As promised in the most recent issue of Hartland Ministry Report, we have posted this interview with Ray deCarlo, ’89. It has been edited for clarity and conciseness. Correction: The June-July 2009 issue ofHartland Ministry Report listed the deCarlo’s website as www.present-truth.org. It should have been printed as www.rjtruthministries.org.

Tell us, how did you come to Hartland?

Well, originally I had a friend of mine give me information about it. I had never heard of Hartland. In the beginning I was considering CUC or Hartland as the options, so I got information on both schools. But I was attracted by the statement of where the school [Hartland] stood in terms of standards and so forth, so that appealed to me. And then of course, obviously, we put it before the Lord, and like all things you need to know God’s will so you have to take a step of faith. My wife and I, we just said, “Look, these certain things have to happen.” As you well know, we had jobs, we had a living, and you know how you just can’t walk away, so we had to have certain things take place, and of course her background is business, and I thought it would be nice if she could come and work and be part of the team while I go to school so she could experience it too, you know, and just make it a family kind of a thing. So, we laid it all before the Lord. Sure enough, one thing led to the next and boom—next thing you know we’re at Hartland.

 

When did you graduate and what major were you?

I came in ’86, graduated in ’89, and I majored in pastoral evangelism. From ’89 to ’92, I taught Bible here, and then in ’92 until the present, I’ve been—Judy and I, we started a ministry called Present Truth Ministries. And the basic gist of the ministry is evangelism, soul-winning. That’s been the major thrust for the last 19 years for us, and, of course, we do revival meetings and camp meetings, and I help Hartland and other places when I can teach or whatever. There are places around the world, various little schools or places that would like to have a little help. So, we try to do as much as we can in that regard, you know, to help people in their areas. And of course we obviously distribute literature to different countries, and tapes and so forth.

I just came back from Cuba last year. We had an evangelistic crusade over there. That was an unbelievable experience. I just received a call from a friend of mine who is working in Cuba. He’s a major contact helping me out there. The Cuban government has shut down all religious visas and won’t allow any kind of meetings to be held, and so for these things they really crack down. That was right after I came, and they made this new law. So we thank God we at least got one campaign in there. Although, my friend just went back to Cuba, and he went on a tourist visa, ‘cause again they won’t let you go under a religious visa. So there’s still a way to do it, but it’s very difficult. But obviously, the evangelism program for us is to meet the people’s needs wherever they may be. So we’re very pleased. We actually had a great response in Cuba. We had I think 30-something people make a decision for baptism. So we were very, very happy.

 

You hinted at miracles that led up to your coming to Hartland and the doors opening. Could you elaborate?

Well, like any endeavor, there are always obstacles. Whether they are big or little, somehow, someway, at least in the individual’s mind, you’ve got to be able to know whether or not God’s calling you in a particular area. And these obstacles, as Sister White says, you know, look, you’ve got to step out in faith, you have to have an element of faith where you can’t necessarily see the end, but you have to do it anyway in order to see where God leads.

One of the big things [was] for [Judy] to get a job here. So that was an obstacle for us. Also, too, my grade point average in high school wasn’t very high, so I wasn’t sure whether they would even accept me or not. So you know, I mean, ‘cause I think in those days the average GPA was like 3.2 or 3.5, something like that. I don’t remember exactly, but I think it was in that range, which is relatively high. I mean, when you’ve got the average student body reaching that level, and I graduated with a 1.7. So you can imagine how far down the totem pole I am! So there were a lot of factors involved. And, of course, as I say, for us we’re married, so we couldn’t live on campus. We had to find housing. You can’t just come down and say, “Okay, now where are we going to live?” So there were a lot of things that came into play. But one by one it just came into line. And so we just said, “Okay. The Lord just worked it out.”

I remember [at first], they told me, “Look, we’re gonna put you on academic probation, which means you can’t get a full load. You take a part load and see if you can handle it. If you can handle that then [we] may increase your load.” So I said, “Yeah, whatever. I understand.”

And this was my first semester – I graduated in ’89, so this is ’86 – and I mean, it is just twisting my mind. There is so much reading, so much homework, etc., and I’d never really been a student. I didn’t care for reading or writing or any of that. You know, what did that mean to me? It’s unfortunate, but that’s how I grew up. So you can imagine; the pressure’s really on. And I was taking Anatomy & Physiology from Dr. Goley. And in those days the medical students would be in the same classes as the Bible students. In other words, the [class] was geared more towards the medical students, not the Bible students. So when you had Dr. Goley or Dr. Blum or maybe some of the nurses teaching the courses, all of these people had degrees, doctorates; they had their masters; you know, they were highly educated. And so they taught it on a level so high that when we Bible students got in there, we had to keep par with the course, or we sunk. And that’s the way it went. You didn’t have two different classes accommodated. It was one class, two groups, but it was geared towards the medical.

So I’m studying for Anatomy and Physiology. I mean, there were words on the list that were so big I couldn’t pronounce them, let alone define them. So I went to him one day because we had a midterm. And it was like a week before or whatever, and I said, “I’m not ready. There’s no way.”

I remember what it was – it was on a Thursday, because it was the last day. You had the weekend off, and then, Monday, here comes the exam. So he says, “Look, I tell you what. Study this weekend. If you come back on Monday and you still feel you’re not ready, I’ll give you more time. I’ll help you out.”

I said, “Okay, that’s fine. That’s fair.” But in my mind, in the back of my mind, I’m thinking, Man, the guy could give me a year. I’m not passing this test! There’s no way I’m passing this test. It’s not going to happen.

So I stuck around. What I did is I planned. I remember what my brother told me years ago, my older brother. He said that when he went to college, he stuck around all the intelligent, brainy kids when it came to test times. So I thought; that’s what I’m going to do. So I found a couple of young kids who were fairly intelligent, a lot smarter than me [sic], that’s for sure. I went with them, and we quizzed each other. So we did it the whole weekend and came back on Monday. I remember cryin’ and thinking, Man, I’m just not ready. So I was determined when I came up Monday to go to Dr. Goley and say, “I can’t make it.” And so as I’m going into class, I’ll never forget, I thought to myself, Ray, what’s the difference? He could give me a month. Yeah, it’s not going to happen. So just take the test and get the pain over with. ‘Cause I would have had aggravation for a week or two, however long he gave me, right? Exactly. So, I took the test. Then I thought, Okay, that’s the end of it.

And then a week or two or however long it took to do the test, he came back, and I passed, passed with a B, 89% or something like that. But the Lord taught me a very important lesson. ‘Cause that was my first semester. I was supposed to be on academic probation, but they gave me a full load. They forgot to tell me. They forgot. It somehow slipped through the cracks. But I know in my heart, from that day forward things changed for me, because I saw the hand of God in this way. If you try your very best, if you really try your very best, no matter what your grade is, then you’ve done the very best that you can do by God’s grace. And from that point forward, my focal point was not grades anymore. My focal point was doing my best, no matter what my grades would be. And that doesn’t mean I’m going to be satisfied with a D. “Oh, well, I’m happy.” No, no, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m going to try. I’m going to really put forth an effort. And God can do miracles.

