but to sacrifice whatever was precious to him. He lived in the kingdom of fear, intimidation and terror. His giving was actuated by fear.

Contrary to despotic masters like Caligula or the spirits of darkness some people worship, our heavenly Father wants us to give out of love and liberality. He desires his children to appreciate his unfathomable love and then live according to his principles. God is love and love is giving.

The Bible is replete with examples of how love begets gifts. God, the epitome of love did not teach us the theory of love. John 3: 16 records that He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. Abraham loved God and he gave Him his son Isaac. Hannah loved God and she gave Him her son Samuel. David loved God and he wished to build Him a temple. Solomon loved God and he built Him a temple. Why were these giants of faith not struggling with giving? It is because they had freely given their hearts first.

Today, the church needs members who love God. People whose hearts have been fully given. People whose first priority is heaven, people who do not belong to themselves but to the one who loved them and died for them.

As Paul puts it, whatever they give for mission, it is the love of Christ that compels them (2 Corinthians 5:14). And as a result, the heavenly father has never failed them. Their businesses are more than prosperous. As they count God’s innumerable blessings, their hands are busier than their lips. This is the secret to happiness, this is the spirit of discipleship, this is “Total Member Involvement”.

My experience as a citizen and a leader has shown me that every human being craves a relationship with influential people. One of the surest ways to secure long-lasting relationships is giving. Thus, in the African tradition, patriarchs had to take their oblations to ingratiate themselves with their gods. But giving for better relationships is not unique to the African propitiating rituals. It was, and it still is a way of strengthening friendship among people. It was unusual to visit with a village chief without a gift if one wished to win his favor. Even among friends, giving is a noble practice that transcends traditions and cultures. A friendship which does not entail reciprocal giving will flicker and die because it lacks the breath of life.

Beloved, you are certainly craving a relationship with the most influential person.

A story is told of an ordinary man who loved the president of his country. He wished to see him and give him a precious gift. Unfortunately, he had nobody to introduce him, and he knew nothing about applying for appointments. He secretly kept on nursing his wish, but later he decided to seek advice from friends. His fellow peasants not only discouraged him but they also accused him of being too presumptuous. Finally, realizing that nobody encouraged him, he decided to do it alone. Do not forget the president did not know him. So, the love of this fellow was unilateral. Well, oblivious to the environment and ignoring all the limitations he ventured to take the gift to the president’s residence. While he was a heartbeat away from the Statehouse, bodyguards halted him. Suspicion lashed them into action, and before they expelled him, the man pleaded with them: “please take this gift to His Excellency even if you can’t allow me in.” It was a nugget of diamond wrapped in papers. But since none of the bodyguards had seen diamond before, they thought it could be a lethal poison and hurled it to his face. That was the end of his adventure. With his thirst unquenched, he oddly concluded: “the powerful and the rich are inhuman.”

Here is good news. Somebody more potent than your president has been looking for you and he needs your friendship. Your creator, your Redeemer, has been longing for your presence. Many attributes are testifying to his power, but I will mention only one. The Bible in Revelation 22:13 depicts Him as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. By implication, He is immortal. You do not need anybody to introduce you because he knows even the number of your hair (Luke 12:7). Psalm 24 declares Him as the owner of the earth, the world and all who live in it, but He still wants your gift because He is relational and the constitution of his kingdom is founded on the principle of giving. He wants you to be selfless to fit in.

As you meditate upon His blessings to you, you can give him whatever gift you have, and each will be precious in his sight. But first things first. Give Him your heart. It is the center of your emotions and sentiments including your love. When you love Him, He will be the motive for your actions. Then give Him your time. Unlike the great men of this world who do not have time for you, God is asking you to provide him with your time because He is ever available to you. Give Him your talents. He desires your service. Be humble and use your abilities for His glory. It is for your peace. Use your resources for his cause. He has blessed you so that you can contribute to the furtherance of His mission. God wants you to make his mission a priority. When you are totally involved in his mission, he fills your heart with peace, he spends time with you and protects you. He increases your talents, and He blesses your resources. Do not forget He is your creator and redeemer. Above all, He is preparing you a mansion where you will live with Him in Eternity. It is indeed a privilege to give to God.

