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Help for students
Tony Cirigliano Tony.Cirigliano@worldnet.att.net Carolina Conference has agreed to sponsor students who attend the Dunamis Gospel Worker Training School to be held in the Columbia SDA Church in Lexington, SC in September. Pastor Tony Cirigliano the author of the program being used with great success in over 265 SDA Churches will be the instructor. For more information about the class call 800-583-1697. Pastor Cirigliano also has a FREE SDA SERMON RESOURCE site at http://www.hotyellow98.com/2001/sermons.html and a material site at http://www.hotyellow98.com/2001/index.html.
Entered Monday Fax August 5, 1999

Millenium celebration
Tui Ridge Park, Rotorua, New Zealand is offering an alternative to celebrate the start of the year 2000. It is a special Friday evening NT-style "love feast" followed by a midnight time of praise, thankfulness and prayer commitment. "Whether the new millenium begins in 2000 or 2001 is not really important," says the church's Allen Foote. "What matters is what we as SDAs are seen to contribute to a perceived important event. We intend to invite the community to share in our quiet 170ha mountain bush setting away from the noise and hoo ha of a $1,000,000 public event down in the town. I think lots of people will welcome an alternative celebration. Why not an Adventist sponsored one!"
Entered Allen Foote bigal.foote@xtra.co.nz July 29, 1999
New Berean church
On July 3, 1999 the Berean SDA Church, known as the the "Mother Church" in Atlanta, Ga. officially moved into it's new worship center. The new facility purchased under the leadership of Pastor E.C. Ward contains 50 rooms including the main sanctuary over 3 floors. The increased space allows for increased ministry and community outreach. The South Atlantic Conference President Elder V.J. Mendinghall spoke for the grand opening kicking off a month of celebration. There were no empty seats in the house. On July 10, 1999 the ribbon was cut, by Pastor E.C. Ward , and Elder Calvin Watkins the Personal Ministries Director of the SAC delivered a powerful message to another full house. Elder Charles Bradford will be speaking on July 24, 1999, and the month will conclude on July 31, 1999 by Elder E.C. Ward. Under Pastor Ward's leadership, in less than a year Berean has increased it's worship facility, began a much needed remodeling of the church school, and laid the plans for a brand new school facility to built, and has positioned Berean to meet the challenges that lay ahead for ministry outreach and christian education as we enter the year 2000.
Entered Submitted by Jared Johnson, Local Elder Berean SDA Church and AYS Leader producer cherub3@ix.netcom.com July 29, 1999
Adventist trucker dies
William Lowell Smith, 52 of Roseburg, Oregon passed away July 19, 1999 from injuries sustained in a trucking accident south of McMinnville, and is now asleep in Christ. Bill's life was an example of a true Christian. His witness on the highways was an inspiration in the lives of those he came in contact with. A Deacon in the Glide Seventh-day Adventist Church, Bill's love for his Lord and his family was an inspiration to all. He witnessed on the highways and those he came in contact with. Memorial Services were held Monday, July 26, 1999 at 11am in the Glide Seventh-day Adventist Church, on Hwy 138 about 17 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon. Pastor Charles Todd officiated.
Entered The Dream Team davidc@wmni.net July 29, 1999
Mission Trip to South Africa
The Capital Memorial SDA Church in Washington, DC is sponsoring a Mission Tour to help build a church in Bisho, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Bisho church has obtained a lovely building lot between two other well-built churches.They now meet in an auditorium under the Sports Stadium, and urgently need a decent place to worship. The tour leaves JFK in New York, 11:10 January 13, and after the work session in Bisho, will visit Cape Town and Johannesburg and return to JFK Tuesday morning, Feb. 1.The cost for transportation is $1224 plus tax (70?). Housing, food and local transportation will be approx. $500.A deposit of $100 is due immediately. Make check to:GC Travel and send to Ann Troy, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD20904-6600.For more info. E-mail: otroy@juno.com.
Entered Owen Troy otroy@juno.com June 28, 1999
Adventist standards examined
Seventh-day Adventist standards are exaimed at the Arizona conference camp meeting this month. Pastor Dan Smith addressed the standards among Adventists such as movie going, dancing, music and Sabbath keeping. He was inspired by the Valuegenesis study and his deep love and concern over our young people leaving the church. His series, "Keeping the Gold", is available on audio cassette. For information contact by email, KSWagner2@aol.com. Pastor Dan invites us to keep the gold in our standards by not letting them drop to brass, but he also invites us to use our head to work these issues out.
Entered KSWagner2@aol.com June 28, 1999
SDAs win two awards
Adventist Heritage Ministry won two awards at the recent Battle Creek Historic District Commission's annual award ceremony. One was awarded for the "spectacular" way the bank building was restored to its original beauty. The other was for the "dramatic way the Historic Adventist Village is developing, especially in the replication of the Second Meeting House and the placement of the two-story Log Cabin."
