NN June 2020 Page 4

By Jose Cortes, Jr – Columbia, Maryland . . . “I can’t breathe…”

“Mama, mama…”

“I need water… I can’t breathe”

These were the words that kept me, my wife and our two teenage sons, glued to the screen, as we watched George Floyd’s life slowly slip away, as a white police officer knelt on his neck. Yes we were watching the last moments of a man’s life, on the pavement, handcuffed, begging for air, water, mama, with the knee of a cruel man on his neck. Tears, sadness, and hurt filled my heart as my stomach tightened with anger. The human being in me, knew this had to be wrong. The United States citizen in me, knew this was definitely illegal. The Christian in me knew this was sinful, a commandment was definitely being broken. And the Pastor in me, knew for sure this was morally reprehensible.

As I watched in horror, I knew that something had to be done, I had to do something, but what can a Pastor and a disciple of Jesus do in the face of injustice, discrimination, and crime?

Here are a few things we can do to start with:

Pray

Pray for George’s family and the families of others who have recently been killed unjustly. Pray for communities who have been victims of prejudice and continue to suffer from racism and discrimination today, not only in Minneapolis but right in your city. Pray for the perpetrators of injustice and crimes regardless of their despicable actions. Jesus died for them too.

Connect

Call, text, FaceTime an African American family, a colleague, a friend, ask the question “How are you?” Listen, and offer your genuine condolences.

Although we should all be heart-broken and enraged by this act of violence and the ones that have preceded it, we know that our African American brothers and sisters are bearing the most abundant share of the pain. It is African American moms and dads who worry as their sons go out for a jog or a drive, knowing that something could go wrong anytime. They have the right to feel that way because of past and current history, a history that other communities have not experienced or endured. Their worries, concerns, and fears are real. This is once again the time to support our African-American colleagues and communities. They should not have to bear the pain and defend themselves at the same time.

Speak

Use your platform to speak up against what is wrong, denounce racism, discrimination, and demand change. This is something all disciples of Jesus can do, but Pastors are leaders, not only within the walls of the church but beyond in the community. As disciples of Jesus we are the moral compass in our communities and the spiritual voice in our nation, and we should not give up our God-given mandate. We are not here to echo what others, who are not in tune with God are saying, we are here to lead and serve like the prophets of old.

Don’t buy the mythical and failed argument which continues to empower racists, abusers, and perpetrators, which proposes that advocating for people’s right to live is political. It is not political, it is human, it is right, and Jesus would have addressed it. As His followers we ought to! As disciples of Jesus and ministers of the gospel it is our duty to uphold the sanctity of life, and to speak up for the right to live, not only of the unborn but also for the born.

If the death of George Floyd bothered you, if you feel that it was morally reprehensible, please don’t stay quiet, say something. If you believe that Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others were taken from us too soon due to racism, speak up. Use the gifts and the influence that God has given you to bless your community. Staying quiet in the face of human pain, discrimination, and abuse is not a characteristic of the followers of Jesus. Queen Esther didn’t, neither did the Apostle Paul, nor Jesus. It is time to make it clear that as disciples of Jesus we do not stand for discrimination, injustice, and murder.

The Bible is clear:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  (Proverbs 31:8,9)

——Pastor Jose Cortes Jr., is an Associate Director of the Ministerial Association and leads Evangelism, Church Planting, and Adventist/Global Mission for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Photo supplied

This article was originally published on the NAD Ministerial Website.

By Ron Price — Farmington, New Mexico . . . Like you, I hate what is going on in our country right now. And while I do not pretend to have all the answers, I’m confident that what you are about to hear, in the video I created, plays a major role in racism, and many other relationship difficulties.

I created a video to share my reflections and suggestions on what to do.  To watch please click here.

–Ron Price is a member of the RMC executive committee from Farmington, New Mexico. Email him at: [email protected]

Lincoln, Nebraska . . . Response to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis by Gary Thurber, president, Mid-America Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Click here to watch the video

–This video was originally published on Outlook Magazine Facebook page

By Doug Inglish — Some tragedies are entirely predictable. Sometimes leadership is complacent about real problems. Isaiah records such a situation in the story of Hezekiah, specifically in Chapter 39.

