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March 31, 2025 Healing in Safe Spaces But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV)
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March 27, 2025 Leaving His Mark Seibold retires from Dakota Conference
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March 27, 2025 Morris Named Executive Secretary for Iowa-Missouri Education leader brings wealth of experience to new role
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Adventist News
Leaving His Mark Seibold retires from Dakota Conference Jodi Dossenko – March 27, 2025
For the past six and a half years, Mark Seibold has served as vice president of finance for the Dakota Conference, bringing a pragmatic and steady approach to managing the financial health of the organization. Now, as he steps into retirement—again—he reflects on his journey, the challenges and the next chapter ahead. Mark’s career prior to joining the Dakota Conference in 2018 was largely in healthcare administration, specifically in long-term care services and medical debt collections. After retiring from that field, he took a five-year hiatus from full-time work, spending time repairing vintage electronics and relaying vehicles for Enterprise before moving into church work. Arlo Heinrich, the outgoing VP of finance at the time, encouraged Mark to apply for the position, which he initially declined. Then Dakota Conference president Neil Biloff later reached out, citing Arlo’s recommendation, but Mark remained unconvinced. It wasn’t until circumstances changed unexpectedly that he reconsidered. Facing an urgent need in the conference’s finance office, Neil reached out again, asking Mark to step in—at least until the next constituency session. Given his own personal experiences, the request resonated. Mark agreed. “And here we are, six and a half years later,” he says with a chuckle. During his time at the conference, Mark navigated complex financial responsibilities, with Dakota Adventist Academy remaining a key focus in budget discussions. He worked to balance financial stewardship with DAA’s long-standing legacy, recognizing its significant role in the conference’s mission. “The academy is a huge part of the mission of this conference,” he says. “My job has been to ensure the conference remains financially strong so that its ministries can continue serving this region.” While crunching numbers and preparing budgets was a significant part of his role, Mark also found purpose in the structure of daily work and the camaraderie of the team. As he transitions into retirement, he knows that adjustment will take time. “You need contrast in life,” he explains. “We need the challenges of solving problems. It keeps our brains active, keeps us engaged.” That’s not to say he’ll be idle. Mark plans to spend more time restoring vintage audio equipment, a passion that has turned into a small business of its own. He’s also looking forward to helping his son-in-law on the farm and tackling projects on his property. But what he’s looking forward to most is spending more time with his wife, Connie. “Retirement is different this time,” he reflects, thinking back to his initial “self-imposed unemployment” in 2013 after leaving healthcare. “I was single before and my time was my own. Now, Connie and I have projects and commitments together, and I want to be intentional about making the most of this time.” With a full list of projects, a workshop filled with electronics, and the opportunity to spend more time with Connie, Mark isn’t worried about having too much free time. If anything, he suspects retirement might be just as busy—but in all the best ways.
Read more...Morris Named Executive Secretary for Iowa-Missouri Education leader brings wealth of experience to new role Caleb Durant – March 27, 2025
The Iowa-Missouri Conference is pleased to announce that Melissa Morris has been appointed executive secretary, transitioning from her current role as education superintendent. Morris, commissioned as a teacher in 2018, brings extensive administrative experience and a proven track record of leadership within the Adventist church system, having served the conference since 2011 in various educational leadership roles. “Melissa has excelled in every endeavor she’s engaged in as she’s worked for the church,” said Pastor Rob Alfalah, former conference secretary. “Although this isn’t the field of education, her leadership skills, administrative ability, conflict resolution, and communication capabilities—plus her love for Jesus—will help her to do a great job in this new position. The conference is blessed to have her.” Morris holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri St. Louis, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and is completing her master’s degree in administration from La Sierra University. Her extensive service to the church includes positions on the NAD Executive Committee, the MAUC Curriculum Committee, and the Sunnydale Adventist Academy Board. “Melissa Morris has served this conference faithfully as a teacher, school principal and superintendent of education while also serving various local church positions,” said conference president Lee Rochholz. “While the role of the conference president is to work in the field with other conference leaders, the role of the conference secretariat is to lead the office and make sure the administrative work of the church is accomplished and moves forward. I believe that Melissa’s previous experience, as well as her abilities and management style, will pay great dividends in helping our office to serve the field.” Rochholz further stated that in electing Morris the committee also recognized the importance of having someone with education experience serve on the officer team. “Education both at the elementary and academy level has always been a high priority in the Iowa-Missouri conference. Melissa’s experience will help us to navigate challenges in education as we get closer to the second coming of Christ,” he added. Throughout her career in Adventist education, Morris has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, team leadership and fostering positive relationships across the conference community. Her experience managing complex administrative responsibilities while maintaining strong connections with churches, families and educational institutions positions her well for this new role.