Last year in 2017, I got a call to preach at a Total Member Involvement (TMI) site in Kenya. When I heard it was to be an open air preaching, my courage buckled and I pulled out. I chose rather to support the main preacher by teaching the children using the Amazing Facts Centre for Evangelism (AFCOE) children material instead.

During the ten days of prayer this year, I asked the Lord to expand my opportunities for ministry. I learnt that God answers such prayer very quickly. About a week later, I was called by the Adventist University of Africa (AUA) Chaplain. The University had decided to actively engage in frontline mission work. Thus they requested me among many others to join in a TMI evangelistic series in Ghana.

“O really? Me?”

“When?”

“In less than two weeks.” I went into panic mode.

Self-talk: “Breathe, Janet! Are not God’s biddings, His enablings?”

Off to Ghana I went. New Bortianor, about an hour’s drive from Accra, was the site allocated to me. The only site in South Ghana Union Conference allotted to a lady. The theme of the series was Pentecost 2018. And guess what? It was an open air evangelistic series. O my! So much for fleeing like Jonah last year. The challenge drove me to my knees.

Night after night, God used this empty, weak vessel together with my translator Christine Agyenim-Boateng, to preach. Day after day for two weeks, we—the Holy Spirit, church members and I—collaborated in visitations, medical camps, music programs. I was awed by some of the members who walked long distances in hot, humid weather to conduct door to door visitations.

God planted His seed of truth in the listener’s hearts. Nineteen souls were baptised and I believe in the near future more shall follow on to know and accept the Lord as a result.

Further, the number of friends I acquired and who blessed my heart while on mission were many. Truly, serving God is a blessing! More so for those that are united by the blood of Jesus and looking forward to the blessed hope of His soon coming.

Many have asked me what to eat out and avoid the burning sensation they feel “under the rib cage” or others refer to the area as chest pain or even pain “above the stomach”.

This uncomfortable but common ailment that causes pain or burning sensation in the chest is called a heartburn. Most people experience it due to different reasons, but the main one being the digestion of food which is caused by stomach acid. Heartburn will manifest as pain in the chest or upper abdomen. Often this is associated with a bitter saliva sensation in the mouth or regurgitation of bitter tasting "gas" from the stomach, more like the way young children burp. Sometimes people think it’s a heart attack, but it’s not. Other say it is ‘bile’ coming up from the stomach to my mouth. In reality, these are digestive juices with acid coming up the gullet. Continued heartburn may lead to more complicated problems such as stomach ulcers. The commonest culprit is often a combination of “junk foods” (fast foods high in oils/fat), alcohol, lots of sodas and overeating. This is often a lethal combination common in social events and parties.

This month of January, we shall deal with the dos and don'ts of eating out when you have a heart burn. Often your regular foods are OK, but you get severe heartburn when you eat out. Is there anything you can do to avoid this? This is what we shall deal with this month.

At home you can cook food that suits your disposition and can prevent certain ailments. However, if you go outside to a restaurant or at some one’s place it becomes very hard to resist the temptation of so many delicacies that one has been avoiding for so long, and thus you end up suffering from more heartburn. If you suffer from heartburn it is better to avoid foods that aggravate it and stick to food items that are beneficial to health.

It is possible to eat out while at the same time avoid heartburn by only choosing to eat food items that will keep the heartburn away. For this, first you need to know the kinds of food which cause heartburn. By knowing these, you can avoid heartburn even when eating out.

Kinds of Food to Eat Outside Home to Avoid Heartburn

· When you go out to eat, try to order salad. It is fresh and free from any chemicals. Try to include more beans, carrots, peas or other mild vegetables to your salad. Then have plenty fruits.

· Instead of drinking caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee, try to take chocolate or herbal teas, these will help you in digestion.

· When you go out avoid meats (including fish and poultry). A vegetarian selection is so much better for you.

