Hartland Needs—Want to Help?
Please call Alena Wehr at 540-672-1996 ext 231, or email awehr@hartland.edu.
Staff Openings
Hartland Lifestyle Education Center
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May 4, 2010
At the bi-annual meeting of the Board of Directors held on Sunday, May 2, Norbert Restrepo, Jr. was elected the new President of Hartland Institute by unanimous vote. Brother Restrepo, age 40, has been the Director of Las Delicias Institute located in Armenia, Colombia, South America, for the past 14 years.
For some years, the founding president of Hartland Institute, Colin Standish, has encouraged the Board of Directors to choose, under the Lord’s direction, the next president of Hartland Institute. The process of selection began in 2009. Nine individuals were nominated and eventually, four nominees, after much prayer, agreed to be considered. At the board meeting, all candidates were interviewed. There was deep seeking of the Lord for divine guidance of the minds of the board members.
When the consideration was narrowed to 3 nominees, the board invited students and staff to come together for earnest prayer. This was a solemn prayer session, where groups of students, staff, and board members sought for God’s plain direction. How those prayers were answered! Some stayed to continue praying as board members earnestly continued their deliberations. The board members were fully aware that God alone knew whom He had ordained to be the President. When the final vote was taken by secret ballot, the Holy Spirit had brought the 18 Board members present into one mind. It is hard to explain the sacred joy we experienced.
There will be a period of time before Brother Restrepo assumes the Presidency, when he, his dedicated wife Ivonne, and two daughters, Ivonne Alejandra, age 13, and Nelsy Giovana, age 2, will be able to move here. We will keep you updated in the future.
Some may be interested in Dr. Standish’s plans for the future. In his own words, “As long as the Lord gives me strength and opportunities, I will continue to teach, preach, and seek to warn and enlighten God’s people and those who are in darkness. I will do all I can to hold up the hands of Brother Restrepo and his family, and pray for God’s guidance in his leadership. I am deeply honored to have as my successor a man of God.”
The constituency and the Board have given Dr. Standish the title of President Emeritus. While he, his wife Cheryl, and daughter Alexandra will continue to live on campus, he and Cheryl will remain on the staff and will represent Hartland around the world.
May God bless Hartland’s partners worldwide.
J. H. Shin
Secretary of the Corporation
May 3, 2010
P.S. Please feel free to share this good news with anyone who might be interested in God’s leading here at Hartland.
Dec 11, 2009
Sanding the baseboards in the Conference Center.
Mr. Coon finishing the trim.
The window frames waiting to be installed in the Conference Center.
Installing a window frame.
Window trim drying.
Installing the trim around the windows.
The trim around the windows is in place.
We are starting to lay tile in the restroom.
The installation of the ceiling tiles is almost complete.
Sep 14, 2009
Cabinets being built for the work room of the conference center
Josiah, a sophomore, helping build the cabinets for the conference center work room
Workers installing sheetrock in exhibition hall
Unloading the sheetrock
Sheetrock and joint compound being delivered
Here we see the roof being assembled on the new restroom addition / lobby area.
Click here for more pictures of the roof area.
Click here for more pictures of the restroom area.
This picture shows the progress on the outside wall of the stage area.
This is a view of the interior of the stage area including the new steps. In the ceiling, the new sprinkler system can be seen. Soon it will be covered by a new drop ceiling.
Here we can see the beginnings of the new audio visual room. Because a portion of this area will be set aside for recording, it will be sound proof.
The workers here are filling in the area where the old stage was. The large white pipe seen peeking out from the concrete wall is the conduit to run AV wires. Progress that has taken place since this picture was taken includes all camera wires being buried under the floor eliminating most of the visible cabling. What a blessing—no more concerns about tripping over wires!
This picture is taken from inside the main conference center. Looking through the two by fours to the other side of the wall in progress, the new exhibition room can viewed. Having a separate room will help to cut down on noise during the program.
Apr 1, 2009
Some time ago I heard that Hartland was opening a radio station. Is this true, and is it up and running?
A. Mark Bruno, the director of Media Services, did receive authorization from the Hartland Board of Directors to seek to set up and operate a radio station in our local area. However, it is not presently operating.
Q. What is holding up this project?
A. That question requires a long answer. The application was filed on time with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), along with the application fee. Hartland was awarded “points” for various aspects of our application, such as the fact that we are an educational institution, we have been here for more than three years, and we do not currently own any other stations. We had more points than most of the other applicants, so, without further regulatory difficulties, we should have been granted a station construction permit. But because of regulations which forbid transmitter frequencies to be too close to each other, the station license application process has been deadlocked. There are several vying for this frequency and other frequencies just below it.
We are linked with three applicants whose frequency was the same or adjacent to our desired frequency, but we have sufficient points to overcome their applications. There are three other applicants with whom we do not directly conflict, but because they overlap the other applications we are linked with, they also stand in the way of our eventual license. Even though we are tied for first place in points, the FCC will not award us a license until all have either withdrawn or negotiated the conflicts between their applications to meet regulations. Our attorney is negotiating with them to try to resolve the conflicts. It is possible; however, if they refuse to negotiate, the FCC will likely decide to award the frequency to no one.
Q. Is there any other avenue to resolve this deadlock?
A. It seems not. However, Brother Bruno is working on the possibility of streaming radio over the internet.
Q. Are there any hindrances to accomplishing this?
A. No, not that we can see. Brother Bruno, however, is seeking legal coverage to stream copyrighted sacred music and material over the internet. Please pray that this will be accomplished if it is God’s will.
Apr 1, 2009
God alone can provide answers in these harsh economic times.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” How many times have we sung these words? As we face the unknown this year, let us sing them more sincerely than ever before.
I had decided not to say too much about the implosion of the world economy, but now I am breaking my silence. I wish to avoid the speculative announcements common in the Internet Age. I always seek the best and the most credible sources for my information.
I will not be surprised if as early as this year the deep recession will have developed into the third world depression since the 1890s. Because of globalism and the magnitude of recent economic developments, it could be a depression of unparalleled magnitude in the history of mankind. There is concern that the US dollar’s and other currencies’ buying power will be greatly reduced. The efforts of the G-20, the 20 largest economies, seem to have achieved little. These summits have not been able to find the solution to the economic implosion.
As president of Hartland, I have responsibility for the funds which God has entrusted to us. I do not have the wisdom—no one on this planet has the wisdom—to know how to handle this situation. Some “experts” say this downturn will last at least 10 years; others say 15 years. The most optimistic say at least 2 years; some are not even willing to hazard a guess.
Therefore, all that the staff and I can do is turn to the Lord for help. He is the Master Economist. Our ministries are working to get out as much free literature as possible to help overseas projects which are doing a dedicated work for the Lord. We are also doing all we can to expedite the remediations at Hartland so that the funds from faithful supporters will not be devalued in this financial crisis.