Read more...Skylar’s Cross-country Journey to Faith and Baptism Saul Dominguez – March 27, 2025
Skylar, a 27-year-old Kansas native, never expected his life to take such a turn. Two years ago, he moved to North Carolina, but this past year, something stirred in his heart. He felt a calling to seek God in a deeper way. Encouraged by a close friend from the Olathe Agape Spanish speaking church, Skylar decided to visit the church. He was immediately welcomed and found himself eager to learn more. As his faith grew, he committed to Bible studies and began attending church regularly in Salisbury, North Carolina. Even with his new church home, Kansas still had a pull on his heart. He often flew back, attending services at Agape whenever he could. Now, that journey has come full circle—Skylar is moving back to Kansas and has made his commitment to Christ official. Baptized by his pastor from North Carolina, he now calls Agape his church home. “The whole church shared in the excitement of his decision. Praise God for the way He reaches us,” says Pastor Leo Figueroa. Skylar’s story is a reminder of how God leads people at just the right time, through the right connections, and into His love.
Read more...AdventHealth Expands Presence to Missouri with New State Line Location AdventHealth – March 27, 2025
AdventHealth Medical Group is expanding its whole-person care to Missouri with the opening of AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at State Line. Located at the northeast corner of 103rd Street and State Line Road in Kansas City, the office provides a new option for primary care in the South Kansas City area, serving adults and children. The experienced, caring family medicine providers at Primary Care at State Line include Joel Kavan, DO, Josel Balino, APRN, FNP-C, and Lauren Merritt, APRN, FNP-C. This location joins 14 AdventHealth primary care offices located on the Kansas side of the state line, and it is now accepting new patients and is available for same-day appointments. “For decades, our dedicated AdventHealth team has provided care for Missouri residents at our other nearby primary care practices, as well as in our hospitals and facilities around the region,” said Sam Huenergardt, AdventHealth Mid-America Region President and CEO. “We are thrilled to expand across the state line and provide an additional location that enables us to deliver compassionate care for patients closer to home. We look forward to serving the neighboring community and beyond.” Next door to the family medicine office, AdventHealth also opened a new physical therapy clinic. The experienced physical therapists at AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab PT Solutions State Line are now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 816.354.3080. Construction and design partners on the project included Forge Construction and h|d Architecture. AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at State Line is located at 10205 State Line Road in Kansas City, Mo. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 816.354.3090 or visit AdventHealthKC.com/PrimaryCareStateLine. About AdventHealth in Kansas City AdventHealth is a connected network of care that helps people feel whole – body, mind and spirit. More than 100,000 team members across a national footprint provide whole-person care to nearly nine million people annually through more than 2,000 care sites that include hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice centers, the AdventHealth app and more. Our wholistic approach to improving the health and prosperity of our communities is inspired by our mission to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth in Kansas City includes AdventHealth Shawnee Mission; AdventHealth Prairie Star; AdventHealth South Overland Park; AdventHealth Centra Care and AdventHealth Medical Group. Visit AdventHealthKC.com for more information.