So from that it just went from one thing to another, from our getting jobs (Judy especially) and being accepted, and all these other things coming into line, it just led from one thing to the next to the next. That’s what I just kept seeing. As a matter of fact, in my second year here at Hartland, they asked me to be a Bible teacher for the academy. And so my second and third year, that’s what I was – an academy Bible teacher. And from that point, when I graduated, Hartland asked me to come and join the Hartland staff. I became the evangelist and revivalist for the school and the teachers. Immediately I was put on the circuit, traveled all over the world in evangelism, and on and on and on and on. It just, it’s a miracle when you look back in life, as I’m looking back now 22 years, and you can just see things taking place in your life, you know, stepping stones, as it were, that the hand of God is there. And I mean, as I said, when I left, and even now in our ministry, you can just see the stepping stones, how God has led along the way.

So one thing I enjoy personally, you know, in any setting, whether it be school, in this case Hartland as a school, you know, any kind of an association you have, it’s the people that really make it. Buildings are buildings, right? There are trees…What is that? Topography is nice, but it doesn’t necessarily make an experience, per se. People make the experience. And no matter where you go in life, there’s good and there’s bad. That’s just a fact of life. There’s no perfect church on this earth. You’re not going to find it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find someone there that’s doing God’s will. And so, it’s always important to try to stay focused, be determined to do God’s will, hang around and try to find those who are doing God’s will, and encourage those who are not. And I just found in my experience over the years that when God leads you to one phase, there’s another hill to climb. And you can look at it in one of two ways. You can look at it as an “Oh no, here we go again, woe is me” kind of a thing, or you can take it and say, “Well, I wonder what’s around the horizon. Something’s got to be there, something even better—if what is around the horizon is greater than what I’m experiencing now, man, let’s go.”

It all depends on your perspective of how you see the providence of God in your life— whether you see the positive or want to be a pessimist and look at the negative elements. And I’m not trying to say that you should be an ostrich, hide, and put your head in the sand. That’s not my point. I’m talking about your perspective of life in terms of a Christian. And hopefully, as a graduate or a student, or a staff at Hartland, or even a Christian in general, they should always have the confidence to know that God will always lead them to a better place, not to a worse place. Our God has a great concern for us. He wants only the best. ‘Cause you know, really, the reason we’re not as successful or as prosperous [as we should be], whether it be financially or morally or spiritually or intellectually, however you want to put it in whatever category, is because we have not allowed the Lord to bring us to that point where He wants us to be. God wants us to be the head, not the tail. So, I don’t know. For me, I really enjoyed my time and my experience.

 

What have been some of your most memorable experiences at Hartland?

Well, for me, I remember—a lot of [what] I remember is the students—a lot of the times with the students themselves that I have been friends with: Ron Patterson and Marc Coleman. These are good friends of mine that I used to hang around at Hartland, you know, students. I think they graduated the year before I did. They were just among the finest Christians you ever wanted to meet. And they really loved the Lord, loved to study, and that kind of naturally would rub off. So it’s a lot of associations. For me, at least, it was the associations of the students, and staff as well, but it was more of the students in regard to those things. I remember various things in terms of the experiences I had with them both. We’d go out and give Bible studies for outreach or whatever we were doing at the time. So I have to say, for me personally, my most memorable moments would be with the students and my experiences with them, both personally and spiritually.

There’s this picture we have in the archives of a student colporteuring group, and you’re in that. In fact, I think it was ’88? How was colporteuring?

Oh, colporteuring! I tell you, you know, I’ve gotten a lot of things in my experience that I’ve done. I’ve been involved in prison ministry, evangelism for 19 years, a teacher for 5 years, both academy and college, and I’ve done missionary work, and so forth and so on and so on. I’ve done a lot of things. But of all of the things I’ve ever done, the toughest in terms of actual ministry is colporteuring. Colporteuring really taught me a lot of valuable lessons, because you’ve got to persevere. I mean, if you don’t persevere in colporteuring, you’re done. And so, it teaches to not let go. Hold on. Maybe the next door. Keep going. Don’t give up. And so colporteuring was a challenge. It really was a challenge. I remember we were down in [the] Virginia Beach region, that area, and not once did I go to the beach, not once the whole summer long. I didn’t go. And it was a blistering summer, too. It was a hot one. And being that close to the beach, I’m amazed I did not go. I’m serious! Looking back at it, I’m AMAZED I didn’t go!

But just to tell you a story, you know, this is how, again, the Lord works. I had to do it, first, for two things. One, you’ve obviously heard of the course requirements for pastoral evangelism. And the other [one] is, of course, I needed money for the school bill. So it was important for me, very, very important, and I didn’t want to…. You know, some people don’t take things serious [sic]. They play around, or whatever. I just couldn’t get into that, because too much was at stake for me.

I was trained by a man by the name of Kent Millard. Yeah, very nice…oh, what a Christian man. Just a wonderful, wonderful man. Well, one time, I remember we were in a home. And I made the sale. And they say that once you make the sale, stop talking. Don’t keep selling, because you’ve already sold it. If you keep talking, you’ll sell yourself right out of it. So, I made the sale. And the gentleman said, “Yeah, I’ll buy it.” So I just kept going. And Kent was sitting on the side, looking at us…. Poor guy, he had to step in, you see. He had to cut it, or I would have lost that sale. So he really helped me out. I’ll never forget that. That was a good experience.

Well, I’ll also tell you what happened. I don’t know how much I sold—I don’t remember. And even at the time when I was selling it, all I was concerned about was getting the books and the literature out into the public so they could get the gospel. But when the summer was over, and all was done; praise God, I was the highest seller. So, I praise the Lord for that. And as I said, you know, I just never would have thought about that because it was so hard for me. It really was a challenge. It was a great blessing. It’s where your motive is, where your focus is. My focus in that regard wasn’t the money. Look, I’m not trying to… it’s not that you’re not concerned, but your focus and your burden is greater than your financial needs. And like I said, in the school, it’s not that you’re not concerned about grades. I mean, everybody—if you got any kind of concern for yourself—wants good grades! But for me it was more important after learning that lesson to do my best, do my very, very best, and God will take care of the rest. And once I did that, things fell into line. Things just fell into line. Not that there weren’t any challenges. Of course there were going to be challenges. But it just changed my whole perspective.

 

How has Hartland prepared you for your ministry after Hartland?