This is not the time to hold back from God’s work. I pray that we will not be amongst those who hesitate to provide God’s funds for His work.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are not in darkness as to what these world-wide developments mean. This is not a call for panic. It is a call for each one of us to look up, for our redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).
Mar 2, 2009
A devastating u-turn re-examined.
Fifty years ago our beloved church took a devastating u-turn. The General Conference agreed to answer Evangelicals’ questions about the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Dr. Donald Barnhouse, then pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and editor of one of the most-read Evangelical magazines of that era, and Dr. Walter Martin, a leading Baptist theologian, led the inquiry. Elders LeRoy Froom, Roy Allen Anderson, and W. Reid of the General Conference provided the answers.
The following year, the book Seventh-day Adventists Answer Questions on Doctrine (widely referred to as Questions on Doctrine) was published and became an overnight sensation. While much of this book was excellent, my brother, Russell, and I were alarmed by what we read. There was a subtle effort to downplay the prophetic role of Sister White; to affirm the evangelical belief that Jesus took the unfallen human nature; and to accept that the atonement was completed at Calvary, rather than in the heavenly sanctuary. That last error especially undermined the Three Angels’ Messages and the Midnight Cry. Further, the true power of the biblical victory message was not clearly stated.
Based on answers they received, the Evangelicals concluded that Seventh-day Adventists were legitimate Christians, worthy to be accepted as part of the true Christian fellowship, rather than a cult. Somehow we were flattered. Many of our members purchased this book, thinking that it was an authentic presentation of the true beliefs of our church. Soon pastors, Bible workers, teachers, and others were graduating from our institutions with no background in the Three Angels’ Messages.
General Conference President Robert Folkenberg later declared us to be evangelical Seventh-day Adventists. We certainly should be evangelistic Seventh-day Adventists, but we are not evangelical Adventists. If we are faithful to the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy, we can never deny or minimize the spiritual carnage which has taken place in the past fifty years as a result of this book. Many of our members have only a partial knowledge of the Adventist message, the rich fullness of that message being limited by the errors which have been introduced.
Our church is the special end-time remnant church that God raised up to take what no other church can take to the world: the everlasting gospel, which includes the judgment hour cry. We can make no compromise. We must test every belief by a plain “Thus saith the Lord.”
I pray that each person reading this will grasp the truth of the Scriptures and live a holy life through the grace and power of Jesus. We pray that the voice of Hartland will always be strong against every false intrusion into the belief system of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Feb 1, 2009
One of the major objections to Hartland is that it solicits tithe. In light of this, wouldn’t it be wise to not accept tithe?
A. This is a commonly asked question. Let me first explain Hartland’s practices. We do not solicit tithe, but quite a few of Hartland’s supporters do return tithe to Hartland.
Q. How do you explain Malachi’s command to bring tithe into the storehouse?
A. Many believe the only storehouse is the church. With this I agree, if the church is defined as the congregation of believers. This was the main translation of ekklesia in the early Protestant Bibles of the Reformation, e.g. the Geneva Bible and Tyndale’s New Testament. The Strong’s Concordance’s primary translation of ekklesia is “(a religious) congregation.” However, many Seventh-day Adventists use the term “church” to mean the Seventh-day Adventist denominational organization.
Q. Does not Sister White support the concept that the storehouse is the General Conference exclusively?
A. No. She writes:
“I have myself appropriated my tithe to the most needy cases brought to my notice. I have been instructed to do this, and as the money is not withheld from the Lord’s treasury, it is not a matter that should be commented upon.” (Letter 267, 1905, pp. 1, 2; To Elder Watson, Jan. 22, 1905, emphasis added.)
“I commend those sisters who have placed their tithe where it is most needed to help to do a work that is being left undone; and if this matter is given publicity, it will create knowledge which would be better left as it is. I do not care to give publicity to this work, which the Lord has appointed me to do and others to do.” (ibid., emphasis added)
Q. For what do you use tithe?
A. Only for those uses which inspiration indicates, e.g. ministers, Bible teachers, medical missionaries, Bible workers, evangelism, soul-winning outreach, and free Christian literature and media for those not able to purchase it.
Q. How do you justify your position on tithe?
A. God’s instruction is abundant in both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. My brother and I wrote a book: Tithes and Offerings, Trampling the Conscience. I encourage you to seek to understand this issue from the divine counsel presented in that book.
Dr. Standish responds to the following question and a series of related questions. If you have any inquiries about Hartland, please email them to sm@hartland.edu.
Feb 1, 2009
I never thought I would leave denominational work for self-supporting work. How wrong I was!
Thirty years ago, I left denominational work for self-supporting work. Since then, I have occasionally been questioned why I, as an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and former president of two SDA colleges, chose self-supporting work. My answer has always been the same: I did not choose self-supporting work! While I admired the work that self-supporting people were doing, I did not believe that it was the work to which God was calling me. How wrong I was!
In February 1978, Columbia Union College (CUC) had the opportunity to follow God’s call to relocate to the country. As president, I strongly supported that initiative. In two surveys taken throughout the Columbia Union, church members voted 70 percent in favor of moving CUC to the country. My passion to move the college, however, was not because of a poll, but the result of my study of the Spirit of Prophecy.
Sadly, the initiative was voted down by the Columbia Union Constituency. The deceitful politicking involved only reinforced my belief that the vote was not of God. God’s people had let Him down!
Riding back from that constituency meeting, I breathed a silent prayer, “Lord, if you want me to remain president of CUC, please give me strength. But if there is somewhere I can serve You better, please send me a call.” I had no thought of self-supporting work; only denominational work. Almost immediately, a call came from the newly-established Weimar Institute, asking me to be the leader of the yet-to-be-established Weimar College. I had not told anyone of my silent prayer. My shock was great! But I had made a promise that if a call came, I would accept it. That I did.
Since then, He has enlarged my ministry for Him. It has been the toughest responsibility; the alienation by many denominational leaders has not made it easier. But false rumors and criticisms are small concerns when weighed against the knowledge that I have followed God’s will.
In these closing moments of Earth’s history, I urge you to place your life on the altar today. Ask the Lord, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” This is the least we can do for the One who gave all for our salvation.
Jan 13, 2009
Beloved friend of children and camp meeting teacher
On January 13, 2009, an unsung hero of God’s people went to sleep in Jesus. Because of Sister Griffith’s devotion to children’s programs at Hartland camp meetings, we would like to share a short tribute to her.
Beulah, born in Portland, Oregon, August 11, 1921, married Mode Griffith, February 20, 1945. She lived in McMinnville, Oregon for many years.
In 1952, Beulah began working with children in the Sabbath School programs of her church. In 1989 she was invited to present her children’s programs in seminars on Christian education and homeschooling. She also became in demand at various camp meetings.