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Blogs
Who Is the King of kings and Lord of lords? ...and why does it matter? The Teacher's Notes – April 1, 2025
All prophecy points to one grand event, the final Day of Judgment when the plan of salvation is complete. At that time, the name above all names will appear on the blood-stained robe of God’s Son: “King of kings and Lord of lords”. See Revelation 19:13, 16. All nations will be impacted by the Lord’s return (Revelation 1:7). But there are some nations that prophecies in Daniel and Revelation seem to point out as playing a significant role. In particular, two power systems, or beasts (Daniel 7:17, 23), described in Revelation 13 grab our attention. One is a beast from the sea and the other is a beast “coming out of the earth”. The sea waters, which help identify the first beast, are mentioned in Revelation 17:15. “Waters” mean they come from many “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.” John, and readers of his time, could easily have recognized this great power as that of the Roman Empire, which included many people groups across Europe and Asia. The beast of the sea had other identifying marks that the prophet Daniel saw in vision. Many Protestant Reformers thought this first beast was the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church, which had become the medieval power structure that blasphemed God’s name, inflicted persecution for all who dared defy its teachings, and even changed God’s law (the fourth commandment, in particular). Along with kings across Europe who were controlled by this beast, this terrifying papal power lasted 1,260 prophetic years (from 538 to 1798 A.D.). Daniel’s prophecies about this beast coincided precisely with those in the book of Revelation. See Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 13:6, 7. But what about the beast of the earth, also described in Revelation 13? Some Christians have seen this beast as representing the United States. This world power rose up from a sparsely-populated area in the Americas, symbolized by the “earth”. At some point though, this peaceful country would speak like a dragon, or Satan (Revelation 12:9). Satan’s goal and strategy is the same as with the first beast of the sea, papal Rome. Satan will find a way to unite and control the governing authorities in the United States. He will set himself up once again as the ruling agency of church and state, in order to procure worship for himself, rather than God. This achievement satisfies Satan’s desire is to be the king of kings and lord of lords, instead of Christ. The gradual, subtle takeover of government will be very deceptive in nature. Many Christian believers will not recognize the events that propel Satan to dominance in their country. But make no mistake; it will happen. Governments (like the kings across the Holy Roman Empire) will align themselves with church authorities, in order to force people to worship Satan, rather than the real King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. Through efforts to dismantle the constitutional guarantee of separation of church and state in the United States, Satan will have another chance to become the king of kings and lord of lords, or the antichrist—not just a false Christ, but His rival. Anyone who refuses to obey laws that prescribe our worship, like worshiping on a certain day of the week, will become an enemy of the state and be killed, according to Revelation 13:15. One Christian author predicted this event over a hundred years ago. Ellen White wrote: “Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.” ~The Great Controversy, p. 581.
Read more...- Benefits Of Holistic Healing Natural Remedies For Healthy Living Jeanine Qualls – April 1, 2025
Holistic Approaches to healing can be beneficial to overcoming and managing chronic illnesses. God has provided us with natural remedies and holistic approaches for Thriving in health. I share my experiences of implementing natural remedies for any sickness that I have had. I have helped many people to relieve pain and distress in their bodies through the simple use of natural remedies. https://youtube.com/shorts/GugD1KnF2pM
Read more... Healing in Safe Spaces But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV) Trust, Love, Vulnerability, and Healing – March 31, 2025
Are We Safe Spaces? I’ve been thinking back about the safety of relationships that I have been in and the safety that I have provided in relationships. They were her major fails and major wins. In other words I know what it’s like to be in an unsafe relationship and I have had to record it would be in the one who has made a relationship unsafe. Safety and take on many forms. For example there is a relationship that can be financially safe but emotionally unsafe. There are also the experiences of spiritual, psychological, emotional, mental, and physical unsafe spaces and people. This is not just for some people and there is another section in a mountain somewhere where there is perfection, but this is a work for all of our hearts. The reality is that we are born with free disposition to be unsafe. We are born to be selfish and to look out for a cell but for the transforming power of God. “There is nothing more deceitful than the heart of man; who can understand it? Man’s heart is sick, in need of healing. “I, YAHWEH, probe the heart, and I thoroughly test the inner being to give to all people what they deserve according to their ways and based on their deeds.