Entered Monday Fax June 19, 1999
50th anniversary concert
Two concerts this weekend at Glendale California celebrated the 50th anniversary of Faith For Today. Dan Matthews and Virginia Fagal with the Faith for Today Quartet and King's Herald were featured singers.
Entered May 16, 1999
New Ellen White study center
Weimar College will set up an Ellen White study center in its library. The project will cost $10,000 and will include CD facilities, microfiche and shelf documents.
Entered May 14, 1999
Radio WAUS raises $42,000
More than $42,000 was raised during the WAUS 90.7-FM spring fund drive, held April 8 to 15. The exact figure, $42,680, was a record high for the station's spring fund drive and surpassed last year's mark by more than $4,000. But even more context underscores the mounting community support for the region's preeminent classical music station. The $38,000 raised in spring 1998 bested the prior record by $3,000. Dudgeon said the community support for WAUS continues to rise thanks, in part, to the station's efforts to educate listeners. "When we tell people about how much they are needed, our generous listeners always respond," she said. WAUS members account for 28 percent of the station's $330,000 operating budget, Andrews subsidizes 45 percent, and the rest is funded through area business underwriting and miscellaneous revenue streams, including rental of WAUS tower space to local cellular phone companies. During the spring fund-raiser more than 173 listeners became members through pledges of financial support and 465 listeners renewed their memberships. Classical WAUS 90.7-FM is a non-commercial public station owned and operated by Andrews University as a service to the Michiana area.
Entered May 14, 1999
Andrews president's award
Bert Beach and Faith Rohrbough were awarded the Andrews President's Award Medallion on April 13 in a ceremony at Andrews University. The medallion, which was first established in 1997, recognizes the contributions of individuals who mirror the values of Andrews University. Through lives of noteworthy humanitarian service, faithful denominational employment or exemplary professional achievement, medallion recipients serve as role models for Andrews students. "The best way to live life 'to the fullest' is to advance noble causes," said Gary Ross, assistant to the president. "Both Drs. Beach and Rohrbough have done this, and they are richly deserving of this medallion."
Entered Jack Stenger jack@andrews.edu May 14, 1999
Mothers Day Flowers
On Sabbath 8 May 35 boarding students at the Lilydale Adventist Academy joined with members of the Academy Church to give a small bunch of flowers to all the mothers in the Church's missionary territory. For Friday evening Vespers the students assisted with making up the bunches. Following a combined 'Sabbath School/Church' the students distributed over 750 bunches of flowers to the mothers of the Lakeview and Blue Ridge Estates in Lilydale. This is the third year that the Academy Church has given out flowers on the Sabbath before Mothers Day. Fathers Day we plan to again give chocalate bars to all the fathers in the area. Last year our Ingathering doubled, who knows how the Lord will bless this year.
Entered pmead@centris.ains.net.au pmead May 11, 1999
Band surprised itself
A Melbourne Adventist youth band surprised themselves by raising $20,000 for orphans in Africa. The band "Brassed Off" had sold only 250 tickets for their concert, and at the most expected 500 people to attend. However, 750 arrived, giving them the big bonus for orphans.
Entered The Record May 11, 1999
Preacher of year on TV again
Ian Sweeney, the British pastor who won last year's Times Preacher of the Year competition, was on television again last Sunday evening as a guest on Melvyn Bragg's new religious discussion series "Two Thousand Years". Pastor Sweeney was on a panel of three, sitting between the liberal Anglican bishop David Jenkins, and Jewish scholar Professor George Steiner. Those who watched the show felt that Ian handled the situation well and testify that his views were far more popular with the audience than those of the other panellists. Seventh-day Adventists will have been represented in the first three programmes of this major new television series, either on the panel or in the studio audience. "This is a significant development and is perhaps an indication of the level of recognition we are now receiving in the Christian community," says the British Union's communications director John Surridge.