· Acidic beverages provoke heartburn so it’s better to avoid citrus fruits like grapefruit and stick to milder fruit juices (paw paw, water melon etc), water or herbal tea.

· As a general rule, soft drinks (sodas) tend to worsen heart burns. Go easy with these.

· High protein and low fat food is recommended. A vegetarian cuisine is better for your health. One area of vegetarian meals is to make them appetizing and attractively presented.

Drinking milk or plain non-citrus (less bitter) juices help in relieving heartburn.

Easy to digest foods such as fiber and minerals should be taken, which do not stay in the stomach longer and therefore do not lead to heartburn.

Try to prefer raw and plain cooked vegetables compared to fried items.

When you go out try to ask the waiter if certain changes can be made to the meal such as low fat and more vegetables.

When you eat out try to rule out heavy desserts, try taking fruits as they will help prevent heartburn.

Drink iced herbal tea instead of sodas.

Heartburn can be avoided by eating a healthy diet. It is necessary to keep in mind the things to be eaten and in how much quantity. This will help to control heartburn when you go out.

But should you have a continuous problem with heart burn, please see a Doctor. This Lifestyle Nugget is not to encourage you to self-treat yourself.

Today is World AIDS Day.

The theme for this year is “Everybody counts”. You count!

WHO is advocating access to safe, effective, quality and affordable HIV health care services for all people in need.

Key facts in 2017:

* HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. In 2016, 1.0 million people died from HIV-related causes globally.

*There were approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV at the end of 2016 (25.6 million of these being in Africa) and 1.8 million people becoming newly infected in 2016 globally (Africa has 2/3 of these).

*54% of adults and 43% of children living with HIV are currently receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART).

*Key groups who are at increased risk of HIV include: men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, people in prisons and other closed settings, sex workers and their clients, and transgender people.

*It is estimated that currently only 70% of people with HIV know their status.

Between 2000 and 2016, new HIV infections fell by 39%, and HIV-related deaths fell by one third with 13.1 million lives saved due to ART in the same period.

*A very promising Vaccine is under way. So far, in its infancy early stage where it’s too early to predict its efficacy and outcome.

Bottom line

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission so that people with HIV, and those at substantial risk, can enjoy healthy, long and productive lives.

We offer confidential full HIV testing, treatment and Counselling services for all our staff and dependents.

As you embark on this holiday season, take care of yourself. Everybody counts. You count to us! Feel free to contact your Doctor for any questions or confidential consultation.

You count to us,

M Wangai Jr

Recently I was asked to help out in the ECD grounds for improvement and landscaping. I gladly helped because I have a passion for beautiful flowers and plants in the campus. One Friday morning, I was working with the Farmline workers, and I was impressed to ask them, “Which church do you attend?”

Two non-Adventist young men, Henry and Francis, gave me the names of the churches they attended. But Alex, a very tall non-Adventist guy told me something very impressive. He said, “I want to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church”. I was surprised and did not expect him to answer that way. Deep down, I felt so happy that I asked that one question. Alex and Henry came to attend the Advent Hill University Church.

Pastor Ruguri’s challenge for us to engage in personal and friendship evangelism sparked an inspiration in my heart, and I invited two non-Adventist families to come to church with us. Two or three young men from Farmline Company also joined us. We are happy to share our lunch food with them every Sabbath.

Elnorie Caballerois the Administrative Assistant to Dr. Blasious Ruguri, President of the East-Central Africa Division

When the call was made to participate in TMI during our ECD morning worship, I was a bit hesitant to volunteer. I am shy, but I prayed, “Lord, use me to bring souls to your kingdom.” I asked Pastor Okindo ECD TMI Coordinator, what made him decide to put me on the list of speakers. He replied, “I want you to experience the joy of seeing souls accept Jesus.”

TMI in Kenya!

My prayer partner Night and I started praying long before TMI campaigns start, for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those people whom He wants to be saved in His kingdom. We also began to pray for the sites where we would be assigned. The schedule of the launching of the TMI in Kenya was March 3-17, 2017.