Remember, Hezekiah is one of the good guys, but sometimes good guys don’t have the right attitude or do the right thing. When told of the coming destruction of Judah at the hands of Babylon, his response was that this was good news, because it would not happen until after his time. In a way, his attitude was a precursor to that of Luis XVI who bankrupted the nation with his self-indulgence and shrugged it off by saying (roughly translated,) “After me comes the flood.”

Are you tempted to think that living far away from Minneapolis means you can relax and be thankful it doesn’t concern you? I hope not, because turning a blind eye to racism that is far removed from you is as callous as a king who doesn’t care about what happens after his reign.

For seven years, I lived in the Minneapolis. I consumed the local news, and I can tell you that although I am shocked at what happened to George Floyd, it did not come out of the clear blue. Overly aggressive policing has been endemic there, and this aggression has been overwhelmingly directed toward a minority of the city’s people. Roughly 18 percent of the area population is black, but roughly 75 percent, of traffic stops for equipment violations that led to vehicle searches were conducted on cars occupied by black citizens (“Traffic Stops as Criminal Investigations,” Mary F. Moriarity, MinnPost, 06/06/2019).

That’s not happenstance. It’s evidence of racism. Those who participated in the murder of George Floyd, those who watched and did nothing, those who protected the jobs of those officers and many like them in previous incidents, and those who promise reform to win votes but do nothing in office to change anything, should be held accountable.

But don’t count on it. As Christians, we should demand justice, while understanding that until Jesus returns it will be a frustrating pursuit. We can write articles, join in legitimate protests, and practice true godliness toward all people, but we continue to live where all forms of injustice, including racism, will go on. Only Jesus can make me a more just person, and only His return will bring universal justice.

If you are like me, it’s hard to know how to respond to all of this insanity. I am compelled to express the outrage I feel, but just talking about it seems futile, for reasons I just laid out. But if I let my rage boil over, then I can be guilty of other sins just as heinous as racism. What can anyone do?

We start by recognizing that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19), so violence does not advance our values. From there, we can pray that not only will the guilty be brought to justice, but that reforms will be initiated that bring actual improvements. Finally, we can join peaceful protests, help clean up damage, and support those whose lives have been disrupted or destroyed by the rioting. If you check the websites of various conferences you will find opportunities for positive expression and practical help.

I’m glad that my church is speaking out, and that it provides opportunities to act in concrete ways to support victimized neighborhoods. I hope you can participate in a meaningful way. And like you, I pray for healing.

Jesus said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” (Matthew 5:6, NIV). I believe that applies tous who are crying out for justice and change. But in that same passage, He also said “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (v. 9). So, it is possible to long for justice, speak out and take action, while still being an agent of peace. But it can only happen if Jesus is in your heart.

Hezekiah may have been one of the good guys of the Bible, but he was wrong to shrug off the coming destruction of Jerusalem as something that was not his problem. If I sit back in my relatively safe, small community and decide that racism in the Minneapolis Police Department and riots in Denver are not my problem, I am no different than Hezekiah. So, I say to all of us in relatively safety, “Don’t just sit there; be a force for positive change.”

—Doug Inglishis RMC director planned giving and trust services

By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado . . . America is hurting. America is burning. Can America survive the violence by the men and women who are supposed to protect us? Can America survive those who are destroying businesses in the name of peace and equality?

These are questions many are asking in the wake of the unrest happening across America.

Writing this on Sunday, May 31, I once again find myself locked down in my apartment; this time due to, not the pandemic, but to the violence and destruction happening in Denver.

Fear came frighteningly close to our Conference office over the weekend as the violent uprising moved from downtown Denver into the surrounding neighborhoods. Our country’s issues came too close for comfort. Can we allow the violence and destruction to take place blocks away without doing something, without changing the way we live? We can’t be silent any longer.

Frankly, I’m appalled by the video of the police officer murdering George Floyd, but what can I do?

Racism is just one piece of what is happening in America. Behind it came destruction. It may not affect me, my family, or my church family, but doing nothing doesn’t seem to be the best response.

“As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we cannot sit back quietly at a time like this! When satanic forces create injustice, we must speak up in defense of our brothers and sisters who have no voice,” said Ed Barnett, RMC president, on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Conference. “That [the violence we see] doesn’t give us license to do evil. It gives us license to love like Jesus loved! And believe me that will make a difference.”

Racism is nothing new. It was around long before Christ walked this earth.  When Christ came, He not only came to save us from our sins, but to be an example for us on how to live. He spent a lot of his time with people, who for centuries had been spit upon, beaten down, and yes, even targeted by government and ecclesiastical officials.