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 (TPT) The Work Of The Spirit To Make Us Safe God invites us to sit in this space, acknowledging that anything good, any safety that we can provide does not come from our own works. Safety comes from a supernatural, miraculous work of the mindset and thinking of Christ in us, the Holy Spirit working and producing safety in us for us and through us, and the green light from the Father for the work to be done because of the blood of Jesus. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV) The Healing Power Of Safe Relationships Emotional stability and safety is a foreign language to us until we learn the language of love of God. How else can we be vulnerable, and provide spaces for vulnerability, until we ourselves have experience and been transformed by that space God has created for us to be fully ourselves, show up fully in our humanity, and not be rejected for the sharp edges of our wounds cutting through the Father’s heart. There is a saying that when your heart finds safety in relationships, our walls of protection finally crumble. Our hearts are finally able to process and expel brokenness because we can only heal up to a certain point and the rest is found in honest, loving, and forgiveness-laced relationships. This kind of vulnerability is a gift for only those in a safe relationship just as a correction is a privilege for only those in a relationship. “The deepest emotional healing work is done within relationship, where heart-connected persons see emotional triggers as clues, rather than judgments or feelings towards each other. By yourself, you may learn skills that help you be more observant, calm and centered. But it’s not until you interact with others that your emotions, and these new skills, are put to the test.” Maria A. Connolly, Somatic Therapist & Coach – Leadership Trainer The Psychological Safety Of Jesus Jesus modeled and provided psychological safety to those around Him. One aspect of God’s safety which we really should speak more about is His psychological safety. It is a gift when we find individuals where we are safe to express all of our emotions while we are in the process of healing. It’s very daunting to be afraid to show someone a side of us not knowing if they will weaponize it against us. It’s also very daunting not being able to have difficult and honest conversations with those we are in relationships with, especially understanding that it is on the other side of a difficult and raw emotional conversation where the opportunity for growth, healing, and the strengthening of that bond is. I do not mean codependency and being stuck in a vicious cycle of toxic traits. I’m talking about being in an emotionally stable relationship where we can handle each other’s expressions of fear without shame. Jesus teaches us a master class at what that picture looks like. Jesus was a spiritual, psychological, emotional, mental, and physical safe space for those around Him and especially for those closest to Him. In my current conversations with God, Peter and Jesus’ mutually vulnerable and difficult conversations stand out to me. Matthew 16 shows us a picture of a deeply vulnerable, emotionally charged, and difficult moment shared between these two men. Jesus was once again revealing the pain He would endure on the cross and Peter responded to Jesus’ vulnerability with his own vulnerability. The moment was raw and tense but filled with the fruit of their closeness and safety to have a difficult conversation because of love. From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. Matthew 16:22 (BSB) Imagine rebuking Jesus knowing all that you know about Him. Imagine rebuking Jesus knowing He is the Son of God! Healing in Safe Spaces But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV)“>Read more…
Read more...The Teacher’s Notes–Some Principles of Prophecy, Lesson 1 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 2Q, "Allusions, Images, Symbols" The Teacher's Notes – March 29, 2025
Sabbath School Lesson for March 29-April 4, 2025 Introduction of Lesson 1, Some Principles of Prophecy As we begin our new study this quarter, perhaps this will help you understand the importance of the topic: https://www.outlookmag.org/bible-prophecy-101/ Memory Text: ” ‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 NKJV There are various interpretations when it comes to prophecy, but there’s also a lack of interest among some believers, especially in books such as Revelation, which are highly symbolic and prophetic in nature. These people feel that the study of prophecy is a waste of time. God, however, has repeatedly stated that He wants us to know and understand Him. And that includes His messages of prophecy, no matter how difficult or divisive they may seem to us. In order to correct this situation, several principles to aid our understanding of prophecy will be covered in this week’s lesson. We must pay close attention to the text by reading it… candidly, carefully, esthetically, contextually, and intertextually. And also by responding to it… spiritually, intelligently, corporately, existentially, and ethically. A more detailed explanation of these ten principles are found here: https://www.outlookmag.org/bible-prophecy-102/ Through the week: Sunday: Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand–Matthew 24:15 Monday: God Wants to be Understood–2 Timothy 3:16 Tuesday: Daniel–Shut Up the Words–Daniel 12:4 Wednesday: Studying the Word–Luke 24:27 Thursday: Figurative or Literal?