Well, I think for me, when I came to Hartland back in ’86, and looking back at it, I remember thinking at the time, When I just graduate…. You know, Hartland taught me more, at least in those days, because of my associations with the students that I had become acquainted with and staff at that time, which everyone has gone their separate ways for whatever reason, but I mean, it just, I learned more about character, about me. I learned more about me as a person than I did so much about theology. Not that they weren’t teaching theology. Of course they were. But you see, prior to me coming here, I had already studied a lot of these issues. I studied the nature of Christ, the nature of sin, justification, sanctification, 1888, you know, the whole gamut. For me, it just brought me to a level of maturity, because what really helped me was, as I said, my associations with students and staff. And also too, teaching. I had never taught in my life. I didn’t know how to teach. And so here I came to my second year–I’m just in my second year, and they said, “Look, we’d like you to teach academy.” I remember; it was Mrs. Warren Peters. She’s a lovely, lovely woman. Just a God-fearing woman…I’ll never forget her. She was so helpful. This is what I’m talking about. She took me under her wings, she showed me, she said, “Look, we’ll teach you, we’ll help you.” ‘Cause I told them, I said, “Well, look, I don’t know a thing about teaching!” I had no idea! And we sat down, and Mrs. Peters said, “Don’t worry. We’re gonna help you. We’ll help you through it.” And I said, “Okay, if that’s what you want, okay.”

And so, it’s those kinds of things, those little stepping stones, you know, when people come in your life, whether they are students or staff. That’s what helped me. I’m thankful, I’m really thankful for the people who came in my life, very much so. People like Joe Crews and Ron Spear, or Ralph Larson, or Russell Standish, or Doctor Standish, Marshall Grosball, other people. You know, these people came in at the right time for me. This kind of people just took me to another level—they helped me in my life, both spiritually and emotionally and the rest. I just really have profited in that way.

I think that, look, you know, it all depends in some…. Well, I mean, there’s a balance, I understand this. But in life, you get what you want out of it. If you want to make a living, then be determined to do the things that are necessary to make a living. If you want to be successful in life, whatever capacity, the secular world or the spiritual world, whatever, then there are certain things that are required of you. And it’s fundamental principles of life. And so, to me, it was those kinds of things. It was maturity on that level. Not that I didn’t learn my Bible. I learned my Bible, but you know, it’s funny, because I was going to…. My mindset before I came was, I’m gonna come study my Bible. And it’s not that I didn’t do that, but God knew and said, “Look, I’ve gotta teach you something greater right now. There’s some deficiency in your life that’s greater that this, at least at this stage, and you need to learn to develop your character. And it’s not that you don’t learn your Bible, but it’s just that you need to mature. You need to grow up in a different realm than where you are presently.” So that’s what happened. For me, at least. That’s my experience.

 

Can you tell our donors a little bit more about what you’re doing right now?

Well, right now as I said, we’ve been involved in our ministry for 19 years—we’re in our 19^th year. This coming June [2009] will be 20 years since I graduated from Hartland. And so for us, we’ve been doing evangelism for 19 years. That’s been our main focus. Soul-winning is the greatest experience. I’ve gone back and done many, many things. I used to own my own business, I’ve done ministry in various capacities, but nothing is more satisfying than leading someone to Jesus Christ. That is the greatest thrill I’ve ever had in my life. There’s something about…. You know, you can take somebody who’s a drunk or immoral, or whatever, and in a matter of weeks, I mean, it’s a change! And actually change takes place in their life, and you can see the change. And so, when I see that, that’s the most thrilling. So our main thrust has always been evangelism. We do reprint the pioneer Sabbath School quarterlies and make those available, and tapes and series of meetings, and, as I say, we’re concerned with doing the camp meetings and revival meetings [for] people who call us, because there’s such a great dearth among the people of God. And where I can in Hartland or in our other schools that call me: “Please come and help us,” you know, [I teach] a class and so forth. So that’s what we do. We’re very diversified in terms of what we do as a ministry, though very focused in the overall element: soul-winning. It’s all about soul-winning. In other words, everything has to be within that realm. If it’s not that, as far as I’m concerned, we’ve defeated our purpose. What’s the point to preach if you’re not leading people to Christ? So, we try our very best to stay in that realm, to be very focused in our soul-winning.

There are two elements in a ministry such as ours. You preach to the church, and you preach to the world. We understand that. But both of them are soul-winning. Whether it’s giving the straight testimony or whether it’s giving the Three Angels’ Messages to the world, both of them have the element of soul-winning. The Elijah Message is to call people to repentance within the church, leading them to back to the paths of righteousness. The Three Angels’ Messages are to lead the fallen churches back to the path of righteousness in keeping the Sabbath, and so forth and so on. Both of them have the same results. Different messages, but the same results. It’s not a matter of us pontificating and thinking with our…. This is nonsense! It’s a terrible thing that some people do it that way, but I think it’s inappropriate. I don’t believe it’s the right way to go about it. We have a message to give. Let’s stay focused on that message.

It’s the one thing that I feel, too, in our ministry, we’re not gonna get caught up with all these fanciful, sensational things that are being taught out there today. I refuse to do it. I will not allow myself to be caught up in such nonsense. It’s not our message. You know, Sister White says we should stay away from sensationalism and fanaticism and things of this nature. But you look at the work and what do you see? So much of it going on. She says also, we should be very careful that we don’t denounce the government, that we shouldn’t have an anti-government mindset. This doesn’t mean you don’t reveal things about religious liberty and civil liberty. But sometimes you get this mindset that goes on. And we refuse to be involved in that. We will warn the people. We will share with them. We will challenge them. We will appeal to them. But we’re not going to allow ourselves to be instrumental in getting their focus off issues that are essential for salvation. And I tell you this, and I’ve said it so many times in the past years, the main focus is character development. That’s what we should be challenging the people on. Our ministry is determined to challenge the people to get ready for Christ’s coming. And that, there’s only one way to do it – it’s your character. It’s not how much you know. You can know all the little secrets you want about the federal government – it’s not going to help. In and of itself, that doesn’t constitute that you’re a righteous man or a righteous person. It means the fact that–look, I’m not saying we shouldn’t know certain things, but probably some people they’ll want to know every little detail of every little thing that goes on or all the little secrets. Look, this is dangerous! Or this, “the church is Babylon,” or the keeping of the feast days, or whatever they’re teaching. All of this is nothing more than side issues to distract us from the central issue: Am I right with God and my fellow man? Is my life in harmony with God’s will? So we’re determined in our ministry, and we have been, to preach the good old Seventh-day Adventist message.

A number of years ago I was sitting in the office with Dr. Standish. We had issues coming up with self-supporting work—various ministries involved. And issues arose. I won’t have time now to get involved with them, but nonetheless issues arose. And I went to Dr. Standish and said, “It is imperative that”—and I was still working there at Hartland—“It is imperative that we maintain a steady course, that we do not diverge from where we are. We must stay focused and preach the Three Angels’ Messages, and let all these other guys go off on tangents if that’s what they want to do. But Hartland must never do that.” ‘Cause this is what’s going to happen: Years will go by, and when you go through this emotional experience, most people go with the emotional message, the sensational message. But what happens is, years later, people will fall off by the wayside, because you cannot sustain – that’s right – you cannot hold them in their experience. Some will be rescued—not many. Others who were sitting in the valley of decision will come to their senses. And those who were just observing to see what’s going on will finally realize what’s happening. As we say, when the dust settles, then you know. And so you have to wait till the dust settles.