“Adventism has long been a movement that has grasped prophecy as necessary and relevant. In this time of upheaval, led by an oppressed group, it is necessary that Adventists acknowledge that in aligning our voices and actions with freeing the oppressed, we continue the prophetic understanding of Adventism,” said Jenniffer Ogden, pastor of Boulder Adventist church.

What did Christ do? Did He march? Did He release a statement on behalf of the temple condemning certain actions? Was He overwhelmed with anger destroying shops in Jerusalem because of the evil and violence He witnessed? Did He give up and let evil win? Did He lose hope?

“To remain silent sends a loud message that I am apathetic about George Floyd’s murder, about the abuse of power, about the racism that leads to actions that demoralize, dehumanize, and minimize, or that my heart isn’t aching for his family and so many of my friends and family who have endured abuse, hatred, and other atrocities like this for way…too…long. Why? Because they don’t fit the narrow mold determined by some as acceptable citizens,” Diane Thurber, commented on Facebook.

“It is not Christlike to remain silent when any segment of our society is being subjected to injustice! We must clearly and loudly speak up to condemn, and actively reject racism and any other form of oppressive evil within our society,” said Daniel Birai, pastor of Fort Collins church. [See full statement below]

I am white, so I don’t know the fear that my brothers and sisters experience whenever they leave their home. “Is this the day I’m going to have a knee held on my neck for nine minutes?”

I’m single, so I don’t know the fear parents experience regarding their children. “Is this the last morning I’ll be able to hug my children before school?”

I’m an American citizen, so I don’t know the fear my immigrant friends experience. “Is this the day ICE will break down my door?”

For some, the fear is unremitting. We live in an evil and fear-filled world. So I ask, where’s the church? Have we ignored Jesus’ words, “Love thy neighbor”?

Is there any hope?

While many people may be losing hope that real change can happen, hope isn’t gone. When we love our neighbor, hope returns, it lives. Where hope lives, Christ lives.

“My voice matters. Let’s be angry, speak up, love and hug everyone and anyone,” commented Rajmund Dabrowski, communication director for RMC. “No might will prevail. Love will. Tears have no color,” he added.

“I admit and recognize that equality and justice have never truly been realized in our nation for some groups of people,” Christopher Morris, associate pastor of Littleton church stated.“I’m going to be intentional and active towards changing that reality.”

“We stand with Jesus as we support and uplift the widow, the orphan, the captive, the impoverished, and the oppressed.” Ogden stated.

Let’s stand up and advance God’s kingdom here by living out hope.

“I love seeing my generation stand up to racism, but is there a place for that in our churches? I believe our church’s response to this blatant and disgusting racism will cause teens and young adults to either lean into or away from the church once again. So, I beseech the church that I love…Step up! Speak out! Say the names of those murdered at the hands of police brutality. Let your actions proclaim that black lives matter. Stop making excuses,” commented Jessyka Dooley, RMC assistant youth director.

“Pursue justice and equality with passion. Do not be lukewarm on the issue of racism or I, and many of my brothers and sisters, will spit you out. This is not a flowery comment on an issue many hesitate around, but rather a plea for our church to be better and live on earth as it is in heaven,” she continued.

Are we going to live a life in an ignorance bliss-bubble, or will we take a step forward and repent for staying quiet too long? Christ has called us to action. He’s been knocking for a long time, and it is high time we answer the door instead of ignoring His invitation to be present where we are. No matter how difficult.

—Jon Roberts with input from Rajmund Dabrowski

Full statement by Daniel Birai:

I have grown up with the idea that our role as Seventh-day Adventists was to preach the “gospel”. This gospel focused on defending the 10 commandments, especially the Sabbath, and a focus on doing the right “things…not going to watch movies, dressing appropriately, not eating meat, and so forth…” Speaking about social issues, such as racism and poverty, or community outreach that wasn’t explicitly aimed at drawing people to a bible study or a Daniel/Revelation seminar wasn’t celebrated, or even encouraged. The thought was that we couldn’t fix everything, and instead needed to keep our eyes on the ball by spreading the “gospel” as far and wide as we can. After all, “Jesus is coming soon!”