–recognizing symbols, such as horns (kings), sword (word of God), woman (the church) Sunday: Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand God is adamant about wanting us to know and understand Him (Matthew 24:15). He wants us to learn about Him (Matthew 11:29, Jeremiah 9:24). This includes the prophetic knowledge we read about in Revelation (Revelation 1:3). Being humble about our abilities and fully surrendered to God are prerequisites for all Bible scholars. If we aren’t reading the word with a mind open to learning the truth about God, we will not only miss the message He has for us, but are also likely to misinterpret it. The right tools and the right attitude, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, becomes the essential framework for any Bible study. With this foremost in our experience, we can gain a deeper appreciation about God’s unchanging character, allowing us to deal with our troublesome past and prepare for His glorious future. Verses and questions: Matthew 24:15 and Revelation 1:3 Why does God want us to understand the words of Daniel and Revelation? What can these prophetic books do for us, especially in the end times? Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Matthew 11:29 Why is it important for us to know God? What is it about knowing God that is most satisfying to you? Monday: God Wants to Be Understood Knowing the infinite wisdom and omniscient powers of God can sometimes overwhelm us, making us give up on ever knowing Him as much as we’d like. But we should keep in mind that God not only knows everything about our world, He also knows everything about us (Psalm 139:1-3). And that includes our limited ability to comprehend His plans for the universe. We are promised though that we can understand enough from our studies to ensure our salvation (2 Timothy 3:14-15). And since the ultimate purpose of Bible prophecy is to encourage us to follow Jesus, our Savior, then prophecies will be unfolded as needed by the sincere student of God’s word. Therefore, instead of worrying about what we don’t know about God, we can rejoice in what we do know. We can know that God loves us so much that He first created us and later died for us, in order for us to have an eternal, loving relationship with Him. Verses and questions: 2 Timothy 3:14-16 What does God especially want us to know about Him? Psalm 139:1-6 How did the psalmist feel about God’s knowing so much about him? How do you feel about God’s knowing you so intimately? Psalm 147:5, Romans 11:33, and 1 John 3:20 What’s the difference between God’s knowledge and His understanding? Why is it important for God to have both knowledge and understanding, especially as it pertains to our future? Tuesday: Daniel–Shut Up the Words It’s interesting to note that the prophet Daniel was told to seal his book “until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4). But at the end of Revelation, the prophet John was told not to seal his book, because “the time is at hand” (Revelation 22:10). In other words, it was close enough to the time of the end that the prophecies John was given would be helpful. In Daniel 12:4, it was also mentioned that “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” This might indicate a time of great technological advances and rapid transportation systems. But, a much deeper and likelier interpretation would be that knowledge of Daniel’s prophecies would increase later in earth’s history. Amos supported this when he foretold a time when, “…they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, but shall not find it” (Amos 8:12). Understanding of the prophecies in Daniel saw an increase after 1798, when the 1,260 day/year prophecy ended. It led to William Miller’s Great Advent Movement in the nineteenth century, with many Christians expecting Christ to return around 1844, when the sanctuary would be cleansed (at the end of the 2,300 day/years). See Daniel 8:14. The Seventh-day Adventist Church was founded shortly after that time, when a fuller understanding of the heavenly sanctuary revealed their mistake concerning its cleansing. Instead of the Second Coming, it referred to a time of judgment that would take place in the heavenly sanctuary. We are indeed living in the time of the end now, making the prophecies in Revelation a welcome, relevant resource for believers. Verses and questions: Daniel 12:4 and Amos 8:12 What kind of knowledge might Daniel most likely be talking about in The Teacher’s Notes–Some Principles of Prophecy, Lesson 1 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 2Q, “Allusions, Images, Symbols”“>Read more…
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Featured Stories
A Missionary in Waiting Dr. Merlin G. Anderson's Quest for Mission Service in the Midst of World War II Adventist Historical Footprints – April 2, 2025
In 1943, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie wanted Seventh-day Adventists working in his country. (See article about Della Frances Thompson Hanson.) Following his return to Ethiopia after the Italian occupation, Selassie restored Zauditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa to operation by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but the Church was finding it difficult to staff the facility. The General Conference was willing to send doctors to the hospital. Dr. Merlin Gustav Anderson was willing to go to Ethiopia and work at the hospital. However, staffing overseas hospitals with American doctors in 1943 was not as simple as appointing and paying the travel expenses of a willing candidate. The Seventh-day Adventist Doctor’s Conundrum During World War II, all male physicians, dentists, and veterinarians in the United States were required to register with the Selective Service, just like any other man. However, doctors were not generally subject to being drafted. Instead, doctors were managed by the Federal Security Agency’s Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services, which attempted to balance the Armed Forces’ need for medical professionals with the civilian population’s need for the same medical expertise. Thus, an