I was assigned to the Laiser Hill Adventist Church nearby. I preached to the children’s group with 30 regular attendees during weekdays and 100 plus on weekends. I encouraged them to invite their friends, neighbors, and classmates. One non-Adventist boy Steven asked his next door neighbor named also named Steven to attend and, praise the Lord; both Stevens were baptized.

March 18, 2017, marked the most amazing experience of the joy of seeing souls accept Jesus. Alex, Henry, and the five non-Adventist children of our family friends were baptized together with thousands of other candidates in Uhuru Park that day. I felt so happy and am still praising God up to this day.

Elnorie Caballero is the Administrative Assistant to Dr. Blasious Ruguri, President of the East-Central Africa Division

Dear Doc,

In the course of trying to do my work well, I spend a lot of time at work, and the stress is weighing me down. I can’t sleep well, I eat poorly and lately I have been experiencing head

pressures. I think that I might be developing stroke symptoms. Is there a way in which I could balance both my work and personal life? Please help.

Sincerely Sarah.

Answer:

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for your question. Balancing work performance and personal life is a constant challenge, lack of which can take an emotional and physical toll on your body, resulting in reduced productivity, and eventually cause stress levels to soar. The following tips will help reclaim control of your work-life balance. Use these strategies to restore harmony.

First, start by evaluating your relationship to work, consider the cost, then; apply the following suggested strategies to help you strike a healthier balance.

Married to your work?

It can be tempting to rack up hours at work, especially if you're trying to earn a promotion or manage an ever-increasing workload — or only keep your head above water. Sometimes overtime might even be required. If you're spending most of your time working, your social life, personal health, and home life will take a hit. Is this worth it? Consider the consequences of poor work-life balance:

 Fatigue. Your ability to work productively and think clearly might suffer — which could take a toll on your professional reputation or lead to dangerous or costly mistakes.

 Lost time with friends and loved ones. Nurturing friendships becomes challenging, and you tend to miss important family events or milestones, which can leave you feeling left out and might harm relationships with your loved ones.

 Increased expectations. You might get more responsibility, which could lead to additional concerns and challenges.

Second, strike a better work-life balance.

Juggling the demands of a career and personal life is always an ongoing challenge. Consider the following:

 Track your time. Pay attention to your daily tasks, both work-related and personal activities. Decide what's necessary and what satisfies you the most. Cut or delegate activities you don't enjoy or can't handle — or share your concerns and possible solutions with your employer or others.

 Take advantage of your options. Depending on your job assignment, you may ask your supervisor about having more flexible hours, a compressed workweek, job sharing, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your hours, the less stressed you're likely to be.

 Learn to say ‘no.' When asked to spearhead an extra project in the office or even if your child's teacher is asking you to organize a class party, remember that it's OK to say 'no respectfully.' When you quit accepting tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you'll have more time for the activities that are meaningful to you.

 Leave work at work. Create a boundary between work and home. Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time.

 Manage your time. Organize household tasks efficiently, such as running errands in batches or doing laundry daily, rather than saving it all for your day off. Put family events on a weekly family calendar and keep a daily to-do list. Do what needs to be done and let the rest go.

 Bolster your support system. At work, join forces with co-workers who can cover your tasks for you — and vice versa — when family conflicts arise, in consult with your supervisor. At home, enlist trusted friends and loved ones to pitch in with child care or household responsibilities when you need to work overtime or travel.

 Nurture yourself. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough sleep. Set aside time daily for an activity that you enjoy. Better yet, discover activities you can do with your partner, family or friends

Third, know when to seek professional help Everyone needs help from time to time, either from Counsellors or other Mental Health providers. Feel free to find a Christian counselor in your area to ensure you get optimal confidential professional help.

Remember, striking a healthy work-life balance isn't a one-shot deal. Creating work-life balance is a continuous process as your family, interests and work-life change. Therefore, periodically examine your priorities and make the necessary changes, to ensure you're keeping on track.

Have your life-work balance!