Overcoming her fear of flying, Beulah came year after year to Hartland Institute’s summer camp meetings, where she did a wonderful work teaching primary-age children Bible truths in a way they could understand. Many children, now grown, who have attended our camp meetings, remember Mrs. Griffith fondly.
Though the Griffiths never were able to have their own children, through her ministry she captured a special place in the hearts of children. Even during her declining years she would record story tapes that she sent to children whom she loved.
Beulah was a very social person. One only had to be in her presence for a short time to know that she had two great passions—her love for God and her love for teaching children the great messages of God’s word. She also derived great satisfaction in sharing food and friendship with the needy.
A few years ago, Beulah’s health began to fail and she was unable to continue to visit Hartland. We have missed her faithful ministry to our children.
While touring the Northwest in December 2008, the Three Angels’ Chorale visited Sister Griffith and sang at her assisted living center. She spoke about her failing health and thanked us for taking time to see her. It was the last time Beulah would see her Hartland friends. But her faith in God was strong, and we can rest assured that the Jesus she shared with children so warmly and passionately will be the first person she sees on resurrection morning.
Jan 8, 2009
His only crime was freedom.
You’re probably familiar with the story of how the Puritans came to the New World. Persecuted by the established church in England, these reformers fled to America. Once there, in firm control of their own colony, they established their own state church and persecuted dissenters just as they had been persecuted in England.
One of the dissenters they persecuted was a Separatist minister Roger Williams. Williams, a strong believer in separation of church and state, sought refuge from persecution in England by fleeing to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1631. His criticism of the Puritans’ use of civil authority to punish religious infractions like Sabbath-breaking didn’t get him very far with the Puritan leadership. Concerned about his influence among the people, the colony called him to trial for his “dangerous opinions.”
Williams stood no chance of a fair trial. No one was brave enough to be Williams’ attorney. Not that this would help: the court was presided over by the man who acted as the prosecuting attorney. At the trial, he was given the chance to recant, but he stood firm. Roger Williams was banished!
Turned out in the dead of winter, Williams wandered for 14 weeks, as he put it, “not knowing what bread and bed did mean,” before he found shelter among friendly Indians. The loving care shown Williams by those who knew little of the gospel contrasted sharply with the cruelty given him by professed Christians.
Williams didn’t let this experience weaken his faith or dampen his zeal for freedom. He established a new settlement to fulfill his dream of liberty. Chartered in 1644, Rhode Island’s principles of freedom made it grow so quickly that the Massachusetts Bay Colony feared Williams would retaliate for their treatment of him. But his faith didn’t work like that.
Williams pioneered religious freedom instead of religious toleration, which merely gives grudging tolerance to people with views differing from the established church. Believing that God’s truth did not need the civil sword to help it along, Williams made Rhode Island a place where all religious beliefs were equal in the sight of the state. In his quest for soul liberty, Roger Williams paved the way for the establishment of religious freedom in the United States.
He could have, like many others before him, turned bitter and become a persecutor as soon as he had the power. Instead, he continued to seek freedom, not just for himself, but for all men and women. We can thank him for that. Let us do likewise, never forcing others to follow the truth, but gently calling all sinners to choose to follow Him in whom true freedom is found. v
Jan 8, 2009
In 1888, God’s people failed a divine opportunity. Will we meet the challenge?
We have reached another milestone. October 17 marked the 120th anniversary of the historic 1888 General Conference session held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was at this conference that the Righteousness by Faith message was presented in eighteen talks by Elder E. J. Waggoner.
Against strong opposition from leaders, including General Conference President George Butler (absent because of illness) and Uriah Smith, Sister Ellen G. White strongly endorsed this message as the heart of the plan of salvation. If it had been wholeheartedly embraced by God’s people, they would have been in the heavenly home decades ago.
Of course, none of us were alive at the time this conference convened. Yet, we have the present-day challenge to do what our forefathers did not do—surrender our lives unreservedly to this God-given message of salvation.
It is vital that we understand this message. Sister White said under divine inspiration, “This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole…. The Lord would have these grand themes studied in our churches, and if every church member shall give entrance to the word of God, it will give light and understanding to the simple.” Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 95-96.
These and other passages on the topic (i.e. Selected Messages, vol. 1, pp. 355-405 and vol. 3, pp. 156-204) have most inspired me. Why not join me in studying them and asking for divine power to live the truths contained in them? You will be greatly blessed.
God will have a people “who would rather die than perform a wrong act.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 53. They will overcome “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony,” and will love not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11. God has promised to give us the grace to do this through the perfect life of His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17. Why should not our generation be the one to bring in everlasting righteousness?
Oct 20, 2008
Alexander the Great learned about his prophetic role from a courageous Jewish priest.
The Jews were in trouble, and they knew it. Spurred on by spiteful accounts of their arrogance, Alexander the Great was marching to Jerusalem, no doubt to wreak havoc. In his party, the Phoenicians and Chaldeans eagerly awaited the spoil they would loot from the Holy City. God’s people had been free for only a short time, and it now appeared as if they would be plunged again into bondage.
Upon this threat, the Jews made sacrifices and prayed for protection and guidance. God gave them both. The High Priest had a dream in which he was instructed to meet the invading king in the garments of his order, with the city adorned and the gates open. Thereupon, the city was adorned and the gates opened, and the priests in their priestly robes went out with the people following to meet the coming Grecian conqueror.
Most likely, Alexander expected to meet a closed city of stubborn resisters. However, as he approached the city, he was impressed by the reverence of the company which had come out to meet him. As he drew near to investigate, he recognized someone. You see, the high priest wasn’t the only one to whom God had given a dream. Alexander had dreamt as well. In fact, the man he recognized was the very man who in his dream had told him that his invasion of Persia would be a success.
That man was the High Priest. And he now stood before him. Alexander was so moved that he went to worship at the temple. But the plot thickens. After he had worshiped at the temple, the priests showed him the book of Daniel and expounded its prophecies, particularly the ones that related directly to him. Now he was captivated. His attitude changed, his vengeance dissipated, and he gave the Jews several important privileges, including legal autonomy.
As this story shows, God does take care of his people. But God also gave the priests an opportunity to witness to Alexander the Great and teach him about his place in prophecy and the God of prophecy. Could you show a king his place in prophecy and tell him of the God that wrote that prophecy? In this case, prophecy helped to avert a serious disaster and showed a pagan king the wonders of the true God. How well do you know Bible prophecy?
Oct 20, 2008
Produce from our farm is gaining an appreciation throughout the state of Virginia.
Hartland’s agriculture program has been blessed this year with truly wonderful events. In our earnest efforts toward self-sufficiency, we are now marketing our produce through four major wholesale outlets in Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The vegetables we grow are greatly appreciated by all our customers, and we have been supplying one of them with enough produce to feed 1,000 families per week.