Entered April 30, 1999
Newbold responds to Balkan crisis
Newbold College and church community have responded to the Balkan crisis, by turning what should have been a week of Spiritual Ephasis into a week of fund raising events to support ADRA's operations in the Balkans. Starting with a charity concert on 24th April right through the week there will be different events, such as a car boot sale, a movie marathon, helping with the packing of the ADRA trucks in Watford, culminating in the performance of the musical "The Dreamer" on Friday 30th April. "This is a great opportunity to promote Christian values of love for all people in very practical ways," says Newbold's Dave Lorencin of david@youthpages.org
Entered April 26, 1999
21 Adventist pastors at Willow Creek
On Wednesday April 17, 21 Seventh-day Adventist pastors joined four hundred Anglicans, Pentecostals, Salvation Army, Methodists and other denominations for an "Adventures in Evangelism" seminar sponsored by the Willow Creek Association, Chicago, USA. The main speakers, Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg are leaders in the organisation that has become famous in Christian circles around the world, for its "Seeker Services" and reaching the secular mind. The opening presentation, "If Jesus Lived in My House" emphasised the "unexpected adventure" for Christians who would work and pray for their neighbours and close contacts. The "One, One, One" method of a group of Christians agreeing to pray for one minute for one person at one o’clock each day, was featured. After two further presentations, "Evangelism that looks like you" and "Taking risks to reach Sceptics like Me" the day concluded with an exploration of the use of alternative worship styles. Whatever the views of the participating Adventist pastors, two things can be said about the seminar: it was very well organised, and Willow Creek have a clear vision for meaningful and relevant contemporary evangelism. Certainly the day offered useful pointers and stimulated the mind to evaluate our own evangelistic methods and styles.
Entered from Dalbert Elias delias@adventist.org.uk in BUC news April 24, 1999
A Romanian TAGnet planned
A group of Adventists hope to set up the equivalent of TAGnet in Romania. (TAGnet is the internet service that provides free internet website hosting for Adventists -- including hosting the adventist.fm website.) "We provide biblical materials for children, youth and adults, centred arround the Romanian Bible Online, created by us," says the group's president Lucian Mihailescu of azs@cicnet.ro. "Our materials are in the Romanian and English languages. We just started a new site with Romanian E.G. White writings Online. Also we provide believes, prayer page, news, links, guestbook, other SDA organizations or SDA ministries web pages. We want to become a Romanian Tagnet! We don't have yet the equipment and we are praying to God for opportunities," he says. To contact or help the group, so to www.cicnet.ro/educatie/bis-adv, www.tagnet.org/intercer, and azs@cicnet.ro. Or phone Phone (040)-043-230830
Entered April 24, 1999
St Thomas crusade wins 81
Eighty-one persons were baptized in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, as a result of the 21st Century Crusade for Christ, reports InterAmerican Division News. The program was taken directed by Evangelist L. V. McMillan, associate ministerial secretary of the IAD. He was assisted by Pastors Desmond James, Silton Browne, Ammaran Williams and Sr. Winston Richards. Hundreds of people attended the three- week crusade held six nights per week, during which evangelist McMillan gave practical demonstration of a well-organized program where Christ was the center of the preaching. The North Caribbean Conference hosted the Field School and the crusade. The 15 pastors and evangelists who attended came from Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados and St Croix. The participants of the Field School had practical hands-on experience in leading those who attended the crusade into a personal relationship with Christ, as they visited the beautiful hills and tourist-oriented section of St. Thomas. The Field School and Evangelist McMillan's participation in the crusade ended on March 14; however, associate Evangelist Desmond James will continue the meetings for two more weeks and it is expected that the total number of baptisms from these meetings will be around 120.
Entered IAD News April 23, 1999
Students in Romania
Weimar College students Richard Constantinescu and David Currier recently spent four weeks in Romania, first assisting an Oregon evangelistic team in Poiana Mare and then attending a youth conference in Peretu. At both locations they shared the FAST (Bible Memorizing) program leaving 1,000 vinyl pocket verse packs and 25,000 blank verse cards with workers, children, orphans, and church members. They also laid the groundwork for a ten week FAST Discipleship and Scripture Memory Course they hope to hold later this year.
Entered Weimar News 4/21/99 April 23, 1999
Bronz running computer classes
The Communications Department of Co-op City SDA Church in the Bronx will be conducting Spring-Summer Computer classes for all ages, beginning May 1st, 1999. Communications Director of the church Trevor Ducreay says the program will include classes in web page design and Adventist research online. He also says the program will serve as an entering wedge in reaching Bronx youth. Venue: Church basement
Entered Trevor Ducreay tarduke@hotmail.com Communications Director Co-op City SDA Church 1010 Baychester Avenue Bronx 718-320-0518 coopcity@hotmail.com April 23, 1999
Local church holds children's crusade
A one week children's crusade was held by the Maranatha Church on St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean. It was entirely conducted by children aged five to 13 years old. It ran from April 11 to 17 during the schools' Easter Vacation. The various child preachers focussed on the fruits of the Spirit. The children will continue working with the interests from the crusade.
Entered April 20, 1999
Youth trained in social activity
About 500 youth from St Lucia Mission were trained in conducting socials for youth on a Saturday night last month by the Caribbean Union Conference Youth Director. Pastor Dottin, the Union Youth Director explained how to ensure that careful planning takes place so that the games and social programs succeed.