assignment from the Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services carried the authority of a draft notice. If a doctor was called up for service in the Armed Forces, he was expected to accept a commission as an officer. This is where the conundrum started. The enlisted soldier who was drafted through the Selective Service Act had legal protection regarding his conscientious objections. This allowed him to request exemptions from carrying weapons and non-essential work on Sabbaths. Waiting to be drafted was the official line of advice from the Seventh-day Adventist War Service Commission headed by Carlyle B. Haynes. He continually stressed the importance of not volunteering but rather waiting to be drafted in order to reserve once’s rights to conscientious objection. Adventist doctors could have followed this advice, but in doing so they would have lost the ability to practice medicine in the Armed Forces, and forfeited the higher wages to which doctors, as commissioned officers, entitled. Although unknown for certain, it is doubtful that any Seventh-day Adventist doctors were enlistees. Commissioned officers swore (or affirmed) an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States…without mental reservation…and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.” In time of war, this oath presented two challenges. First, doctors on the front lines were likely to find themselves in situations where they could be ordered to carry a gun. Second, if an Adventist doctor disagreed with his commanding officer about duties he was asked to complete on Sabbath, he could face legal charges and court martial. This happened in at least one case. Some Adventist physicians avoided the issue for a while by obtaining III-A classification (deferment due to hardship to family or children) under the Selective Service Act, claiming military service would present a hardship for their families. As time went by and the military’s need for medical personnel increased, the pressure mounted. If a physician was of the right age and physical condition to serve in the Armed Forces, he should take a commission, and he would be paid wages ample to care for his family. There was no real hardship. Some Adventist physicians found a successful workaround by writing in an addendum to their statements of oath similar to this one proposed by Haynes: I have a single reservation which it seems best to disclose now. I am a Seventh-day Adventist. I have no unwillingness to engage in my professional duties in ministering to the sick any day or any time human need requires. I would not, however, have my acceptance of a commission construed as meaning I am willing to compromise my religious convictions regarding merely routine, administrative, ordinary tasks on the seventh-day Sabbath. Numerous Adventist physicians served during World War II with honor and distinction. According to Haynes, “practically one-half the entire alumni of the College of Medical Evangelists [now Loma Linda University], 700 doctors” was serving in the United States Army in 1944, and most of the rest were providing essential civilian care.It is unknown how many modified their oaths or just accepted the oath in its original form. Very few seem to have run into real disagreement with superior officers. However, there was one more restriction on Adventist doctors’ personal freedoms during World War II. Even if a physician had completed his mandatory military service or had been found unfit for duty, he still could not leave the United States. The Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services, in collaboration with Selective Service and the Department of State, placed an embargo on passports for doctors. And in 1943, this is where Merlin Anderson found himself stuck. Missionary in Waiting According to his birth certificate, Merlin Gustav Anderson was born May 22, 1911, in Dusty, an unincorporated community near Colfax, Washington. However, his birthday is often recorded as May 24, 1911, on subsequent documents. His parents were John August Anderson and Ida Henrietta Getzlaff. John was a Swedish-born farmer; Ida was a Minnesota-born housewife, the daughter of German immigrants. Merlin was their only son and the fifth of six children. His sisters were Leona, Mildred, Lorene, Irene, and Bernice. The four older girls and Merlin attended an Adventist church school in Wilcox, Washington, another unincorporated community near Colfax. For such a small school, the Wilcox Church School had an unusually large number of students who became employees of the denomination. This may have been where Anderson’s goal of mission service began. At Walla Walla College, Merlin Anderson studied premed, then enrolled at the College of Medical Evangelists (CME) from which he graduated in June 1936. That same year, he married one of CME’s nursing graduates, Frances Eleanor Stafford (who went by Eleanor). For a man who desired to become a medical missionary, Eleanor was the perfect wife. Born in Shanghai, China, on December 7, 1912, she A Missionary in Waiting Dr. Merlin G. Anderson’s Quest for Mission Service in the Midst of World War II“>Read more…
Read more...Interpreting God’s Word Guest Contributor – March 27, 2025