Dr. M Wangai Jr is a Medical Doctor and Consultant Physician in Nairobi, Kenya

Mama Agatha's TMI Testimony

I had planned to kill my self-tomorrow on January 15, 2017, but have decided not to commit suicide because of the message on I heard on Sabbath that has touched me and challenged my decision to carry out an act of doing away with my life, narrates Agatha, a Church member at Pagirinya SDA church in Refugee settlement in West Nile Adjumani district in Uganda. This is a story told to Amoli Thomas, the district pastor for the SDA churches in Adjumani District refugee settlements in Uganda.

Mama Agatha as known locally has been a committed member of the Seventh- day Adventist Church, since the 90’s but fell into the frustrating experience when her husband who was by then a member that brought her to the church abandoned her at the Church through backsliding.

Agatha got into the relationship when she was not a member of SDA church but became a member later. Following the departure of the husband, the children also abandoned her and joined the father in wayward living. Blaming her Agatha for their misfortunes because she insisted on being a member of the Adventist faith. The children began hating her resolving that they will no longer help her in any way.

Mama Agatha held on for some time. However, she also succumbed to the situation concluding that she is already a loser, she decided to follow suit abandoning her commitment to God and leaving the church. She has been away for quite some time no longer a member in regular standing.

The 2016 displacement in Eastern Equatoria in South Sudan by the ongoing conflict forced her into exile in Uganda along with her other community members from her area. Agatha then fell into a difficult situation because; there was no one to help her put a roof on her head despite the presence of the husband and children in the camp.

It is upon this experience of abandonment and frustration that she finally contemplated doing away with her life. Saying she is no longer of any value to continuing living. She went ahead to fix a date upon which she will execute her plan. It is on January 14, 2017 the day before her planned date, that a preacher who came to conduct a Ten Days of Prayer in Pagirinya preached a sermon that in her words, was sent directly to her by God. It was his plan to me that God brought me to Church on this Sabbath since I was long used to attend worship to keep me alive by sending this message especially for me.

This, therefore, confirms Gods word through the prophet; Jeremiah 29:11 that says, I know the plans I have for you says the Lord “ they are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a future and hope”(NLT Bible).

While we most of the time think and do things that bring us harm, God is tenderhearted and continues to rescue and provide us a way out of the supposed disasters.

Mama Agatha was re-baptized in the recent TMI evangelist campaigns in May 2017 among many others a total of 1,111 from the land of South Sudan and Refugee camps. Agatha now enjoys a renewed life of faith in Christ. Mama Agatha’s rebaptism took place in the Pagirinya Refugee Settlement Adjumani District-Uganda on May 20, 2017

Earlier this year I volunteered to go and preach for a Total Member Involvement or TMI evangelistic campaign for the East-Central Africa Division. To my surprise, I was assigned to go to Bundibugyo in the western region of Uganda. The last time I heard about Bundibugyo was ten years ago as an isolated, quarantined place, due to the deadly Ebola virus. It never occurred to me that the Lord would later send me there for a mission.

Despite its history, the beautiful Rwenzori mountains create a pleasant mood for any visitor to Bundibugyo. The scenery is breathtaking. The beauty of the landscape surpassed only by the precious souls who gave their lives to Jesus. I still recall some stories and testimonies as vividly as if it were only yesterday.

Edmond was woken up on a Friday night by a loud voice demanding that he gets out of his house! His wife cautioned him not to heed the call. He recognized the voice though. The following morning, he headed to the persons home. The man who had been calling him the previous night came out with a machete and Edmond ran away for his dear life. It was so confusing, as Edmond did not know the cause of it all.

Meanwhile, I began the tent meetings by the roadside. Every morning from 6:30 to 7:30 am, we met to pray for God's Spirit to be poured out. And at the beginning of each sermon, I encouraged attendees to pray for at least three other people to be present.

Edmond walked to church on the first Sabbath of the meetings fearing for his life as he did not know the next move of his pursuer. Edmond looked around and saw his pursuer sitting in the congregation. For a few seconds, they both looked at each other spellbound. When I had asked each member to pray for three other people, Edmond had prayed for God to change his pursuers heart.