Entered April 20, 1999
Former PM addresses New York church
The Former Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, was special guest speaker at the New Rochelle Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Rochelle, New York last Sabbath (April 17). Sir Lynden, accompanied by his wife, Lady Pindling and several Bahamian government dignitaries and SDA church officials, spoke during the Divine Hour service. He highlighted several biblical leaders who, though possessing less than stellar qualities in character, were still used by God to accomplish His will. The former Prime MInister, now retired, has become an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Bahamas.
Entered Michael B. Davis Communication Secretary, Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church Laurelton, New York, USA. April 20, 1999
Signs along road
There is a movement in Greater Tampa bay area. In essence we 1. read Steps to Christ 2. receive a button and certificate. 3. start a small fellowship 4. put out signs a long the road to get interest 5. wait for the phone calls 6. respond to the phone calls 7. run them through the Discover Video Series 8. invite them to our fellowships 9. get them involved in fishing 10. invite them to a Revelation series by the pastor. 11. Pastor Baptizes them 12. we nuture them. To learn more about this pilot program e-mail SYTJ@msn.com
Entered John Herscher herscher@gte.net April 20, 1999
Newbold holiday outreach
Sixty four students and staff from Newbold College gave up their spring holiday in March to preach, teach and share expertise in Croatia, Ireland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and Egypt. In Croatia a group taught English language, information technology and management skills to students at the college and school in Marusevec. Nathan Stickland (Vice President of the Newbold Ministerial Association) led a team of four to Londonderry, Ireland. Their time was spent going from door-to-door signing up people for the Discover Bible School correspondence course. The group also spent 4 days conducting a door-to-door church awareness survey in the town of Banbury. The largest group to leave Newbold was the choir. Thirty-eight students and staff sang their way through Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Dr Jeffrey Brown and a team of students joined with staff members at the Nile Union Academy to run a series of revival and evangelistic meetings. On Sabbath, 20 March, over a quarter of the academy students were baptised as was Newbold student Matthew Shafer. The Newbold team, co-ordinated by student Clyde Moore (President of the Newbold Ministerial Association), also visited interested people and conducted daily outreach programmes in the Heliopolis church. "The team brought a spirit of youthful enthusiasm and has been a great blessing," says Pastor Farouk, the local church pastor. "We will continue with evangelistic meetings and Bible classes to follow up the excellent work that was begun."
Entered April 17, 1999
Deaf Ministries website enlarged
Canadian Deaf Ministries has just revised and enlarged their "Canadian Deaf Ministry" web site on Tagnet. The web site is an evangelistic tool to reach deaf and hard of hearing world-wide. The Web Site Address is: www.tagnet.org/deafministry. The site has been expanded from four to six sections. It contains printed materials geared to the needs of those who are linquistically limited. Sections include items on Family, Health, the Spiritual, Prayer Ministry and Deaf Ministry. The Deaf Ministry section includes all major resources available in the SDA church for the Deaf. This section also includes materials for parents of deaf children, as well as those becoming deaf. This section provides links to a wealth of resources in the world of the deaf. The Canadian Deaf Ministry site includes 103 direct links to other sites. It is closely tied in with the Adventist Deaf Ministry web site which offers online Easy English Bible Guides for the Deaf. The site is prepared by Pastor and Mrs. John Blake of Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, in conjunction with deaf members in Alberta. Pastor Blake is the Coordinator for the Alberta Conference of SDA Deaf Ministry Department.
Entered by canadiandm@attcanada.net canadiandm@attcanada.net April 5, 1999
In traction in Texas
Houston's Life Flight transported John Irvine from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to Houston yesterday afternoon after being injured on an Adventist building project (see earlier story). John is alert and awake and talking...and doing well. He tolerated the flight well. He's registered as William John Irvine, Room J-511, Herman Hospital, 6411 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030. He is in traction to keep proper alignment of the bones in his pelvis, and he is on pain medication...the pump that lets him administer his own. The orthopedic surgeons have scheduled surgery for Friday to put in plates in his pelvis, so then he won't need to remain in traction. After surgery he will be able to get around in a wheelchair...and will be on crutches for 4 to 6 weeks. The surgeons have decided not to do surgery on his hand for the dislocated fingers since he isn't moving around a lot. His hand has been casted, and she said that they thought that would keep it immobilized enough to heal. At this point, the plan is for John to remain in Houston for about 4 days after surgery, then be flown to Oklahoma for recovery and rehab.
Entered April 2, 1999
Health message for all Adventists
Malaita Mission in the South Pacific is planning to run health promotion programs in every Adventist village. A committee of church members is promoting and coordinating the project to have Adventist members support the heatlh message.