And sure enough, when the dust settles, people will look back over the certain years and say, “You know what, those guys named Dr. Standish, Ray, and whoever else was involved, those fellows may not be the most fanciful preachers, they may not have the fanciest ministries, but I tell you what, they’re preaching the same good old message they’ve always been preaching.” It shows consistency. It shows the fact that we’re not fanatical, that we don’t go into extremism, that we don’t get these latest issues. We’re not into that. I refuse to do that. I just believe that we must stay focused on the mission that God has given us, and that is the preaching of the Elijah Message to the church and the Three Angels’ Messages to the world. That’s our message. Both of them, as I said to you before, both of them basically can be summed up this way: “Prepare to meet thy God.” That’s the essence. As I say, they both have their different twists and turns of content, we know that. I mean, there are similarities, we understand, it’s a crossover, but one is the straight testimony to the church and one is to the world. And so, that’s where I am determined, I will not, by God’s grace, give that up.

Am I the biggest ministry? No. Do I take in the most money? No. Do I have the largest following? I doubt it. But I know this: I’m doing what God is calling me to do. So I don’t need to be the most popular. I don’t need to be the fanciest. I don’t need to have the biggest payroll or whatever the case may be. I know this: if I do God’s will and I do what He has called me to do, God will take care of the rest. Each of us has a part to play. Peter could not do Paul’s job, Barnabas couldn’t do Peter’s job, and John couldn’t do Barnabas’ job. Each of them, even though they’re different, they’re all godly, God-fearing men. No one would dispute the godliness of the men I just listed. Yet each of them had a role to play. Each of them has a piece of the puzzle. We have to find out what piece we are and where we fit in the will of God in regard to the great maze of His will. And when you find that, stay with it unless God directs you in another direction. But at this stage of the game, God has called me here. This is where I’m at, and this is what we’re determined to do.

 

Twenty years after your graduation, you’re teaching two classes this quarter, Pauline and Evangelism. Do you have any comments about that?

Oh, well, I tell you, the teaching’s all…. Well, in terms of… we talked about what’s more exciting – soul winning is the greatest experience, no doubt about it. But right behind that is teaching. There’s just something about it, the interaction with the students, it’s just a wonderful experience. Because, for me personally, as a teacher, it draws me back into the subjects, even though I’ve studied them before. It’s not like I’m ignorant of them. But it just draws me back into it again and takes me deeper to another level of experience spiritually and emotionally with the course. So I’ve enjoyed it. So far I’ve had a great time. I always do. Pauline was a good, good experience.

Actually, I’ll tell you something right now. Every year, God gives me a message, a specific message that will be the theme for the year. I know this sounds kind of maybe a strange thing, but it really does happen. I travel all over this world, but the last several years it seems, particularly in these last couple of years – 4 or 5 years, maybe 6—I would be studying something, not that I’m really looking for something, but I’ll be studying something, and something will click. One time I [was] reading Patriarchs and Prophets about Jeremiah. And I [was] just coming along and I [was] reading through the chapter – and I’ve read it before – but I’m rereading it for my devotions, and something clicks—Jeremiah 30, 31, 32. And so I go back in my Bible and say, “You know; I want to read these chapters.” So I go through it carefully, read it through. Instantly, I’m working up a series of messages. Right off the bat, I’m thinking, There’s a sermon. So that took me through a whole year! It was a theme, a concept, an idea. And it just thrust. It was like the spearhead.

And one year, one time I was sitting in my study. I came across a statement on Isaiah 58 from the servant of the Lord. Wow! That’s a pretty strong statement. So I punch up the computer. I do a lookup on the Spirit of Prophecy, all the statements on Isaiah 58. So I compile them, organize them, put them in order, read them. I think, This is strong stuff! So I go back and read Isaiah 58. So I’m reading through Isaiah 58, and I think, This is a message! So, BOOM! There’s a whole message…a thrust of a series of messages, preaching through that. And on and on and on, it’s like that.

So this year because of Pauline, I’m going…. Of course, I was assigned Romans and Galatians to teach. This class has been divided into three sections: Thessalonians, ‘course I’ve got Galatians and Romans, and Brother Baker got Corinthians. And so I’ve got Romans and Galatians, I’ve preached on that before. It’s not like I haven’t done it before. But going back over it inspired me so much so I thought, This is just where I need to be personally and ministerially. Go back and read Romans and Galatians in a series and that will be my theme for this year – the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So see what happened? I wasn’t looking for it. And it’s very interesting. For the last—I don’t know. It’s been a good number of years. But every year God—I’m not looking for it. —it just comes in my studies or something. It’s as if the Lord’s saying, “OK. That’s what you’re going to tell the people. This is where your focal point’s gonna be. OK, Lord. And so I work up a whole series. So this year that’s where I’m going. I’ve already started. As a matter of fact, I was invited to preach in Charles Town, West Virginia. I’ll preach Galatians. I told them. I said, “Well, I just came back teaching from Romans and Galatians.” I said, “So brace yourself because this is where we’re going.” So it has been a great joy, a great joy.

 

Do you have any words of encouragement for our donors?

Well, I would just say that the number one concern I always tell my donors; I always say, “The one thing you have to do is in your own life, follow the Lord. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Never let go of the dreams and aspirations that God inspires you with. No matter how long or hard it may appear to be to reach those goals, if you stay focused and do God’s will, then you will succeed.” My main encouragement would be to do the Lord’s will. Be focused in those areas, and the Lord will direct you. Always remember this—that God has a work for them to do. Each of us is called for our own responsibility. Not everybody is called to the ministry. We know that. Some are called to do business. In other words, they make money. They know how to make money, and they’re good at that. It’s a talent. And therefore God expects them to be responsible with those means, obviously. We have a work to do. We can all do it by God’s grace and through the gracious means with which they contribute to help us with. I would just say, “Pray and let the Lord lead you,” and He will prosper you spiritually and otherwise.

On September 11, 2001, just over one year ago, terrorists flew three planes into important buildings, causing the United States of America to flex its global muscle in the war on terrorism. In spite of record support for the president, persistent questions remain concerning how much the government knew before the attacks and of its stewardship of the nation’s security, human lives, and national resources. Some even argue that because of their failure to prevent the attacks which they knew were coming, government leaders in dealing with the aftermath have likewise brought their stewardship of the Constitution into question.

Stewardship is a much larger principle than the use of our financial and physical assets. It is a comprehensive obligation over a wide range of issues including health, intellect, vital force, and the spiritual assets of heart and soul. Each of us has significant intangible assets for which we will be held accountable both in this life and the life to come.

The stewardship of the soul is our most important obligation. Nothing is more important than our eternal salvation. But many Seventh-day Adventists are careless about this important stewardship obligation. Few are daily reading the Bible, let alone the Spirit of Prophecy. Few are spending significant time in prayer pleading for God’s direction and influence on them. How then can they expect to be prepared for the crisis that is coming upon God’s people? How then will they be willing to face the serious consequences of the coming attack on them because of the truth they profess? Because of this one neglect, many will not be in heaven.