At this point, I was not aware of what was happening. I had only noticed a man who always sat in front by himself with folded arms - Godfrey. Days later, one of the Elder's told me the story and informed me that Edmond’s pursuer Godfrey had been attending my meetings. I preached about baptism that day. At the end of the sermon, I made a call, and ten people came forward.

Suddenly, Godfrey came forward to accept the call. Everyone stood in wonder and excitement. Some could not believe their eyes that he had just given his heart to Jesus! The Holy Spirit had convicted Godfrey, and he responded to the call. Godfrey started attending the morning prayers and brought his best friend to join him in baptism. By doing so, he, by extension participated in TMI or Total Member Involvement!

Godfrey was among the 2,800 individuals who got baptized at the Kasese Better Living Centre during the mass baptism held on the following Sabbath. Due to his reputation, word spread and drew the attention of his entire village. Interestingly, on the Friday before the baptism, Edmond took Godfrey shopping and bought him some new Sabbath clothes. What a contrast from the previous week! Indeed there is power in the blood.

In total, at the Bundibugyo site, 41 precious souls were baptized. As we were greeting the new converts, I couldn't help noticing a lady who could not stop crying. As a result of her tears, everyone started crying. Later, the elder explained that she had left the church almost twenty years ago and had been a harsh critic of the Adventist faith. But during the meetings, she was convicted to come back, and she now shed tears of joy.

Among the baptismal candidates was a Muslim woman who came to know the beauty of the Adventist message. There were also young people who took stands for Jesus amidst tremendous opposition from family.

As new converts sang with joy, it sounded like a foretaste of heaven. The experience humbled me. Many of them have nothing as far as worldly possessions are concerned, but they are rich in faith, love, and fellowship. I have already made plans to speak for another TMI evangelistic campaign in 2018.

Tom Ongaro is the IT Manager and Computer Science Teacher at Maxwell Adventist Academy in Nairobi Kenya

Remember as you lead, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. And you have to earn the right to lead. You can’t just assume that because you have been chosen to be the leader that everyone is going to be ready to follow or go in the direction you want to take your team.

So you have to nurture relationships. You can cultivate relationships by remembering people's names. You nurture them by building authentic relationships, and you enhance and nurture relationships by doing icebreakers or activities, mixers and fun things with your team so that they are not just working all the time, but they are actually spending with each other in loving, balanced, Christlike relationships.

They say the family that prays together stay’s together, but I would add that the family that plays together also stays together. So don’t forget to nurture relationships. You know, when it's someone’s birthday remember that birthday. If you're the leader, send them a card and sign your name, if it’s their anniversary, send them a card and sign your name.

There’s nothing like nurturing relationships. When people know that you care for them, when they know that you have a heart of love, then they will be willing to listen and follow in the direction that God has called you to lead them.

So nurture relationships, and in nurturing relationships, you’ll be manifesting to others the revolutionary love of Jesus. Think about His leadership approach. He nurtured relationships by healing the sick, by cleansing the lepers, by loving on people, by feeding the five thousand, and by investing in his team the twelve disciples.

So invest in your team. Nurture relationships. Get to know the people you work with, and in doing so, you’ll be the type of leader that they love following because they will see God's love and care manifested through your caring character and because they’ll know you’re following Christ.

Question:

Doc, we are terrified with media reports of the Cholera epidemic sweeping the region. Are we at risk of getting this worrisome disease? What can we do to avoid it? Is it caused by the recent massive flooding in the continent? Someone told me that I should avoid eating or drinking any fluids outside my house. Is that the correct way of avoiding getting it? Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XYZ, Nairobi

Answer:

XYZ, You have raised an excellent topical question. Let’s deal with this matter right away. Yes, we have an unusually high upsurge of people getting Cholera. This qualifies as an epidemic. Do we have to worry? Yes and No. Yes, because some people have died and many are currently receiving treatment. But, No, because we can avoid it. Let’s deal with is this month.