She was buying bananas at the local Walmart when suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder. “Would you like to study the Bible with me?” a smiling Hispanic woman asked one of the female pastors in our conference. The smiling woman continued to say they were Sabbath believers, non-denominational and there were 70 of them worshipping at a home.Our church planter/pastor was excited to hear this news. And that is how I found myself traveling the next Sabbath afternoon with her and another lay person to a home not far from my own. The group was called World Mission Society Church of God. I noticed many cars in front of the house as we rang the doorbell, and the same friendly woman invited us in to a home filled with the smell of cooking. As we took off our shoes she found slippers for each of us and escorted us to a room where introductions were made. She then told us that Leah would study with us and immediately we were whisked away to a room where a small table was set up in front of a whiteboard. Class was now in session! Leah, along with another member of her church, began with Gen. 2:7 where she taught that ‘dust and God’s breath’ were the two components that made up a human being. So far, so good! But things suddenly went south when she proceeded to tell us that since God’s breath came from God and that God was in heaven, that according to Prov. 8:30, (in the NIV) we were at God’s side during creation! She also said that according to Job 38:21, God reminded Job that during creation, he was already born and had lived for so many years! This was her ‘proof’ that we were once with God as angels. I was shocked! She totally took these verses out of context and was beginning to build a whole false theology around these single texts. After listening politely, I opened my phone to my Lifting up Jesus Bible lessons website and showed them the verses that teach how we sleep until the resurrection, and that our lives began with creation, not before. They were not open. They believed the ‘script’ that was taught them. After two hours we parted, agreeing to disagree. So many people believe whatever they have been told because they do not know the Bible. What struck me is how effective this church is in bringing in new people, while we struggle in our Adventist churches. Another thought struck me: Would our own people, when confronted with false teaching, be able to defend their beliefs? Or do we just depend on our pastors? Good questions, good answers So how do we study our Bibles in context? First, we need to find out what the authors’ original intended meaning was. This is called exegesis. We need to look at the culture and time in which the author lived, to carefully study the context of how the verse is used, and to look up words in question in the original language. As you read a passage, pay close attention to different types of words. Is the subject singular or plural? Is the verb tense past, present or future? Is the sentence a command, statement of fact, or question? Is the statement part of a dialogue? If so, who is the speaker, and why did he or she make that comment? What is the tone of the passage? Are emotional words used? We can get into trouble if we do not carefully observe the text. For instance, take 1 Peter 2:9 where God’s people are called “peculiar” in the King James Bible. Where we might consider that as meaning “weird or unusual,” that word in Greek meant a “special people belonging to God.” What a difference! Fortunately, today we have many software tools on the internet. Or if you like books, use a Strong’s Concordance. Finally, it has been my experience through the years that false theology often has a lot of “self” built into it. True theology is about Jesus! It always has been and always will be. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself.” May our focus always be on Him! Karen Lewis is ministerial director for the Minnesota Conference and author of the Lifting Up Jesus Bible study guides. These recently updated lessons, including new illustrations, are available through AdventSource.
Read more...The Heart of Adventist Education Guest Contributor – March 20, 2025
Walking into any of our Minnesota Conference Adventist schools, you’ll immediately notice something special: a sense of family. Students of different ages work together, teachers know each student by name, and a warmth goes beyond typical classroom interactions. This nurturing environment isn’t just a happy accident—it’s the intentional result of our Christ-centered approach to education. One of the distinctive features of our schools is our approach to discipline and character development. Rather than following the common “spare the rod, spoil the child” mentality emphasizing control and punishment, our teachers embrace redemptive discipline. This approach, grounded in the shepherd’s model from Psalm 23, focuses on guiding students with care and understanding. When challenges arise, our educators work to help students recognize their missteps and grow from them, fostering self-governance and internal transformation rather than merely enforcing rules. The quality of our teachers sets our schools apart. Our educators don’t just bring their expertise to the classroom—they bring a calling. Each teacher is carefully chosen for their knowledge and capabilities, commitment to Adventist education, and ability to mentor young people in their spiritual journey. Our teachers regularly participate in professional development opportunities that blend the latest educational research with our distinctive Adventist philosophy of education. This dedication shows in their innovative teaching methods and ability to integrate faith and learning seamlessly across the curriculum. Our schools have a low student-teacher ratio, so these committed educators can truly know each child’s unique needs and learning style. This personal attention allows for customized learning experiences that help students thrive academically while developing their God-given talents. Our schools also benefit from strong connections with local pastors who regularly visit classrooms, mentor students, and provide spiritual guidance. This partnership between church and school creates a support system