Entered March 30, 1999
Fiji result one of the best
Fiji has had one of its best-ever evangelism results with a program by Pastor Orisi Lutu baptising 134 people. The program was held at Waimicia, 100 km (60 miles) from the capital Suva.
Entered March 30, 1999
Volunteer injured
This afternoon (Sunday) Mt Ellis Academy junior John Irvine was injured while working on a roof as a volunteer in Huoduras. He was walking across on a beam, the beam was rotten, and he fell. He was immediately taken to the Honduras mainland to San Pedro Sula to a new hospital and at this time is under the care of a Seventh-day Adventist orthopedist at that hospital. Dr. Jay Jutzy and Pastor Bill Smith are with him. His parents have been notified. At this time, we know that he has injuries to his pelvis and his hip. His condition is racondition is rated as stable. He is undergoing a complete body MRI.
Entered TJGeraci TJGeraci@gomontana.com March 29, 1999
Granny Collars Intruder
An intruder was collared by an elderly grandmother at the Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church in Laurelton, New York last sabbath. The incident, though unrelated to the recent carjacking at the church, is the result of increased vigilance by church members in response to the earlier crime. The youthful intruder, dressed in ragged street clothes, reportedly walked into the church from the street, continued past several members and was headed to the basement of the church when he was challenged by the alert grandmother. She quizzed him on his reason for his presense in the church to which he wheeled around and left the church.
Entered by Michael Davis Communication Secretary, Lebanon Seventh-day Adventist Church Laurelton, New York, USA. March 27, 1999
Adventist apprentice of the year
A 19 year old Adventist from Bendigo, Australia won the local Apprentice of the Year Award on March 18. He is a cabinet maker known for his honesty, integrity and eye for perfection. He is well Involved with his church including Pathfinders and is known as and always willing to help.
Entered by Lynda Fish fishy@netcon.net.au March 19, 1999
Building in Brazil
For their senior class trip Weimar Academy seniors spent eighteen days in Brazil where they helped construct one of twelve new churches to be completed in Sao Paulo by the year 2000. The Institute Adventista Sao Paulo, an Adventist academy near the church, hosted them. Besides helping with construction, class members presented several programs such as vespers, worship programs for the school, and the sermon at a local church one Sabbath. The amazingly close bond the class made with local construction workers in spite of the language barrier highlighted their trip.
Entered from Weimar News March 18, 1999
Program seeking former youth
Toowoomba Central Church in Australia is running a program to attract young people back to church. They developed a list of all youth presently attending and those no longer attending. Then they invited them to a sit-down lunch in the new church facilities. They had 130 attending.
Entered March 18, 1999
Montana students head for Honduras
Students and staff at Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana, leave Monday, March 22, for a two-week mission trip over spring break to repair and rebuild houses and the two SDA schools on the small island of Guanaja, off the coast of Honduras. I log on to adventist.fm nearly every day and appreciate so much the news that you have from all over the world. It's been great to keep in touch with what church members are doing around the world. Thank you for your ministry with this. It's as valuable to us at the member level as the Review.
Entered by Twyla Geraci of TJGeraci@gomontana.com March 18, 1999
Deliverance in New York
Two years after a successful March 1997 concert tour to New York City, the Deliverance gospel choir of Andrews University will return to the Big Apple for a four-day, six-concert tour. Some 40 members of the 80-member choir will perform on Friday evening, March 19, at the 700-member Kingsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brooklyn. On Saturday, the group will give three concerts, first during Sabbath School at the 500-member East New York Seventh-day Adventist Church. The group will then sing during divine services at the 1,200-member Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church. Both churches are in Brooklyn. Since a significant percentage of Deliverance's 80 members are from metropolitan New York, the tour represents something of a homecoming. "Our families and friends all come out, and a lot of people from our churches get to see that we are alive and well and that we're still singing," said Patrick Graham, Deliverance director. Graham, himself a New York native, is a second-year master of divinity student in the Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews. The group's next two concerts will see the Andrews students singing before large audiences in two of the most significant African-American churches in New York City, the Baptist Temple and Concord Baptist Church, both in Brooklyn. On Saturday night at the Baptist Temple, Deliverance will open a concert that features nationally known recording group Annointed and gospel artist Kelly Williams. On Sunday morning, the choir will sing during services at Concord Baptist. Both concerts will give the group wide exposure to primarily non-Adventist audiences. "Up to this point, there really hasn't been an Adventist choir like us that has sung in these churches," Graham said. "When they ask us 'Where are you from?' we're going to tell them we're from Andrews and that we're Seventh-day Adventists. We're excited because we know that our music is a powerful witnessing tool for our church's message." The choir will conclude its New York tour with a Sunday- night concert at the 400-member Solid Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church in Queens. The tour is sponsored by Andrews University and host churches in the Northeastern Conference. Students also raised funds to cover trip and transportation costs. During the six concerts, the group will sing several songs from its recently released compact disc. Choir members have sold more than 700 copies of the self-titled "Deliverance" CD and hope to sell more in New York. A goal for the choir is to sell 2,500 copies of the album before the end of the 1998-99 school year. Funds raised from the sales go toward academic scholarships for choir members. For information about Deliverance or its new recording, call (616)471-6362.