As our country and nation dealt with different issues, such as police brutality, treatment of immigrants, among others, I was often counseled some well-meaning friends, loved ones, and church leaders not get mixed up in issues that would cause controversy and division in the church. On the other hand, I watched some friends in the ministry break the norm by actively speaking up about social issues affecting communities and churches. I felt torn. Meanwhile, I witnessed an exodus from the church of fellow millennials due to their perception of a disconnect between our message, Scripture, and our actions. We preach about love for our neighbor, what it means to be a Good Samaritan, defending the weak and the fatherless, while repeatedly walking right past our brothers and sisters in Christ who’ve repeatedly been beaten by our country’s unfair systems and left for dead by the side of the road. We’ve failed to acknowledge their plights, offer words of comfort, or speak on their behalves when our voices could have made a difference.

As I prayed and became a student, listening, asking questions, and thinking, I’ve come to realize that the Bible is very clear about what we Christians ought to do when we witness unfairness and injustice:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31: 8,9.

I have concluded that it is not Christlike to remain quiet when any segment of our society is being subjected to injustice! We must clearly and loudly speak up to condemn, and actively reject racism and any other forms of oppressive evil within our society.

In the words of the great MLK, “[t]he ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people, but the silence over the good people.”

By Samantha Nelson— Cody, Wyoming… After months of closure, the Cody Seventh-day Adventist Church re-opened on May 30 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic forced churches and other establishments to lock up their places of worship. The group of attendees on this first Sabbath back in operation was excited and happy to return to the house of the Lord to worship together. Even though social distancing guidelines were in place, there was a warm and friendly atmosphere and a genuine joy to be together again. It felt like a family reunion!

The church prepared for its re-opening by thoroughly cleaning on Friday, using antiseptic wipes on everything frequently used or touched on Sabbath morning. Masks were provided for those who wanted them, hand sanitizer was available, hymnals and Bibles were stored away, and leadership had their temperatures checked upon arrival to make sure none of them had a fever. Chairs in the sanctuary were spaced appropriately for social distancing guidelines and people sat in family groups.

Sabbath School continued as an online Zoom meeting, and potluck was not held.  The sermon was streamed as usual—something done for years. Many of the church members were already accustomed to worshiping online, so this was an easier transition than other churches might have experienced. Online attendance is quite good and representative of people from the local area as well as throughout the U.S. who tune in to hear God’s Word through streaming video or on the local radio station KODI.

Members were notified through text or email about the re-opening. While the number of attendees was 17, versus the usual 25-30, there were some visitors who joined us. One member brought a guest who had not attended the church previously and he seemed to be blessed by the warm congregational welcome and the message given by Pastor Steve Nelson. Another guest showed up after having contacted the head elder, Troy Jeffers, and she appeared to enjoy getting to know everyone and being part of a church family. She is a Sabbath-keeper and happens to live just a couple blocks from the church. Everyone was happy to see Gib Lehman, retired former head elder, back at church after 105 days. Gib had a stroke in February, shortly before the quarantines and lockdowns began, and he expressed his joy at being able to worship at church again after such a long time away.

All in all, it was a beautiful Sabbath day, made much brighter and more joyful by the opportunity to be together again, even though things were not completely back to “normal.”

–Samantha Nelson is a pastor’s wife and co-founder/CEO of The Hope of Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting victims of clergy sexual abuse and educating clergy and congregations. She writes from Clark, Wyoming. Photo supplied

By Campion Connections — Loveland, Colorado . . . The Campion church came together with HMS Richards school to host a special drive-in Sabbath Vespers for 8th graders.

As members entered the church parking lot, they were greeted by the Nelson family offering snacks.

The vespers began under a cloudy sky that threatened rain, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the 8^th graders.

The evening began with praise music led by Pastor Morss, followed by Pastor Goetz who invited the eight graduates from HMS Richards school and the two home schooled graduates to share a different or awkward moment from the past year as well as a spiritual experience. They shared music preferences, falling off a horse, being shy, and passing out GLOW leaflets, and other results of the quarantine, but they especially thanked Mrs. Jordan and Mr. Bragaw for showing them Jesus and always being here to help them.

Pastor Soriano concluded the evening with a message based on the story of Daniel. He talked about his daughter Eliana liking to shape pancakes, and how God shaped Daniel like a pancake, and is shaping us as pancakes too, if we allow Him to.

HMS Richards school board chair, Jerry Ellquist, congratulated the graduates and announced thegraduation was set for Wednesday evening. Ellquist also thanked each teacher and emphasized their spiritual leadership.