that naturally nurtures students’ faith journey throughout the week. Whether it’s through morning worship, prayer groups, or Bible study, students experience spiritual growth as a natural part of their educational journey. The academic excellence in our schools is enhanced by our ability to adapt classroom instruction to recognize each student’s unique pace and potential. Teachers can challenge high-achieving students while providing extra support where needed, ensuring every child reaches their full potential. Beyond academics, our schools emphasize practical life skills and service. Students participate in community outreach projects, learn about healthy living, and develop leadership skills through mixed-age group activities. These experiences prepare them not just for the next academic level, but for life. Transforming characters through a holistic approach Throughout our conference, we see countless examples of how this educational approach transforms young lives. Shy students discover their leadership potential through supportive classroom environments, often starting by helping younger children with reading or leading small group projects. We see students who once struggled academically gain confidence through patient, one-on-one instruction, eventually becoming peer tutors themselves. The close-knit atmosphere allows students to try new things without fear—whether it’s presenting at chapel or organizing a community service project. Most importantly, we watch as students develop a deeper understanding of their faith and how it applies to their daily lives, learning to make decisions based on biblical principles rather than peer pressure. The integration of faith, learning and service truly sets our schools apart. Every subject—from science to social studies—is taught from a biblical perspective, helping students see God’s hand in all aspects of life. This holistic approach to education nurtures not just students’ minds but also their hearts and characters. Whether you’re a parent seeking the best education for your child or a person feeling called to make a more profound impact with a career in teaching, I invite you to explore what Adventist education in Minnesota (and across the Mid-America Union) offers. Parents can contact one of our schools to see firsthand how our caring teachers, Christ-centered curriculum, and supportive community prepare students for success in this world and for eternity. For those considering a teaching career, we’re always seeking dedicated individuals who view teaching as more than a profession—but as a ministry to shape young lives for God’s kingdom. After all, providing an education that transforms hearts and minds isn’t just our mission—it’s our calling. James Davis is education superintendent for the Minnesota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Read more...The Blind Man Kid’s Corner Guest Contributor – March 20, 2025
I was quite young, not even in school yet, but some memories stay with you forever. We were at the airport, traveling to visit family, when something unusual caught my attention. An older man was speaking with a security guard and he looked really upset. This man was blind, holding a special white cane in one hand and his wallet in the other. He kept gesturing to his wallet and talking to the security guard, and soon tears were streaming down his face. I asked my mom what was wrong, and she sadly explained that the man had been robbed. She explained that his wallet had special pockets where he organized different dollar bills, so he could easily find a $5 or $10. But someone had tricked him. Instead of handing him $20 bills, they had given him $1 bills and stolen the difference. His wallet, which should have had enough money for his trip, was now nearly empty with just a few $1 bills in it. I remember feeling sick to my stomach. How could someone do something so cruel — cheating and stealing from a blind man? It made me so sad to see this gentleman hurting. It wasn’t fair! My mom assured me that the security guard was helping him and we continued on to board our flight. But for the remainder of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about that man. “What do you want me to do for you?” Have you ever had an experience like that? A moment when seeing someone else’s pain made you hurt too? That’s empathy. Empathy is feeling with others, and it often compels us to help. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus set the ultimate example of empathy. Again and again in the gospels, we read that “He had compassion.” Jesus saw people who were sick, hurting, hungry or lost, and he felt their pain. Then he responded with compassion. In Matthew 20:29-34, there’s a story about two blind men who cried out to Jesus, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd grew annoyed and told them to be quiet, but the men kept calling out to Jesus. Jesus stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” They asked for their sight, and in verse 34 it says, “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately, they received their sight and followed him.” When people are hurting, it can be easier for us to ignore them or move on. Sometimes, we even tell them to be quiet because their pain makes us uncomfortable. But next time you see someone struggling, listen to the still, small voice of Jesus within you and ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” I still think about that blind man at the airport and wonder what happened to him. In the future, I don’t want to be left wondering—I want to respond with compassion. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us. It is sure to be a blessing!
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