“Last fall we built 11 cold-frames (unheated greenhouses) that will allow us to grow hardy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, beets, and chard during even the coldest months here in Virginia,” says Bob Gregory, Hartland’s farm manager.
Esteban Cabrera continues his hard work as an expert vegetable producer and mentor for our students. Heidi Dettwiler, a Hartland graduate with an agriculture minor, has come back to handle customer service. She has also brought expertise in food processing and preservation. “I helped my mother can and freeze fruits and vegetables ever since I was four years old,” Heidi says. “It was just a way of life.”
She worked very hard this summer preserving sufficient food for the cafeteria. Our freezers and root cellar are full of a wide variety of products that will meet our needs throughout the school year.
One of our customers recently asked, ”How do you grow such good produce?” When he was told, ”All we do is plant and water, and God provides the increase,” his eyes showed understanding and a desire to know more. Our witnessing opportunities in the community have been greatly enhanced by on-farm sales, too. A listing with LocalHarvest.org has brought dozens of neighbors to our doorstep to purchase produce.
The farm staff and all the students who participate in this remarkable program wish to thank you for the sacrifices you have made on behalf of the farm. Your gifts have allowed us this success.
Aug 20, 2008
The message you must share at the end of time
In recent years I have come under deep conviction that we as a people need to begin focusing upon the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels’ Messages. There is no other message which will go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people at the end of this earth’s history. I believe it is the most comprehensive gospel message ever given in the Bible.
In the first angel’s message, the concentration is upon the complete conversion and surrender of the life to Christ. There follows the practical principles of Christianity, the great final judgment hour message, which is central to the sanctuary message, and finally, the centrality of the Sabbath which will provide the final test of loyalty for all mankind.
The second angel presents the fearful message of the fall of Babylon. The message leads to the separation of the inhabitants of the world, leading every human being either to the side of Christ or to the side of Satan.
The third angel’s message presents the fearful consequences for those who refuse to worship the Creator on His holy, sacred, Sabbath day. The blessing which we find at the conclusion of this message is a description of the character of God’s people who are ready for eternal salvation. This is the message which God has called us to take to the world.
The messages will not be taken to the entire world until God’s saints are sealed and they have received the latter rain. (5T 214) We will not receive the seal of God unless our characters have been perfected by Christ. The solemn connection is given in 1T 187. “Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.”
I urge you to consider starting up a Three Angels’ Messages training program in your church. I would recommend two books, written by my brother and me, which are useful resources for such a program:
Adventism Proclaimed – for those already well-versed in the Three Angels’ Messages,
The Everlasting Gospel – for those desiring a simpler approach to this topic.
Both are available at Hartland Publications (800-774-3566 or www.hartlandpublications.com).
Jun 1, 2008
My twin brother Russell was born 20 minutes after I was born on October 27, 1933, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The Lord preserved Russell for a full life of service for Him. At eight years of age, he slipped from a small wooden bridge. I believe angels helped his little hands grasp the crossbeam supporting the bridge above a 90-foot drop to the rocks below before our dad was able to pull him to safety.
Once, he and three companions were ambushed in Laos by hostile soldiers. Through Divine Providence, it was Russell’s Australian passport that saved them.
After graduating from Avondale College, Russell taught for three years at Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools. In 1953 he married Enid Evans, then continued his studies in psychology and medicine at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1965.
Russell served in several hospitals worldwide, and in 1983 his excellence in the medical field earned him the honor of becoming a fellow in two Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom. When he became president of two Adventist hospitals in Southeast Asia, they were both in serious financial crises. Russell challenged them to practice true Sabbath observance, and the Lord blessed their decision financially. More importantly, for the first time in ten years, several Buddhist staff and nursing students were converted.
When Russell returned to Melbourne in 1992, he prayed, “If You desire me to do self-supporting ministry, provide financial support and send calls for me to minister without my solicitation.” The response was immediate, and he knew the Lord was leading.
What a joy it was for us to team up for world-wide evangelism! Russell and I soon will have published 76 books together. Perhaps the crux of his ministry was the establishment of Highwood College with its students, health guests, publishing, and outreach.
Russell had a deep dedication to God and a passionate love for the Seventh-day Adventist church. In spite of his great achievements, he was a humble and tireless worker for the Lord. He was a devoted and loyal husband to Enid, his first wife, and Glenice, his second wife, each of whom he loved dearly. He cared deeply for his three sons, Stephen, Timothy, and James.
On May 2, 2008, at the age of 74, Russell died in a tragic car accident. He will be greatly missed. We trust that soon Russell shall awake from sleep and behold His Savior, whom he had so faithfully served, loved, and worshiped.
Jun 1, 2008
What is Hartland’s relationship to the General Conference?
A. Our staff members are faithful Seventh-day Adventists in regular standing with local Conference churches. Many hold offices in their churches. Hartland is ever ready to work in corporate efforts with denominational leaders and workers while retaining its self-supporting status.
Q. Does not this self-supporting status tend to cause a rift from the denominational structure?
A. That is always a possible danger, but there is no good reason for such to be the case, as has been shown over the 25 years of Hartland’s history.
Q. What model does Hartland College follow to ensure that this does not happen?
A. We do not operate a church on our campus. All staff and students scatter to about ten local churches in the region, where many are active as officers and are involved in local outreach endeavors.
Q. Is there any inspired counsel that guides your ministry in its relationship to the Denomination?
A. We follow the counsel provided by Sister White to the Madison School, the model self-supporting school where she served as a member of the board of directors. “Talked with Mrs. E.G. and W.C. White re. our plan for organization. She said we were not to go under the domination of the Southern Union Conference and seemed to have no objection to our general plan.” Dr. Percy Magan, Diary, August 9, 1904.
Q. This seems to imply that there should be quite separate work by self-supporting workers.
A. From my broad reading, I do not believe that was Sister White’s intent. Self-supporting workers are called to do the same kinds of ministry as denominational workers. However, she believed it was best that self-supporting work not be controlled by conferences, but that there should be no hesitation to work together where it would help fulfill the gospel commission.
Q. Has Hartland followed this practice?
A. Yes. We work with any self-supporting or denominational worker who is faithful to God. We have joined forces in evangelism, Bible studies, cooking schools, health seminars, the CHIP program, etc.
If you have a question about Hartland that you would like to see answered in a future Hartland Ministry Report, please contact Joan Reichard at sm@hartland.edu.
Jun 1, 2008
July 1 brings us to an epoch in the history of Hartland Institute. For a quarter of a century, God has sustained this ministry. How thankful we are to Him and to all who have been our faithful supporters and prayer partners over the years!