Causes

Cholera historical descriptions are found as early as the 5th century BC in Sanskrit. The current understanding was 1st elucidated by Dr. John Snow during the massive cholera epidemic of London in 1854. He proved the cause as being contaminated water. Cholera is an infection of the intestine by bacteria we call Vibrio cholera. Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure. It is spread mostly by water and food that has been contaminated with human waste (feces) containing the bacteria. Insufficiently cooked seafood is a common source. Humans are the only mammals known to be affected. Risk factors for the disease include poor sanitation and not enough clean drinking water. The current floods with water bursting through poor drainages, hence mixing with the sewage probably aggravating the situation, if not contributing largely to the current epidemic. Cholera is rare in the developed world. Children are most affected. Areas with an ongoing risk of disease include Africa and southeast Asia. While the risk of death among those affected is usually less than 5%, it may be as high as 50% among some groups who don't have access to treatment. At present Yemen has seen the worst of this epidemic.

Signs and symptoms

The primary symptoms of cholera are profuse diarrhea and vomiting of clear fluid. These symptoms usually start suddenly, half a day to five days after ingestion of the bacteria. The diarrhea is frequently described as "rice water" in nature and may have a fishy odor. An untreated person with cholera may produce 10 to 20 liters of diarrhea a day. Severe cholera, without treatment, kills about half of affected individuals. If the severe diarrhea is not treated, it can result in a life-threatening lack of fluids and chemicals in the body leading to death.

Fever is rare and should raise suspicion for another cause of illness such as an infection. Patients can be fragile and might have sunken eyes, dry mouth, cold skin, and wrinkled hands and feet. A profound and labored breathing pattern can occur because of inadequate oxygen from stool fluid loss related chemical imbalances. Blood pressure drops due to dehydration, a pulse is rapid and weak, and urine output decreases with time. Muscle cramping and weakness, altered consciousness, seizures/fits, or even coma due to chemical losses are common, especially in children.

Transmission

Transmission is mostly from the fecal contamination of food and water caused by poor sanitation. Cholera is typically transmitted to humans by either contaminated food or water. Most cholera cases in developed countries are a result of transmission by food, while in the developing world it is more often water. Food transmission occurs when people eat cholera bacteria contaminated food or drink water which is contaminated with sewage.

People infected with cholera often have diarrhea, and disease transmission may happen if this highly liquid stool, referred to as "rice-water," contaminates water used by others. The source of the contamination is typically other cholera sufferers when their untreated diarrheal discharge is allowed to get into waterways, groundwater or drinking water supplies. Drinking any infected water and eating any foods washed in the contaminated water, as well as drinking water from the affected waterway, can cause a person to contract an infection. Cholera is rarely spread directly from person to person.

Prevention

Prevention involves improved sanitation and access to clean water. Cholera vaccines that are given by mouth provide reasonable protection for about six months. They have the added benefit of protecting against another type of diarrhea caused by E. coli. The primary treatment is oral rehydration therapy, with slightly sweet and salty fluids. Zinc supplementation is useful in children. In severe cases, intravenous fluids are required, and antibiotics may be beneficial.

Although cholera may be life-threatening, prevention of the disease is typically straightforward if proper sanitation practices are followed. In developed countries, due to nearly universal advanced water treatment and health practices, cholera is no longer a significant health threat. The last major outbreak of cholera in the United States occurred in 1910–1911. Effective sanitation practices, if instituted and adhered to in time, are usually sufficient to stop an epidemic. There are several points along the cholera transmission path at which its spread may be halted.

· Sterilization: Proper disposal and treatment of infected fecal waste water produced by cholera victims and all contaminated materials (e.g. clothing, bedding, etc.) are essential. All materials that come in contact with cholera patients should be sanitized by washing in hot water, or using chlorine bleach (JIK) if possible. Hands that touch cholera patients or their clothing, bedding, etc., should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with chlorinated water or other useful antiseptic agents.

· Sewage: Treatment of general sewage before it enters the waterways or underground water supplies helps prevent undiagnosed patients from inadvertently spreading the disease.

· Sources: Warnings about possible cholera contamination should be posted around contaminated water sources with directions on how to decontaminate the water (boiling etc.) for possible use.