Another important aspect of the stewardship of the soul is personal ministry. Giving of yourself to help someone else is one of the most satisfying and uplifting things you can do. Do you realize that the more you give, the better you will feel? Giving money to change someone’s life (like a student), is very meaningful and brings great satisfaction, but giving of yourself is even more satisfying, because it comes directly from the heart. Why do people spend so much time grunting, groaning, and sweating while volunteering for good causes? It isn’t the money they get for it. It is the intangible blessing of the satisfaction they receive, knowing that their little bit of effort makes a big difference. And you know, it makes as big a difference in your own life as it does in the life of someone else.

Missionary work is like that. It brings such great satisfaction that it is almost an addiction—a good addiction. Talk to any real literature missionary. You’ll find them eager for the next opportunity to hand someone a Last Generation magazine or some other piece of truth-filled literature. Why are they so eager? They have found the secret of happiness—doing something from the heart for someone else.

Why not get started? You need it! And souls out there need it. Satan, the great terrorist, is busy destroying people’s lives. The proper stewardship of your personal constitution and spiritual resources is your best chance at happiness and satisfaction in this life and the life to come.

Make the most of your stewardship — Why not volunteer at Hartland?

By Hal Mayer

by Joseph Ware
Millions are dying without this vital substance.

If I told you of something that people lack so desperately that they are dying in need of it, would you be interested? And if you learned that you could help supply the lack to these dying people, would you be curious?

You might say, “There are so many things lacking in this world. We hear of food shortages in third world nations, of gas shortages in Eastern Europe. We hear of companies with deficits. Countries like Somalia, Afghanistan, and Thailand lack peace. All these shortcomings are so big. Where could someone as small as I help? What lack could I fill? Besides, with the economy the way it is, I’m beginning to lack things myself.”

And I would answer, “This need of which I write is not something like food or money, of which there will never be enough. There is no such thing as an infinite supply of food or oil, but there is an infinite supply of this mystery thing. For a Christian, there’s no excuse for having less of it even when the economy is plummeting.”
“Don’t keep me waiting,” you would say. “Tell me what this mystery substance is.”
The Bible says in Ephesians 6:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Unto whom? God, of course—the God of power and love, the God of our salvation. Notice the verse doesn’t say: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly when the economy is doing well.” Our God is infinite, unconstrained by the economy. He is the infinite Supplier who will fill us with power.

You ask, “But where do I fit?”

The last part of the verse answers this: “according to the power that worketh in us.” God has chosen us to be the channels of His mighty power—the power that can change the way you act, that can spark love in your heart for the unloved.
There is a world ignorant of the power of God to save. You can play a part in dispelling that ignorance. As you receive power from God, you will be empowered to share with those who are perishing for a lack of this power. The cupboards might be bare, the clothes threadbare, but nothing says that a Christian can’t have an infinite supply of the power of God. Do your part to fill this lack and tap into the power of God.

by Hal Mayer

Giving is the spirit of Heaven. Heaven was emptied for us that we might have its spirit of giving. But the enemy tries to find ways to prevent us from receiving this spirit of generosity. He tempts us to think we need more than we do. He gets us over-stressed with problems to depress us and causes us to lose that happy spirit. Sometimes he stifles the giving spirit by using others to get us angry.

Some people are in a dilemma. They have been giving to God’s cause for many years, investing their time, influence, tithes, and offerings in what seemed to them to be the place where truth would be upheld. But now they realize that false doctrine is being preached. Schools are teaching worldly philosophies and engaging in sports and other activities that God has forbidden. They see rock music flooding into worship services, worldliness pressing in all around them, with people they were taught to respect often leading out in it. When they protest these things, they are told to be quiet, or they get arguments that sidestep the question and leave them without hope of change for the better.

Sometimes people lose the heart to give because they have been alienated by those who they thought were going to do right. They become disconnected, losing the sense of message ownership that once gave them passion for the truth and their church.

Whatever you do, don’t lose the spirit of giving! Giving of yourself to someone else will lift your spirits. When you know that you have done something good for someone else or for the cause of God, you have the satisfaction of seeing your benevolence at work. This is vital to spiritual life and to a happy, well-balanced outlook. In Luke 6:38 Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” because He knew how important is the spirit of giving and that all generosity comes back to bless the giver.

We all need to be connected to a worthy cause to inspire our giving. Many people find that faithful self-supporting ministries give them a sense of message ownership once again. They know that their gifts will not be wasted on the stock market, in drama programs, cartoons, clowns, et cetera, but that their gifts will be used wisely and efficiently. They feel a part of the cause again.

Thank you for your support and prayers for Hartland. Our vision—training young people to take the truth all over the world—can’t be fulfilled without God and you. You are definitely needed! Make the spirit of Heaven your spirit, too.

by Hal Mayer

Once again, God’s predictions come to pass.

I was stunned to read the following from Fundamentals of Christian Education, pages 317-318. It reads like the morning news.

“The land boom [‘housing bubble’] has cursed this country, extravagant prices have been paid for lands bought on credit; then the land must be cleared, and more money is hired; a house to be built calls for more money, and then interest with open mouth swallows up all the profits. Debts accumulate, and then come the … failure of banks and … the foreclosure of mortgages. Thousands have been turned out of employment; families lose their little all, they borrow and borrow, and then have to give up their property and come out penniless. Much money and hard labor have been put into farms [houses] bought on credit…. The occupants lived in hope of becoming real owners, and it might have been so, but for the failure of banks throughout the country.” Today, add credit card debt and equity loans.

“Merchants are failing [retail bankruptcies], families are suffering for food and clothing [careless spending habits]. No work presents itself [high unemployment]. But the holidays are just as numerous. Their amusements are entered into as eagerly. All who can do so will spend their hard-earned [money] for a taste of pleasure, for strong drink, or some other indulgence….”

Another statement from the 9th volume of the Testimonies for the Church, page 13, comes to mind. “Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, … and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis….”

Does all this sound familiar? Considering these things were revealed to us through Ellen G. White over a hundred years ago, we shouldn’t be surprised. But God has promised to take care of His children if we follow His prophetic counsel for these last days: live in the country; grow your own food; get out of debt; practice economy. We can trust His promise, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” Psalm 37:26.

In times of economic stress, faithfulness to God is our best plan. He knows how to solve all our problems. Those who follow simple living will soon be thankful that they followed the wisdom of God.

by Colin Standish

There is nothing that provides foolproof economic security in this world.

Many of you are hearing the doomsday messages concerning the economy of the United States, and by extension, those of other countries. Some of these warnings have come from responsible sources. There are those who say that we are facing the greatest economic collapse in the history of the world. That would certainly be devastating, especially knowing the results of the 1929 stock market collapse.