Entered March 18, 1999
Adventists testify about Maryland law
Two Seventh-day-Adventist attorneys testified before a Maryland Assembly committee hearing on a state Religious Freedom Restoration bill on March 9. Nicholas Miller, Executive Director of the Council on Religious Freedom and Paul Rivera, a Maryland attorney, strongly supported the bill that would increase the level of religious liberty protection available in Maryland. But they also cautioned that the proposal to exclude prisoners from protection under the bill was contrary to America's long tradition of safeguarding the religious rights of all its citizens. Pointing out that the state of Maryland was founded to provide a haven for an unpopular religious minority, Miller said that, "Prisoners may not be a popular group in our society, but they still have a duty to worship God." He also told the Assembly committee that "to exclude prisoners from religious freedom protection would weaken the substance and security of that freedom for the rest of us because it provides a precedent for excluding unpopular groups." Rivera, who deals with civil rights issues, told members of the Assembly panel that the Religious Freedom Restoration bill was tremendously important to people of faith. But he added that "Religious freedom must be universal: for mainstream religions, religious minorities, the clergy and the laity, which includes our brothers and sisters in the prisons." The Maryland Religious Freedom Restoration bill is part of a larger, nationwide effort by religious groups and civil rights leaders to restore the traditional higher level of religious liberty protection in the United States. Since 1990, a series of Supreme Court decisions have dramatically cut back on national religious freedom protection. The Council on Religious Freedom, based in Rockville, Maryland, and other Seventh-day Adventist religious liberty leaders are active across the country in efforts to introduce Religious Freedom Restoration bills in a number of states, including Hawaii, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Entered March 18, 1999
Adventist Doctor Featured in NY Times
Dr. Linda Ferry, Chief of the Preventative Medicine Section at the Jerry L. Pettis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Loma Linda, California, was featured in The New York Times last week, in recognition of her successful medical research and treatment against nicotine addiction. Ferry was the first to propose the combination treatment of an anti-depressant, nicotine replacement and counseling to increase the chance of success among people who are trying to give up smoking. The treatment involves bupropion, a drug originally developed as a treatment for depression, and varying dosages of nicotine replacement delivered through patches, gum, nasal spray or inhalers. Counseling is tailored to each individual patient. The New York Times reported that the new treatment is now being widely used in clinics around the country, including the center in Loma Linda; the University of Wisconsin in Madison; the Army base at Fort Knox, Ky., and the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic, as well as private clinics. The success rates of 40 percent to 60 percent that were achieved in preliminary studies of this new treatment, were significant in comparison to the 10 percent to 26 percent success rates among smokers who try to quite by using nicotine replacement alone, according to the The New York Times. Ferry identifies her faith as vital to her work. She believes God placed her where she could help and invited others to do the same. "I ask my patients if they have a spiritual basis for their lives — do you talk to God, do you ask for help? In my stop-smoking class I emphasize that. At the end of my lectures I tell them ‘God bless you and I'll be praying for you.'"
Entered March 18, 1999
Lesson on tape
James Harrison To: philward@beachaccess.com.au For the last nine years New Zealand Adventist James Harrison has been recording the Sabbath school lesson on cassette tapes. He sends it to those who cannot attend church, who are too old to read the lesson properly, or who teach junior classes etc. At times his personal ministry was going to 60 people all over New Zealand.
Entered March 14, 1999
Ethiopia mission
A youth mission run by volunteers opens in Ethiopia in a week's time. The plan is that the mission will build a new church. The project has its own website http://members.aol.com/jrhall2946 designed to show what a group of volunteers can do.