During these 25 years there have been difficult times. Sadly, some of our staff and, tragically, one of their children have been laid to rest. Several constituents and board members are now awaiting the call of the Lifegiver, and three of our students have met untimely deaths. There has been disharmony over important issues. There have been strong visions. There have even been severe criticisms of Hartland, often built on false rumors or great exaggerations.
Yet, above it all, I have only thankfulness to God for His patience and unbounded blessing. I rejoice in the young people who have gone out from this institution, for most of our graduates are working diligently and faithfully in the service of the Lord.
Gratefulness fills my heart when I remember the many people whose health and spiritual lives have been restored through the ministry of the Lifestyle Education Center. I think also of the tens of thousands who have had the opportunity to read the truth-filled literature which comes from Hartland Publications and Last Generation magazine.
Several ministries which began here are now continuing elsewhere. One such example is Young Disciple magazine, led by the Evert family. This wonderful magazine for young people is now being produced in Washington State. There is also the Ellen G. White Sabbath School Comments now compiled and printed by Brother and Sister Tompkins of Tennessee. These have been such a blessing to many. More recently, blessings have also come from the media department through CDs, DVDs, and the streaming of the everlasting gospel through our website, www.egntv.com. I also reflect on the mission trips, health ministry, public evangelism, personal evangelism, extension schools, and educational seminars which have led many to the Lord.
For our 25th Anniversary Camp Meeting this summer, we have invited graduates from many parts of the world to preach, conduct seminars, and present mission stories. I pray that many of you will be with us for this very special occasion. Remember to stay for the special Sunday afternoon program to which the public, including government representatives, will be invited.
Please pray that this will be a missionary witness to all present.
May 2, 2008
Eulogy for Russell Roland Standish
Friday, October 27, 1933 – Friday, May 2, 2008
By Dr. Colin Standish
I add my welcome and gratitude to all of you who have come here today to honor the memory of Russell.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev.14:13.
It can be said of Russell: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.
Russell was born about 20 minutes after me, Friday evening, October 27, 1933, in the suburb of Hamilton, Newcastle, New South Wales, the first children of Hilda Marie Joyce and Darcy Roland Standish. Russell lived (from 1933-1949) successively in Hamilton, Charlestown, Blackalls, Boolaroo, Cardiff, and Hamilton again, all in the Newcastle region. Russell attended Boolaroo (1939) and Cardiff (1939-1942) public schools and the Newcastle Seventh-day Adventist High School (1943-1949). He trained at the Australasian Missionary College, now Avondale College (1950, 1951) and graduated from the Theological Normal Course as a teacher. He taught at Mumblepeg (1952) and Albury (1953, 1954) both Seventh-day Adventist primary schools. He trained at the University of Sydney (1955-1964) and graduated with first class honors in psychology (1959) and medicine (1965). In 1953 he married Enid Evans to which union three sons were born, Stephen Roland Miles, Timothy George, and James Darcy.
I have participated in many funerals services, including my dad’s, but nothing has been as difficult for me as this. Our dad died after a prolonged illness, but Russell’s death was so unexpected, so tragic.
With such tragedies, it is only natural to be tempted to cry out, “Oh God, why, why, why? But that is a temptation to faithlessness, and I am certain that Russell would not want that. The infallible Word of God declares that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.” (Romans 8:28). The words of an old hymn came to my mind. “Not now, but in the coming years, it may be in the better land, we’ll learn the meaning of our tears; up there, sometime we’ll understand.”
We cannot forget God’s protection over Russell’s life so that he could reach these 74 ½ years. He preserved Russell for a full life of service for Him. At eight years of age, he slipped from a small wooden bridge on a trail in front of a waterfall, trying to pass me. Somehow we believe that there had to be angelic agents which helped his little hands grasp the cross beam supporting the bridge above a 90 foot drop to the rocks below before our dad was able to grasp his wrist and pull him up to safety. How close he, and our dad and two Americans were to losing their lives when ambushed by Patit Lau soldiers in Laos, saved only by having his and dad’s, who were in the front seat, Australian passport. Providentially, the Americans did not have their passports and the Patit solders assumed they were Australians also. He served God for some time in Saigon during the height of the Vietnam War where God’s protection was also afforded him.
Russell chose to give his life selflessly in service for God and man rather than seeking the riches of this world. How can I forget when he sought my counsel when the brethren in the Southeast Asian Union Conference in 1980 recognized his soul-winning endeavors by recommending that he be ordained to the gospel ministry? I responded that he should accept ordination only if he was willing to put ministry first in his life – even above medicine. However, I warned that if Christ was calling him to the gospel ministry, what would be the consequences should he reject that calling? He chose to follow the calling of God, and indeed that he did uncompromisingly.
I would be remiss if I failed to explain the two great challenges made to us which helped shape our lives. When we were in our early 40s some of the retired Australasian leaders who had served in the General Conference, South Pacific Division, union conferences, local conferences and mission fields spoke to us concerning our role in enlightening God’s people, warning them against Satan’s efforts to bring errors into God’s church.
On one occasion about 12 of these retired church leaders who called themselves the “concerned brethren,” pled with us, “You young men know more than we do concerning these issues. Why don’t you make a tape to share with God’s people, or write a book which would enlighten and warn them? That challenge resulted, February 1979, in the dictating together, of what became known as the Bangkok tapes – three of them which circulated around the world. The tapes had been prepared in Bangkok and an American gave them the name Bangkok tapes. Later we wrote Adventism Vindicated, which was the first book which we co-authored. That book has been translated into a number of languages as have quite a few of our books. However, the aged warriors gave us a further challenge. “We are old, and we will not be around much longer. Will you young men take the challenge to carry the torch of truth when we are gone?” We solemnly took up that charge, and though so limited in many ways, we have sought to uphold this vow which indeed we made, not only to men but to God.
Years later, just a few weeks before our dad died, October 30, 1997, Russell was staying with his son James in Maryland, and my family was there on the Sabbath day. We telephoned our dad. Toward the end of that conversation our dad charged us. “Boys (we were approaching 64 years old) will you promise me that you will not stop preaching and writing what you have been presenting?” We both promised our dad, but also God. Russell died spreading this everlasting gospel. His earthly pilgrimage has closed in the service of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
There were many highlights in his life, some secular, others much greater for they were spiritual. He was a distinguished scholar at the University of Sydney. He received his medical degrees in 1965. In 1970 at his first attempt, he passed the examinations for the membership of the Royal College of Physicians in London. During his time in England, he was privileged to be a physician at the Royal Berkshire hospital serving with Viscount Waverly whom Russell evaluated as the greatest diagnostic physician with whom he ever worked. In 1983 he was elevated by the Royal Colleges of Physicians to a fellow of the Colleges in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, two of the three Royal Colleges in Great Britain.