Five years ago, a friend of mine was called into his bank manager’s office and was told that similar conditions to those in 1929 were already developing in America. The difference was that it would not be the stock market that would bring down the economy, but the housing industry. All can recognize that this prediction has met its fulfillment in the magnitude of recent home foreclosures. The closing of banks also indicates serious economic difficulties.

Of course, it is possible that governments and banks are down-playing the imminent dangers. Most of us will have to rely on the most trusted media sources available to us to have any idea of what might be ahead. Perhaps even the financial geniuses in this country are not certain of the final outcome. There seems to be no way to escape the imminent doom or to guarantee security. Some people are banking on precious metals. Others believe investments in oil companies will bring security. In the past, many banked on real estate, but they are now realizing loss of equity in these properties. In reality, there is nothing that provides foolproof security in this world.

For this reason, the wise stewards of God’s people are called to be faithful with the resources God has entrusted to us. When we place our treasure in heaven, there will be no loss of equity, and the work of God will be seen in souls who will be led to the kingdom through His diverse ministries.

At Hartland, we are taking the warnings seriously. What a responsibility we have! I cannot bear to think that even one cent of God’s money might be misappropriated, whether it be income from Hartland’s internal operations or the donations of faithful supporters. We need the wisdom of heaven to guide us, and we ask for your prayers to that end.

May God also bless you in your decisions, and guide you step by step to the eternal kingdom.

by Hal Mayer

“But they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” Daniel 2:43. The European Union’s latest attempt to bring Europe into closer political unity has come to a screeching halt once again.

One instance of failure to unite occurred on June 12, 2008 when Irish voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty. The Treaty was an attempt to resurrect the European Constitution that was rejected by Dutch and French voters in 2005. Treaties (or a Constitution) must be ratified by all 27 members of the bloc. The leaders of many European nations usually approve the treaty without a popular vote, in spite of the fact that a large number, perhaps even a majority, of Europe’s citizens don’t want Brussels telling them what to do.

Another factor that has gotten in the way of the treaty or constitution is that there are now so many nations with differing and often competing interests that it is almost impossible for them to agree on a constitution.

Even among the power brokers there is growing disunity. Historic French and German rivalries, dating all the way back to the time of Clovis in the 6th century, have risen again. Now that Germany has been reunited, France is seeking to mute a resurgent German political power. “French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s push for a Mediterranean Union – a new regional alliance that would include all Mediterranean littoral states (states that surround the Mediterranean sea) from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe – is a perfect example” of this French independence wrote Stratfor, a strategic forecasting group. This regional union would exclude Germany, since Germany is not a Mediterranean state. “The fractures within the European Union have been growing more apparent with each treaty or constitution that gets rejected, and the future of the bloc continues to darken.” ¹

A third factor contributing to disunity in the European Union has to do with the strength of its presidency. The ability to steer the Union toward greater political alignment depends on which nation holds the rotating presidency of the Union. The more powerful the nation that holds the presidency, the more likely the development of greater political union. However, when the French presidency ends in December, there will be no strong nation leading the presidency until 2017, according to Stratfor, which makes a treaty or constitution even more remote. French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said that the treaty was “doomed.”

Yet the attempts will go on. Rome has much at stake. Her power in the old world depends on a unified Europe, at least where religion is concerned. The key players in European politics, such as Germany and France, also have much at stake. There will be a certain type of unity, but God will decide when and under what circumstances. Watch carefully.

1. Strafor, “Europe, Another Door Closes” emailed to author [FROM: noreply@stratfor.com], 13 June 2008, entire article available with subscription from: http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/europe_another_door_closes.

by Hal Mayer

Religion as a global influence is not diminishing but expanding rapidly.

Religion has had an enormous influence in history. The vast conversions to Constantine’s Christian Church in the 4th century, and Mohammad’s great Muslim following in the 7th century, created a geopolitical atmosphere that led to war and bloodshed in God’s name. In the 16th century, Protestantism led to the Thirty-Year War (Rome’s last attempt to recover Protestant Germany), in which nearly 30 percent of the German population was destroyed.

A recent article in The Economist entitled “The New Wars of Religion” predicted that “faith will unsettle politics everywhere this century.” ¹ Commenting on this point, The Atlantic pointed out that Catholicism and Pentecostalism are competing for adherents in Latin America; that Islam claims one fifth of the world’s population and that it is only a matter of time until it surpasses Christianity in numbers; and that Hindus and Buddhists make up another 20 percent of the world’s population and are growing. The Economist predicted that by the middle of the 21st century virtually 80 percent of the world’s population will adhere to one of these major faiths. ² Religion is not declining, but expanding.

As religious zeal increases, so does religious conflict. “Where different religions bump up against one another…,” wrote The Atlantic, “the intense competition for souls could produce another era in which religious conflict leads to religious war, only this time with nuclear weapons. If we are really in for anything like the kind of zeal that accompanied earlier periods of religious expansion, we might as well say goodbye to the Enlightenment and its principles of tolerance.”

This prediction is insightful. Jesus predicted that there would be wars and rumors of wars as well as a terrible time of trouble and intolerance for His followers, who will be persecuted not by the secular world, but by religious zealots. (See Revelation 13:15-17.)

Most Americans don’t know much about religious history and are therefore doomed to repeat its intolerant mistakes. They think that secularism is the enemy. But they want a secular lifestyle with a religiosity that is emotional and lacks a deep understanding of God’s true principles.

It is no secret that poorer nations are more religious than richer ones. The current economic decline, if it goes far enough, could fuel a religious zeal to restore America to God’s favor. Amid threats of economic disaster and other fearful calamities, of which there are many, Americans are predicted to become more zealous and less tolerant. They will press for outward signs of religiosity, such as Sunday worship laws, to regain favor with God. In doing so, they will eventually turn their zeal on those who insist on obedience to the law of God, particularly the fourth commandment.

1. “The New Wars of Religion,” The Economist, Nov. 1, 2007.

1.  Alan Wolfe, “And the Winner Is…” The Atlantic, March 2008.

by Hal Mayer

One U.S. presidential hopeful proposed that the Constitution needed to be amended so it’s in God’s standards.

Mike Huckabee, the former Southern Baptist minister who was running for President of the United States, recently made this comment: “I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution…. But I believe it’s a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God. And that’s what we need to do—to amend the Constitution so it’s in God’s standards rather than try to change God’s standards so it lines up with some contemporary view.” ¹

One wonders which parts of the U.S. Constitution he would change if he were to become President. And what does he believe are God’s standards? That would undoubtedly include the Ten Commandments. While campaigning in Atlanta, Huckabee told his audience that “the logic that each of the states can come up with their own definition of how to respect human life is the logic of the Civil War.” In other words, he would use the power of the Federal Government to impose anti-abortion laws. Another example of this penchant to impose his beliefs at the federal level is his support for a federal ban on smoking in public places; although, in fairness, he backed away from this position slightly by saying he would sign congressional legislation if it came to him.

While many of us would certainly support him in such moral and temperance initiatives, there is a darker, more dangerous side to amending the Constitution according to “God’s standards.” How would Huckabee relate to the first amendment that guarantees religious liberty?