Entered by restore1@email.msn.com March 7, 1999
Member 100 years old
The Johnson Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, Nassau, Bahamas will honor its oldest member, Mary Moncur on Sabbath, April 3, 1999. She will be 100 year old on Friday, April 1, 1999. Mary Moncur is the first Seventh-day Adventist in the Bahamas to reach the age of 100. There have been several who were 95, 98 etc. There is another member in the church -- Maggie Major who is presently 96. The special Sabbath Service with be attend by many of her more than 500 decendents. The Bahamas Govenor General, Sir Orville Turnquest will be a special guest at the Sabbath Service. Mary Moncur is still active with a sound mind. Excellent hearing and sight. Her only problem is her knees which prevents her to coming regularly to church. However, she trys to keep her vegetable garden growing good vegetables. (For more information contact Pastor Barrington H. Brennen, church pastor at P.O. Box N896, Nassau, Bahamas, or 242 393 2818 or 242 394 7262 or email: bbrennen@batelnet.bs
Entered March 7, 1999
Joyce Brothers to speak
Sonora Community Hospital presents Dr. Joyce Brothers in a special presentation April 14th at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, California. Tickets are $10. A special more private luncheon with Dr. Brothers is available for an additional $15. Reserve tickets early. Program time is 10:30 AM. Call Paul Tharp @1-800-235-7203. e-mail to:tharppr@sch.ah.org.
Entered from email by Paul/Jean Tharp prt@goldrush.com Feb 1, 1999
Adventist receives MBE
On Thursday 26 November, Myrtle Roole went to the Palace to collect her MBE where Prince Charles officiated. She was accompanied by members of her family who were visiting with her from Florida and around the USA. On Sabbath a Thanksgiving service was held in Stratford church to thank God for the success and honour she received for her work in the community. Myrtle Roole was awarded the MBE in recognition of 35 years of voluntary work within the community which started with a feeding programme for the homeless in London. Over the years she has built up a wide range of contacts with influential people within the community and has helped to bring many to a knowledge of the work and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Entered by BUC News, Dec 15, 1998
Award winning preacher on TV
Pastor Ian Sweeney, who ministers in the Sheffield district in England, appeared on the "Heaven and Earth Show" on Sunday morning. He was interviewed in connection with the finals of the Times newspaper 'Preacher of the Year Award', the final of which will take place on 27 November.
Entered from BUC News Nov 22, 1998
Fourteen baptised
Fourteen people were baptised last Sabbath at Holloway Church in England and their pastor, Dr Brighton Kavaloh has reported enthusiastically of how the church was packed throughout the Net98 campaign. Some 300 non-Adventist visitors registered and many of these attended consistently. Another baptism is planned for 5 December, when around 10 candidates, some of them "cold" contacts from the Net 98 campaign, will be baptised bringing the total Net 98 harvest to 24. "The Net 98 campaign has been an enriching experience to both Seventh-day Adventist believers and non-believers alike," said Dr Kavaloh.
Entered from BUC News Nov 22, 1998
Net98 baptism at Battle Creek
A year ago Mary Davis and her young adult son attended an Amazing Facts evangelistic series at the historic Battle Creek Tabernacle church (once the headquarters church for the world). Although her son was baptized, Mary held back because of her responsibilities at her Methodist church. She bargained with God to complete her year of service there before committing to the Bible truths she had learned. Meanwhile, she faithfully attended the weekly services at the Tabernacle (including NET ‘98) and continued to study the Bible with an associate pastor there. On October 14 Mary was fully moved and responded to Dwight Nelson's altar call and made her total surrender to Christ. She asked to be baptized the following Sabbath and became the "first fruits" of the Tabernacle harvest from the Net98 series.
Entered from email of Ludi Leito, 74617.1575@compuserve.com, Nov 21, 1998
New church sprouts from Net98
Pastor Carmelo Mercado, of the Ft. Wayne First Anglo Church in Indiana, reports that a new church plant has resulted from NET '98 in his district. Led by lay pastor Ray Alexander, the Wolf Lake Hispanic church decided to host NET '98 in a rented church in a neighboring county. They brought a satellite system to the church (which had been left empty and unused for some time) and covered the town of Wolcottville with flyers. Twelve visitors attended consistently and six were baptized on November 14 in that church. Wolf Lake Church voted to plant church there, with key members taking charge of the new company. Current Wolf Lake church membership? A total of 23. Pastor Mercado, who also served as the NAD NET '98 Hispanic coordinator, says at least eight people will be baptized in the Fort Wayne Anglo church from the series.
Entered from email of Ludi Leito, 74617.1575@compuserve.com, Nov 21, 1998
Boys Choir homecoming
The internationally-renowned BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM began in 1968 as the Ephesus Boys Choir, based in the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church In this 30th Anniversary year, Ephesus and BCH Inc. are calling ALL past members and supporters of Ephesus Boys Choir and Boys Choir of Harlem, NOT MATTER WHEN, OR HOW LONG THEY PARTICIPATED to come home! It is on Saturday, November 28, 1998. If you know of past participants or supporters, please let us know!
Entered from email of Clinton Aurelien, fgourdet@bakerbotts.com, Nov 17, 1998
Sermons on real video
Digital Dove is the first service to broadcast SDA Church sermons using RealVideo each week via the internet. Digital Dove is run by the Red Willow Community Church based in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. It's on line at: www.tagnet.org/redwillow or www.digitaldove.org.