But his greatest reward much exceeded his academic attainments. Russell served at the Warburton Sanitarium as a young physician in the state of Victoria. From there he accepted a call to the Penang Adventist Hospital in Malaysia in 1967. For some time he returned to Australia, for the educational needs of his sons, and served at the Sydney Adventist hospital before being appointed deputy medical director of the Austin hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of Melbourne.
However, his heart was in the mission field, and he responded to the call to serve at the Bangkok Adventist hospital in 1978, Thailand. He soon became the president of that hospital when its financial condition was so deplorable that strong thoughts were being given to its closure. Immediately Russell took a great step of faith. He asked the Administrative Committee to join him in this step of faith to keep the Sabbath holy. He presented God’s promises and, led by the support of American doctors, Roger and Ethel Nelson, the committee members, including Buddhists, voted to do so. The hospital would only do acts of medical necessity on the Sabbath; no elective surgery would be undertaken; and all funds coming in on the Sabbath day would be used to help the medical needs of the poor people of Thailand.
The first six months had seen the hospital accumulate over $US 300,000 debt. The night following this decision, the hospital was full and overflowing with patients – the first time in many years. This continued for the rest of the year and for years to come. At the end of the year, the debt had turned into a profit well over $100,000. The hospital store which had made a paltry profit of $57 the previous year had a profit of over $1,000,000 the next year. How God blessed Russell’s faithfulness! Soon a new wing, costing over $2,000,000 was built and equipped with supplies from a U.S. military base in Japan with almost new equipment for no cost and shipping half price. This story was repeated when he became president of the Penang Adventist Hospital when it was hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt years later. The Bangkok Hospital story was circulated around the world in the Adventist Review and in the Sabbath School mission magazines. However, the greatest consequence was the conversion of Buddhist nursing students and staff for the first time in over ten years. The Buddhist had witnessed the miracle working hand of God.
In 1985 Russell accepted the invitation to become the president of Enton Hall in Surrey England, a health center where he ministered to many prominent Englishmen, including members of the aristocracy. From there he returned to Asia. After serving as president of the Penang Adventist Hospital, he served at the Southeast Asian Union Conference office in charge of the hospitals in that Union, as the Spirit of Prophecy director, and ADRA liaison officer. When he returned home to Melbourne in 1992, he prayed a simple prayer: “If you desire me to do self-supporting ministry, provide financial support and send calls for me to minister without any solicitation on my part. The response was immediate, and he knew the Lord was leading.
Maybe this was his greatest ministry. Many souls were won to the Lord. What a joy for us to team up together in evangelism in countries around the world – in places such as India, Malaysia, Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, Macedonia, Serbia, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Panama, Australia and the United States! He evangelized on his own also in other countries. He preached in about 100 countries to God’s people. We believe that many trophies will be in the kingdom because of that work.
Perhaps the crowning jewel of his ministry was the establishment of Highwood College with its students, health guests, publishing, and outreach. Russell and I have published 64 books. By the time that all which are presently in progress are published, there will be 76 books, by God’s grace. Please pray that I will be afforded time, clarity of mind and health to complete these manuscripts, so that God will be glorified, and God’s people edified for the Kingdom.
Russell had a deep dedication to God. He had a passionate love for the Seventh-day Adventist church. He had great faith that God’s truth will triumph in the Seventh-day Adventist church. He was willing to accept great loss, including his reputation, to follow his Lord and Saviour. In spite of his great achievements, he was a humble man. He cooperated with God in healing both body and soul. He was a tireless worker for the Lord. He was a deep student of the Word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy. He was an excellent teacher and a very impactful preacher and soul winning evangelist and writer. A giant has passed to his rest.
He was a devoted and loyal husband to Enid his first wife and Glenice his second wife, each of whom he loved dearly. He loved deeply his three sons, Stephen, Timothy and James. He was a loving grandfather, uncle, stepfather, brother-in-law and loyal friend. My personal testimony is that he was a wonderful brother to Delma, Lyndon and me.
I pay tribute to the devoted blessing that Glenice was to Russell’s ministry. She worked tirelessly helping him in every aspect of his service. I also would be remiss if I did not express the great love my family, wife Cheryl and our children Nigel and Alexandra had for Russell.
I pause also to pay tribute to Cliff Cox who perished with Russell. Cliff was a dear Christian brother who loved the fruit of righteousness. Cliff was a Broken Hill boy who accepted Christ as his Saviour in his youth. We met him when we were studying at Avondale College. Cliff became a teacher and was an accomplished artist with great skills. My heart goes out to his dear wife, Heather, his children, David, Michael, and Elizabeth and other friends and relatives. I will miss him dearly and the wonderful hospitality I shared in the home with Heather and Cliff.
I also must pay tribute to a number of ministries which have been associated with Russell’s ministry from the beginning: ALMA and Anchor in Queensland and Contact Ministries in New Zealand and all the other ministries which have worked together with Remnant Ministries over the years.
I plead with those who can help Glenice. She needs much help in shifting and in reestablishing her future life. Please do not let her down. I pray that you will continue to support Highwood Institute, Remnant Ministries, the Remnant Herald. Pray for the choice of new leadership; pray for the Highwood staff and Nickoli Millen, Russell’s long-time faithful office clerk.
The following words, though written by another, epitomize the convictions of my dear brother.
IT IS BETTER TO BE DIVIDED BY TRUTH THAN TO BE UNITED BY ERROR
IT IS BETTER TO SPEAK THE TRUTH THAT HURTS AND THEN HEALS, THAN TO SPEAK A FALSEHOOD THAT COMFORTS.
IT IS BETTER TO BE HATED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH, THAN BE LOVED FOR TELLING A LIE
IT IS BETTER TO STAND ALONE WITH THE TRUTH, THAN TO BE WRONG WITH A MULTITIUDE.
IT IS BETTER TO ULTIMATELY SUCCEED WITH THE TRUTH, THAN TO TEMPORARILY SUCCEED WITH A CAUSE THAT FAILS.
At the Questions on Doctrines Conference October last year, we both agreed that if only one of us was there, at the best, we would have made only 25% of the impact God helped us make. Please pray for me. Russell’s death feels like three parts of me have been snatched away. I doubt that any twins could have ever been linked so closely together, so comprehensively as Russell and me.We began as one zygote for our first 10 – 14 days after conception. We often pondered that somehow God in His wisdom decided that there needed to be two of us to accomplish what God planned for us to accomplish. Though we lived continents apart for most of our lives, we have been so close to each other. In many ways we potentiated each other, encouraged each other, and urged each other to take courageous stands for the Lord and to stand for the integrity of God’s Word.
If any feeble words I can utter can encourage you here today it is these. If you truly loved my brother, his greatest joy would be to see you all on the resurrection morn. “We sorrow not even as others who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor. 15:51-55.