If Huckabee intends to impose God’s Ten Commandments on the United States Constitution, what would he do about the fourth commandment? Would he attempt to impose Sunday laws, which would agree with his view of the fourth commandment, or would he prefer to impose the Saturday Sabbath, as the fourth commandment actually teaches? Neither would be appropriate or acceptable under the first amendment, which prevents the establishment of any religion nor religious law on the nation, but allows each citizen the freedom to practice his religion as he sees fit.

Though it does not appear at this time that Huckabee will gain the Republican nomination, he garnered a lot of support among religious conservatives. It suggests that there are a significant number of people who would like to impose religious laws on the American people.

Prophecy is being compellingly fulfilled at the very moment when God’s people seem to be sound asleep. Like the ten virgins, they may awaken awfully close to the coming of Christ, some prepared and some unprepared.

Now more than ever, we must watch and pray as the seconds on the prophetic clock tick away.

1.  www.TheRawStory.com, January 15, 2008

by Hal Mayer

If you have been paying attention to the news, you have probably heard about the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Most of us, perhaps, haven’t thought of its prophetic implications.

The sub-prime crisis began this past fall when mortgage investors worldwide lost confidence in their investments’ value. Over the last decade or more, banks made loans below prime interest rates to homeowners who weren’t qualified. These risky mortgages involved large “balloon payments” at the end of five years. Banks sold these mortgages to other institutions, who in turn offered a share in the profit to willing investors. When homeowners could not pay those large balloon payments, banks had to foreclose. When this began happening on a large scale nationwide, mortgage investors around the world panicked and withdrew their investments.

The global loss of confidence in the U.S. sub-prime market brought the U.S. economy to a precipice. Banks didn’t have enough cash to operate without intervention. The Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank, flooded the U.S. economy with billions upon billions of new digital dollars and lowered interest rates quickly to prevent an economic meltdown and a stock market crash. Though the dollar had been gradually declining in value due to a number of other factors, this massive infusion of cash into the U.S. economy significantly intensified the devaluation of the dollars already in circulation, and stimulated inflation.

Here is the prophetic point: A powerful time of trouble is coming upon the world. This includes natural disasters, war, crime, and other calamities. But it also involves an economic crisis. “The day is coming when the idols of silver and gold will be cast to the moles and to the bats, and the rich men will weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon them. . . ” Our High Calling, p. 200 (see James 5:1-5).

These things tell us that a time of financial stress and difficulty is near. The financial strain on the world, as well as global tensions, natural disasters, and immorality, will cause great trouble. Then people will look for a way to bring America back to prosperity. They are likely to say that God is not blessing America because of its sins.

This will provide the excuse that is needed for citizens and lawmakers to press for Sunday laws to supposedly restore the blessing of God. God’s people will be thrown into a crisis for which most are not preparing. But those who have been faithful in their stewardship and have obeyed the Lord in all things will be sustained through the trouble.

Friends, now is the time to get your heart and life prepared for the coming crisis. Will you be ready? Now is the time to support God’s cause. Don’t wait until your money is worthless.

No reform can happen unless someone makes an effort to change the status quo.

At the time of the American Revolution, a contentious debate was going on about the form of government the new nation should have. There were the federalists and the anti-federalists. The two sides were sometimes brutal in the way they spoke to, or about, each other.

Underneath it all, however, was another more emotional argument. Would the principles of freedom enshrined in the republican government be extended to the slaves? Most realized that the debate could not come out into the open, else it would jeopardize the fragile republic. Deep down, though, they all knew there was an underlying division over slavery. James Madison commented that among the founding fathers of our nation, the division was not based on the fear of larger states dominating the smaller ones, but on the issue of slavery—essentially, the North versus the South.

Those who believed that reform concerning slavery was necessary knew that they could not bring the issue into discussion, because the majority was not ready for it. They sensed that they were part of a larger destiny which would eventually give rise to the reforms they thought necessary. So it was left to simmer in the gradually increasing light shed by the principles of the free republic. Initially, the Bill of Rights extended only to the free man, but the underlying question became starker with each passing year.

Not until the approach of the Civil War would national reform in regard to the question of slavery be confronted. It was the same surface argument between the federalists and the anti-federalists, with the same undercurrent on the question of slavery. Even then, many reformers felt that the southern states weren’t ready for the reform. But at some point someone had to take a stand! Someone had to lead out in reform. And that man was Abraham Lincoln. Under his leadership, slavery would eventually be abolished. No reform can happen unless someone makes an effort to change the status quo. True, timing matters; reformers need to be careful not to move too quickly. However, at some point action is necessary, or essential reforms will not be accomplished. Knowing the opportune time to take a stand requires spiritual discernment. Without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, reformers can agitate the issues either too early or too late, and thereby fail to achieve their aims.

Those who successfully work for reform are often initially blamed for any ensuing conflict. Heroes are made of reformers who sacrifice their reputations, their assets, and sometimes even their lives, to press for reform at the right time. What a lesson!

We are at the end of time. Can you think of any reforms that our people need? The issues are ripening, and truth is being trampled all around. It’s time to take a stand for the truth in the fear of God, and with a sense of destiny.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, June/July 2006

I’m appalled as I witness the almost weekly changes taking place in the framing of new legislation in the United States. It is evident the Constitution of the United States is being ignored.

Freedoms we too often take for granted are being brushed aside one by one. Most of these changes are made in the name of security.

For example, recently Time magazine (Dec. 20, 2004) reported on the new intelligence reform law which includes some chilling elements. It requires states to coordinate drivers’ licenses to make them compatible with each other. In other words, drivers’ licenses are to be the same in all states. This has been on the horizon for a few years, and it finally arrived on December 9, 2004, when President Bush signed the law.

Other credible media sources indicate that this law includes requirements for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-approved birth certificate and a social security number for each newborn which includes DNA marker data. DHS plans to have a database that will include detailed information on every citizen.

The implications of this new law are enormous. A driver’s license can easily become the Department of Homeland Security’s way of monitoring the activities of every citizen. All that has to be required is that your driver’s license be scanned for approval or denial of every transaction.

This new law may soon make credit or debit cards obsolete. All banking information will likely be linked to the DHS database and directly linked to personal bank accounts. All a person will need is a driver’s license which can be scanned for approval at the checkout counter or gasoline pump.

With this system in place, whether one uses cash or an available bank line-of-credit, how easy would it be for Revelation 13:17 to be fulfilled: “That no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name”! Those who are targeted for religious repression can easily be isolated from the system by denying their ID card transactions.

Praise God that we don’t have to be afraid, as long as we remain submitted to Him. “The Lord will help all who take hold with good courage, and humbly do His work with honesty and fidelity and earnest zeal. The end is near, and I would say to those I love in every place, Be of good courage in the Lord. Ministers and people, the Lord is our Rock.

We may be secure. The Lord will not leave His people to the will of the enemy. He will carry us through all the strait places. He can spread a table for us in the wilderness.” Review and Herald, February 12, 1901.