Entered by Michael Maier, office@digitaldove.org, Nov 17, 1998
Reversing obesity
Sonora Community Hospital/Adventist Health is sponsoring the 3-day WEIMAR INSTITUTE program REVERSING DIABETIS AND OBESITY. This is a 3 day live-in program to be held in the Sierra Foothills of California in the United States, January 10-11-12, 1999. For a brochure and more information call 1-800-235-7203, or email tharppr@sch.ah.org.
Entered by Paul Tharp, prt@soundassurance.org, Nov 15, 1998
Local churches help Mitch victims
In the aftemath of Hurricane Mitch, some local American Adventist Churches have done extraordinary work to help the victims. Adventist churches in Louisiana sent 30 twenty-foot containers with food and medicine for the Island of Roatan. Hispanic Adventist churches in New York City and New Jersey sent one container each of relief materials. And Adventist churches in La Sierra, California, sent one container of beans and some medicine.
Entered by Phil Ward, Nov 12, 1998
Small church attempts big things
A small country church with only 30-40 people attending has proved that small churches can attempt great things. Ballina Adventist Church in Australia is producing and marketing an audio version of the Australian "Signs of the Times." The audio cassette is designed for outreach. People can use it in cars, for blind people, and to lend to non-Adventists. The project has a new website under development at TAGnet. It is www.tagnet.org/audio-signs.
Entered: Phil Ward -- November 10, 1998

Adventist Church wins Web Award
After only 3 months on the web, Maitland Adventist Church has been awarded the DISTINCTIVE CHURCHES COLLECTION "Best International Church Site" Award for November 1998. The site provides links to the very best church pages within and beyond the Adventist Church, as well as news and plans for its Youth Group and other departments. One of its most effective tools is PASTOR ON-LINE - direct access to Ed Parker, missionary, teacher, chaplain and pastor. The site is at http://www.tagnet.org/maitland or http://members.tripod.com/maitlandSDA. Webmaster Ernie Scott, who upgrades the sites each month is enthusiastic, and recognises the DISTINCTIVE award as an affirmation of the need for powerful, interesting and effective Christian sites on the www.
Entered: "schulz" -- Nov 8, 1998

Radio rebroadcasts Net98
The Christian manager of a radio station in Albury Australia is so impressed by Net98 he is rebroadcasting the Net98 TV program each evening on his radio station.
Entered: Phil Ward - Nov 8, 1998

Bacchiocchi Sabbath Enrichment seminars
Last Sabbath in Boston about 1000 persons attended each session of my popular Sabbath Enrichment seminar. The Temple Salen SDA Church was literally packed with some people standing. If you live close to St. Louis, Missouri, you are welcomed to attend the same seminar this coming weekend November 13,14. The seminar will be held at the St. Louis Central SDA Church, located at 5 North Skinner, St. Louis, MO 63105. For directions call Pastor Mark Johnson at (314)991-0062. We expect a capacity crowd since several churches are participating in this event.
Entered: From email of Samuele Bacchiocchi sbacchiocchi@qtm.net - Nov 8, 1998

6000 books for African library
The efforts of a local church in Britain has resulted in a new libarary in a church school in Zimbabwe. A "Books for Africa" project collected 6000 books in the UK and shipped them to Africa. And it's not just the books, there's a newly-built library to house them. It's all happening at Makomba High School in an area so remote it has no electricity, no water and no reliable transport system. The new library will not only be used by the school, but by the community. It is the only library serving 1000 square miles -- with the nearest library being more than 50 miles away.
Entered: Phil Ward - October 28, 1998

Miami Church helps Honduras
An emergency Hurricane Mitch relief effort for the Honduras will take place Sunday November 1, 10am-7.30pm at the Miami Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. The victims of the hurricane have many needs -- virtually everything to do with housing, clothing, food, water and health. A sample list includes: water, non perishable foods, baby foods, baby clothing, shoes for all ages, clothing for all ages, bedding, soap, toiletries, towels and first aid supplies. Thanks to the Hyde Shipping Company, we will be sending these items to the Honduras early Monday morning.
Entered: Miami Temple Church press release - October 28, 1998

Nominated for best sermon
One of the world's leading newspapers, "The Times" of London, has nominated a Seventh-day Adventist sermon as best sermon of the year. The sermon is by Pastor Ian Sweeney, minister of three local SDA churches (at Chesterfield, Sheffield Carter Knowle, and Sheffield Burngreave). His sermon has also been published in "The Fourth Times Book of Best Sermons," edited by Ruth Gledhill.
Entered: Phil Ward - October 15, 1998

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