Russell’s life was selflessly committed to leading souls to the Kingdom. Family members, I know how earnestly he prayed for you by name daily, for your personal salvation. If any of you are not ready for Jesus to come, I plead with you to do so that the Standish family will be united and complete for eternity in Christ’s Kingdom, to be with your forebears, who accepted the great Seventh-day Adventist message before any of us were born. None of you met our faithful great grandfather, Samuel David Standish, who left the Reformed Lutheran Church to embrace the Seventh-day Adventist faith in 1915. Russell and I would love to introduce him to you and to our paternal grandmother and great uncles and aunts who died in the Lord. We want to introduce you to our maternal grandmother Alice Bailey, who left the primitive Methodist church in 1900 to accept this saving message, and our grandfather John Bailey, who in his old age accepted Christ in his life, and faithful uncles and aunts. Oh, how Russell wanted you to be there with our dedicated parents. My earnest plea is for Christ’s sake, who died for you, to surrender your lives to Him. You will never regret it. May the extended Standish and Bailey families share eternity together. And to all the many friends and colleagues here, I make a similar invitation. God loves you with an everlasting love. How can we reject or neglect so great salvation? Nothing in this world can be worth losing heaven. My earnest prayers will continue for all of you. God bless you all.
Apr 20, 2008
A new industry comes to Hartland
“Woodworking has been an interest of mine ever since I was a child,” says Kevin Wagner, senior at Hartland College and head instructor at “Hartland Woodcraft.”
Donors to the program at Hartland College will be pleased to learn how some of their generous gifts to the school are being utilized. The college has started another campus industry: a woodworking shop where custom casework and millwork are being produced. “Casework,” Kevin explains, “is basically the building of such items as cabinets, bookshelves, and anything that looks boxy. Millwork is a term used for moldings and frame-and-panel-type work that is both decorative and functional.”
“Our product line is what you can’t find elsewhere. We are not able to effectively mass produce anything, but we do custom orders,” comments Kevin.
Kevin gained experience for his skill in woodworking by apprenticing himself to a master craftsman in New Hampshire for eight weeks. “Once I got back on campus, I just started building,” he says. “I’ve had a lot of support from the faculty here. The Lord has brought equipment to us at an excellent price. He’s provided most of what we need.”
When asked whether he has plans for future expansion, Kevin eagerly explains, “If the Lord allows, we would eventually like to mill our own lumber here from trees on campus; however, we will need more equipment and more people to work with us.”
Kevin is grateful to Hartland College for giving him the opportunity to teach a skill to young people. He hopes to benefit students who are looking seriously for a “tent-making skill” they can use to help them support themselves as they work as missionaries out in the field.
Students involved in the program at “Hartland Woodcraft” express their appreciation for the new campus industry:
“Woodworking is something that will help me to make it financially while I am working as a Bible worker somewhere in Asia,” says Yik Foo Soon, a pastoral evangelism major.
“I know that I’m learning a field of carpentry which is going to help me better understand how to build things,” commented Eliezer Alemeza, “whether it be something simple like a chair, or perhaps something more complex, such as a humble church in a third world country.”
“This may be just a hobby at first, but I hope eventually to be able to build necessary items for people in need,” explained Paul Kim, looking to the future. “It will be my ministry.”
“Hartland Woodcraft” is in its beginning stages, but with God’s blessing coupled with the enthusiasm of those who work in the shop, the potential for benefit to our future missionaries and for vital outreach to the community is great.
Apr 20, 2008
Pauls message in this chapter rings with relevance for last-day Christians
I’ve pondered often the message of Romans chapter 12 over the years. Most likely, you have, too. One of the reasons I treasure this portion of Scripture so much is that within its verses lies a clear revelation of what God is desiring from each of His children in these closing days of Earth’s history. Since you and I reckon ourselves to be among those who are awaiting the imminent return of Christ, Romans 12 has been written for us!
Here are some of the Spirit-generated thoughts within Romans 12 which have touched me.
I treasure the message of verse 1. Here, God is asking us to offer ourselves to His service as living sacrifices, and He says that He wants only pure, unadulterated sacrifices. We can see that this appeal is only reasonable, for we would not expect our heavenly Father to accept spoiled and compromised offerings, would we?
If you look at verse 2, you will be reminded of the fact that in order for us to be transplanted successfully into the heavenly home, we must become changed into the likeness of Christ. This change will not come about merely by our making the outside “look good.” On the contrary, we are changed into that likeness by a process known as “the renewing of our minds.” The Spirit communicates to us through the mind. The conversion of an individual is not surface work, but rather a heavenly re-creation of the mind.
I love to ponder verses 3 through 8, where God’s Spirit reminds me not to compare myself to my brethren and sisters in the faith, as if my performance were somehow superior to theirs, or vice versa. In these verses I am challenged once again to acknowledge that each member of the body has a place and a work set aside for him or her by God. And I am expected to do well those jobs which God has given me, in a spirit of humility.
I urge you to meditate prayerfully on verses 9 through 21 this evening. What blessed and specific counsel for the last-day Christian! We cannot afford to overlook it in our rat-race pace of living, for we are almost home. It is almost time for the Lord to come. May God give us a sense of urgency to make our calling and election sure.
Yours in the blessed hope,
Feb 1, 2008
As I travel, I meet many people with serious burdens on their hearts. I meet parents with deep burdens for the souls of their children, some of whom have left the fellowship of God’s church. Were they adequate parents? Did they do all they could for the salvation of their children? This burden is deepened by hindsight—it is much easier to see in retrospect where mistakes were made or where more could have been done.
Some sense that their children are not living a fulfilled life and are suffering from emotional instability or even illness. Others are burdened by spouses who do not share their love for Christ and for His saving power in their lives. Many wives who became Seventh-day Adventists after their wedding desire their husbands to join their faith. They realize the difficulty of leading children to the Lord when their spouses do not share the same goal.
I have also met spouses who married out of the faith while they themselves were members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Some expressed deep regret that they had not heeded the counsels and warnings from the Lord or from their family or church members in making this life commitment. Others have a burden for their parents who do not love God or His truth.
Yet, I also see how God has answered many prayers for loved ones. I see the mighty hand of God bringing salvation to both young and old. God has promised that as we come close to the end of this earth’s history, the Holy Spirit will move with mighty power around the world, and many who have left God’s truth will return and stand faithful to the Lord.
“When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together, and present to the enemy a united front.” Evangelism, p. 693.
Let us pray earnestly for those who have left the fellowship of God’s people. Perhaps many of them were discouraged by the conduct of church members. Still others may have lost confidence in the church because of inconsistencies seen in its beliefs and practices.
May our prayers increase, not only for those close to us, but for all those who have been acquainted with Seventh-day Adventist Church messages and have chosen to leave the precious, saving faith.