HMS graduates were Gabriel Balbin, Maria Bass, Caleb Gann, Grace Garman, Seth Harmon, Kayli Olsen, Danny Werner and Dominic White . Home-schooled graduates were Celeste Rodriguez and Eden Phillips.

–originally published in Campion Connections; photos supplied

By Kiefer Dooley – Glacier View Ranch, Colorado . . .On Wednesday, May 27 the Glacier View Ranch (GVR) Board met to discuss the current status of GVR and to bring ideas that will move forward the mission of the property, facility and program. Glacier View Ranch exists as a space for people to gather and to experience; to explore ideas, adventure in beautiful places, ignite passions, summit mountains and moments, engage in relationships and to connect with God, as revealed by Jesus Christ in the inspired Word.

Board members arrived promptly at 9:30 am after dodging cyclists from Boulder, winding up the driveway and taking in the beautiful springtime sites that GVR offers up in late May – aspens budding, the sun shining and the damp ground from afternoon showers limiting the amount of dust that normally swirls around throughout the day. Welcomed by a gift of water bottles, N95 masks, gloves, and bottles of hand sanitizer at their socially distanced tables, board members were amused that even the Elk in the Elk Room was following protocol by wearing a mask. As everyone settled in, the meeting opened with the usual chitchat, prayer, and voting of the previous minutes before diving into the day’s agenda.

First, COVID-19 and financials. Because GVR exists as a place for people to gather, the social gathering restrictions imposed by our response to COVID-19 have put a damper on springtime facility usage and financials are down due to COVID-19 cancellation.  Although not something that cannot be overcome, the group cancellations will have a real impact on the bottom line. GVR’s leadership will react by tightening spending and prioritizing only the most urgent projects.

Second, updates to the Board. Adding members to the board has been a priority over the last year as the team has been seeking to add energy, resources and vision to drive our mission forward. The board will be prioritizing the addition of individuals who care deeply about GVR, represent the vast areas of the RMC, and bring resources that will drive our mission forward. Vanessa Alarcon of Boulder Church and Don Hill of The Adventure church are the most recent member additions to the board. In lockstep with the board member additions, the board is also drafting a board member code of conduct and member agreement to guide the purpose, function and direction of the board.

Next, looking to the future. As communities look to reopen across the Country, GVR is working carefully to implement a staged plan to reopen to the constituency and the public. We will be staging our reopening to stay in step with county and state guidelines and to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys our property and program. For now, GVR will be opening, in that we will only be allowing groups of 10 or less people per reserved area for Groups, Tent, RV camping, and day hiking. Social distancing must be practiced at all times, hand washing, wearing of masks while interacting with people other than your group is required. For your safety and others, if you have had any known contact with a person who is presenting COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling ill, please do not come. For rates and reservations please contact the GVR office at 303-459-0771.

Additionally, a ‘skeleton crew’ of Summer Camp staff will arrive at GVR on June 19, to spend 6 weeks working on Camp and Youth Department projects. Church members across the RMC will see the fruits of the Summer 2020 Staff’s labor.

Finally, Dan Hansen, Director of Camp Ministry, gave reports on the GVR 3/5 year project list before the board took a nice, socially distanced stroll around the property. Along the way, board members took in the various sights of projects that are in the works or nearing completion, including:

1. Auditorium Refresh
2. Pool Room Remodel & Code Updates (Winter Flood Mitigation)
3. Camp Store Remodel
4. Long House Upper Room Remodel
5. High Ropes Course layout and plans
6. Horse Barn and Arena needs and plans
7. Storage Building Permitting and plans
8. Sewage Treatment Plant maintenance and care
9. Dining Hall Updates

As the Board meeting drew to a close with lunch provided by Chef Cori Watson in the dining hall, feelings of optimism hung in the air. We’re blessed with a strong leadership team that cares for the property, program and people. While COVID-19 has presented a few setbacks, we’re counting our blessings, crafting silver linings and very excited to be a part of the foundational work that is taking place at this time to provide a stronger, better, GVR for the future.

If you’re interested in utilizing GVR this summer, contact Dan or Julia Hansen, directors of camp ministry, as soon as possible by calling the camp office at 303-459-0771 or by email [email protected]. We anticipate our vacancies to fill quickly.

–Kiefer Dooley is RMC youth director; photo supplied