· Water purification: All water used for drinking, washing, or cooking should be sterilized by either boiling, chlorination, ozone water treatment, ultraviolet light sterilization (e.g. by solar water disinfection), or antimicrobial filtration in any area where cholera may be present. Chlorination and boiling are often the least expensive and most effective means of halting transmission. Filters, though very basic, have significantly reduced the occurrence of cholera when used

· Public health education: Adherence to appropriate sanitation practices are of primary importance to help prevent and control transmission of cholera and other water borne diseases.

· Vaccination is not a guaranteed protection. We recommend hygiene practices as your best prevention method.

Seven things you can do

i. Only eat at designated known places with good hygiene standards

ii. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, and certainly after visiting the washroom

iii. Avoid eating food cooked from outside whose preparation and source you are unsure

iv. Avoid eating raw foods (carrots, salads, fruit salads, etc.) whose water for washing them is unknown

v. Avoid using utensils and cutlery whose washing water is unknown to you

vi. Ensure all your drinking water is either boiled or bottled; regardless of assured treatment of piped water

vii. In public spaces avoid food that is uncovered and cold. Insist on hot foods as heat destroys the bacteria

Above all, don’t panic. Good hygiene is all you need to keep Cholera away from you. If you wash your hands and ensure clean food and water gets into your mouth, you are safe!

Take away Message

Avoid untreated water and fluids (such as juices) and foodstuffs which you don’t know their source or how and who has prepared them with which water. Stick to home foods or those in hygienic eateries and only drink sterilized or boiled water. If in doubt about the source of water, cleanliness of an eating joint or food preparation; then it’s best to skip. Better be over cautious than sorry. Interestingly, the Biblical Levitical Laws of hygiene are spot on in cholera prevention. Now that is something o think about...

Have a cholera cautious month!

Often when people get elected, appointed or chosen to serve in a position as a leader or as an administrator they think… Wow, they picked me to be the leader, so now I’ve arrived, I know everything.

But the reality is, nothing could be further from the truth. If you have been asked to be a leader, it is incumbent upon you be open to learn leadership skills. So I want to challenge you to commit to growing today. Grow by learning leadership skills. Subscribe to a blog or a leadership magazine. Commit to reading a book a month that will help you grow and expand your leadership skills in your field.

Always remember that leaders are learners. And because you are a leader, it’s even more important for you to grow each day. You can grow by finding and scheduling time, to learn leadership skills, daily, monthly, weekly. Start, reading, subscribing to blogs and magazines that can give you practical resources to help you in your leadership role. Pray for humility and don't forget to invite feedback.

Always remember that the largest room in the world is the room for improvement. So join me in committing to be willing to step into that room every day. Ultimately, the number one person you can learn leadership skills from is Jesus. So ask God for wisdom today, ask him for understanding and remember his promise in Psalm 32 that He will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.

One of the most important things you can do to communicate and lead with excellence is to grow spiritually.

In the bible, David was a remarkable leader, but he wasn't a perfect leader. He made some mistakes. But the amazing thing about David as you read through the Psalms that you will see is that he kept growing spiritually. He kept asking God to go deeper!

He prayed create in me a clean heart oh God and please renew a right spirit within me. And as a leader, whether you're a church leader, a pastor, a teacher or an administrator, it doesn't matter what type of leader you are. You cannot reach your maximum level of communication and leadership excellence unless you're growing spiritually.

And here's the thing, you can't lead where you're not headed. So I want to challenge you today to grow spiritually. You can grow spiritually through these three ways. Prayer, Bible Study, and Ministry.

Engage in prayer and spend time talking with God every day as a friend. Schedule time for Bible study and experience the joy of reading God's word every day. As your devotional life strengthens, you will be able to declare like David that "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" Psalm 119: 105.

Then engage in ministry, make a difference in the world around you and get actively involved in sharing Christ and serving people. Let your life be one of selfless service for the Savior. By engaging in prayer, Bible study and ministry you'll find yourself growing in a deeper, closer walk with God. And then as you grow with God, you'll find that you'll be a better leader because you're not leading by yourself, but Jesus Christ is leading through you.