Apr 1, 2006
“El Salvador has lots of gangs, and many young people do not know God,” says José Del Rosario. “They need Christ in their lives, and they need people who can guide them to know the Lord.” So at the invitation of his home church in El Salvador, José, who prepares food for Hartland Lifestyle Education Center’s guests, organized an evangelism trip to El Narangho, a city with no Seventh day Adventist presence. Three area churches prepared the city for the well-attended two-week series. miracles_in_elsalvador.jpgWith him went Fredy Castro, a health ministries major, who taught hydrotherapy, massage, poultices and other remedies to about fifty young members of the host churches in the mornings. During the evening meetings he lectured on the eight laws of health. “We saw and heard their appreciation, but the week that I spent there is nothing compared with all the work that needs to be done,” said Fredy.
Liesel Dettwiler, a Bible instructor major, provided special music on her viola, but when Fredy returned to Hartland for classes, Liesel also presented the health lectures. “Foreign missionaries are needed. We need to take the light we have to places where people don’t have the same opportunities we do,” says Liesel.
José recounts God’s blessing in preaching Present Truth each evening. For example, the meetings were held in a park, which had no electricity for sound or light systems. That need was supplied by a non-Adventist!
Where the light did not reach, the powerful sound did. Some Catholic residents hid in the park’s darkness while they listened. Their priest had gone house to house, warning his church members not to attend. One woman told José, “The priest said, ‘Don’t go,’ but I went. I listened, and not only that, I applied it to my life, and then I taught somebody else about health.”
Even a non-SDA taxi driver, hired to transport the team three hours each day, heard enough to accept his first Bible study.
The biggest need was a place for people to meet after the evangelism crusade ended. Where could they gather to continue their studies of God’s Word? The city had no Adventists to offer homes or buildings. Again God used a non- Seventh-day Adventist in His harvest plans: “No problem. My house is going to be the church. You can do whatever you want in this house,” this man said. “Move that wall there and make a bigger church if you want.” Who else but God could arrange all this?
Jun 1, 2005
“All my life I have had full confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy, even though there were a number of statements of Sister White that I found difficult to understand. After reading The Greatest of All the Prophets, they became clear. What a blessing this book has been to me!” one layman said. A number of ministers and evangelists in the South Pacific Division have endorsed this book as the most important book ever written in support of the inspiration of Ellen G. White’s writings.
In my lifetime, there has never been such an all-out assault against the Spirit of Prophecy as has been waged in Australia from the beginning of 2004, and it is continuing. Because this attack is spreading into North America, I urge all of you to read the book that my brother and I wrote, The Greatest of All the Prophets.
A group of faithful Seventh-day Adventists in Australia is raising funds to scatter this book among pastors and leading laity. In a very short time, they have raised over ten thousand dollars. It is my desire to do likewise here in North America. We cannot stand back and allow Satan free reign in his desperate effort to destroy the only message that God has given to be taken to the whole world.
In March, I had the privilege of teaching “Principles of Self-supporting Work” at Highwood College in Australia. It started with six students in January of this year, but the enrollment increased by eight students. They came from Australia, the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, and New Zealand.
With the power of the Holy Spirit and under the grace of God, I believe this little core of students, and those who will come, will turn back the tide of apostasy in the South Pacific Division. I earnestly solicit your prayers for them. Like the sons of the prophets, God is choosing young people who are “pious, intelligent, and studious. These were called the sons of the prophets. As they studied the word and the works of God, His life-giving power quickened the energies of mind and soul, and the students received wisdom from above.” Education, p. 46.
This college is certainly a landmark in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia. It coincides with the almost unrelenting attack upon the Spirit of Prophecy, especially by the South Pacific Division.
Those who have studied the truths, comparing the inspired writings with Scripture and with the contemporary fulfillment of prophecy, will be faithful until the end.
God bless you all. Let us pray that none of us will be deceived in these final pages of earth’s history.
Apr 1, 2005
Recently, I was introduced to Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose-Driven Life. I had heard of it, but had not seen it—let alone read it. However, a concerned church elder gave me a copy of it to review.
Pastor Warren is the founding pastor of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, one of the largest churches in the U.S.A. Many have flocked to this church to seek the secrets of its success. Among them have been an increasing number of Seventh-day Adventists.
sop_books.jpgI investigated the book to see why it is so highly recommended, and I came to the conclusion that it contains an alarming mixture of truth and error. For example, his concept of worship and music is contradictory to what we find in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy.
1. “Worship has nothing to do with the style or volume or speed of a song. God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all….” Warren, p. 65. Is that so? See Evangelism, p. 507.
2. “There is no biblical style [of music]…. There is no such thing as ‘Christian’ music; there are only Christian lyrics…. There are no spiritual tunes. …” Ibid., pp. 65, 66. If this is true then why do we have statements about a certain type of music which made the angels weep? See Adventist Home, p. 514.
3. We “learn” that worship is not for our benefit—“it’s for God.” Warren, p. 66. This concept is not in harmony with inspired counsel: “When Jesus meets with his people, his blessing rests upon those who assemble for the purpose of worshipping God. We need to cherish and cultivate a spirit of true worship, a spirit of devotion, upon the Lord’s holy, sanctified day. We should assemble together believing that we shall receive comfort and hope, light and peace, from Jesus Christ.” Signs of the Times, June 6, 1895.
I urge pastors and laity to expose the errors of this book. They do not reflect the perfect principles of God’s Word. There is no question that there are some good things in it but it is not safe ground to explore, because error is very close to the truth. Instead, we have a rich library of books to which God has given His approval – books such as Evangelism, Christian Service, Ministry of Healing, Welfare Ministry, Story of Redemption, and Early Writings. These books offer us pure truth, unadulterated with error.
May God keep us from deception.
Editor’s note: Recommended resources that address music and worship are Adventists Affirm, vol. 12 no.1 and vol. 13 no.1.
Feb 1, 2005
“Like the Sabbath, the week originated at creation, and it has been preserved and brought down to us through Bible history. God Himself measured off the first week as a sample for successive weeks to the close of time. Like every other, it consisted of seven literal days. Six days were employed in the work of creation; upon the seventh, God rested, and He then blessed this day and set it apart as a day of rest for man.” Lift Him Up, p. 52.
I believe not to accept this is to diminish the Spirit of Prophecy and to deny its effectiveness. “Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chronicles 20:20.
Sister White also wrote, “When men leave the Word of God in regard to the history of Creation, and seek to account for God’s creative works upon natural principles, they are upon a boundless ocean of uncertainty. Just how God accomplished the work of Creation in six literal days He has never revealed to mortals. His creative works are just as incomprehensible as His existence.” By Colin Standish, President, Hartland Institute | Hartland Ministry Report – February/March 2005
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