This time is close at hand. “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, June/July 2005

Political correctness is quite a taskmaster. It often prevents us from getting to the real truth. For example, in the recent presidential campaign here in America, President Bush suggested that the struggle with terrorism will be with us for a long time and that there is no way to eliminate it all together; instead, his administration’s task would be to reduce the threat of terrorism.

The media reacted negatively to this moment of truth and punished him. President Bush dutifully retreated to the less accurate and more unsupportable position of eliminating terrorism all together. John Kerry had a similar experience.

Why do human beings have difficulty being realistic? The ultimate result of such political correctness is disappointment and discontent among those who look up to such leaders for solutions.

Have you ever had anyone place unrealistic expectations on you that you couldn’t possibly achieve, and then find them upset with you for not meeting them? I have.

This happens in churches, institutions, and even families. We are often willing to accept lies or believe things that aren’t true even when, with a little thought, we could clearly see the fallacy of our thinking.

Yet, because it is not the picture we want to believe or the experience that we want to have, we are willing to create our own reality and blithely live in it until we come face to face with the genuine. Then we become disappointed.

I know an increasing number of people, for example, who are disillusioned with their church fellowship. They have blithely accepted what they have been told and think that everything is just as it should be in Zion. Then they are hit with the reality of the enormous apostasy that plagues God’s church. Their eyes are suddenly opened, and they sometimes react in extreme ways.

Why is it easier to hide problems and protect those who are doing wrong or who are teaching error? Is it because many want to support unsustainable notions about the condition of God’s church in these last days? This is not the time for fables. It is the time for truth.

If members refrain from speaking out on things that matter, the illusion of “peace and safety” will continue until it is, perhaps, too late. Then they may be lost because of their disillusionment. May we, each one, be careful to face reality with a holy boldness. Sweep it not under the proverbial “carpet.” It is time to prepare for the crisis, and God’s people must be warned.

If you are punished for it, you are not alone. Jesus was, too.

God bless you.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, April/May 2005

John Rogers was born in England in 1500. He was eventually educated in Cambridge and became a priest. Around this time the Reformation opened Europe to the gospel and was making a tremendous impact. John was called to Antwerp (which is in modern Belgium) in the “Low Countries” to pastor the English community living there. At Antwerp, John Rogers accepted the reformed teaching and became acquainted with William Tyndale, who was living in exile there.

William Tyndale had published his translation of the New Testament, and these books were being smuggled into England in sacks of wheat. As he began the work of translating the Old Testament, Miles Coverdale and John Rogers assisted him. When Tyndale was executed in 1536, Rogers and Coverdale continued with his work. But Coverdale did not know Hebrew and had translated the Old Testament from the Latin, German, and Swiss-German translations of the Old Testament.

In 1538, Henry VIII ordered that there be a Bible placed in every church in his kingdom. The Coverdale Bible, the first complete Protestant Bible to be published, was used to fulfill this order. Later Roger’s translation, known as “Matthew’s Bible” (to hide Roger’s identity) was published to continue filling Henry VIII’s order. Rogers, who knew Hebrew, translated the Old Testament from the original Hebrew language. Henry preferred this Bible and gave it his official sanction.

When Rogers eventually returned to England in 1550, he pastored a church in London. However, Queen Mary broke her promise not to persecute those whose religious convictions were different than hers. She sided with the Catholic Church against the Reformers, and John’s life was in danger. He was eventually taken from his home and thrown in a prison with common criminals. At his trial on January 25, 1555, Rogers bravely defended the Reformation doctrines, denouncing the Pope’s claim to the headship of the church and the teaching that the church could forgive sins. Three days later he was again arraigned. This time he denounced the doctrine of transubstantiation and refused to acknowledge Mary’s claim to the throne. A further accusation against him was that, as a priest, he had chosen to marry.

John Rogers’ lack of political correctness was the cause of his death. Had he been more careful, perhaps he would have spared his life; but the Reformation would have been greatly hindered. Rogers was declared a heretic and condemned to the stake. On his public journey, he sang psalms. His wife and children stood by the roadside to watch his journey to the stake, yet he remained strong.

Perhaps there are many today who would quake, tremble, and compromise under similar circumstances in order to be spared personal disaster. May God help us all to be strong like Rogers, and to speak the truth plainly and boldly, with holiness and the fear of God, even if it costs us much to do so.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, April/May 2005

Philip Zimbardo, a Stanford University psychologist, experimented in 1969 with two “abandoned” cars, which he deliberately left unattended: one in the Bronx, New York, and the other in Palo Alto, California. He left the hoods open and removed the license plates. Within minutes, people began stealing the parts from the car in the Bronx. Within three days the car was stripped, and people began smashing windows and ripping up the upholstery until the car was trashed. However, the car in Palo Alto remained untouched for more than a week.

Zimbardo also tested human nature by taking a sledgehammer and openly smashing a window of the car in Palo Alto. Soon other people were taking turns with the sledgehammer until the vehicle was demolished. This experiment gave rise to the “broken window” theory of crime. When a broken window is not repaired in a vacant building, it sends a signal that no one is in charge, and soon many windows are vandalized. Uncivil behavior, unchecked, breeds more incivility.

This happens with ideas, too. I belong to a conservative Adventist email chat group. I have noticed that often when someone makes a comment, someone else takes offense almost immediately. Others join the argument, which descends to name-calling, ridicule, and mockery. People’s feelings get hurt, and further incivility ensues. Those who don’t like the hostile environment opt out of the fray. Soon the discussion involves only those with verbal “sledgehammers.” And this shamefully happens among Present Truth believers.

I have seen this in other settings, as well. If one proposes or defends an idea or principle, even in logical, rational terms, another may take out his “hammer” and pound on it. If the latter cannot successfully argue his point, he turns to sarcasm, mockery, and even misrepresentation, particularly if the idea or principle doesn’t fit his personal agenda. These “broken words” draw more of the same and escalate the damage like the broken windows of Zimbardo.

During my twenty years in ministry I have listened to many stories of people who have been treated uncivilly by fellow Christians. The latter often attack their opponents by accusing them, twisting their words, smashing their reputations and trashing their characters. There is something about human nature that loves, or at least gravitates to, the demolition of what is good in someone else. Tragically, this incivility often draws more uncivil behavior in return, making matters worse.

It is difficult to separate the argument from the person. Nonetheless, true Christian courtesy is something we all must learn, for God requires us to hold our tongues (and our pens) when we are in danger of crossing that line. Upholding the truth does not require that we be unchristlike, even when we disagree.

But speaking the truth in love, may we grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, February/March 2005

Religious symbols or tokens have been around for a long time. Catholics, Muslims, Jews, and Evangelicals all have them. Crucifixes, prayer rugs, menorahs, beads, and the symbol of the fish create strong emotional connections in the minds of each group. However, if God’s people lose their experience with Him, a symbol becomes shallow sentiment or merely a rallying point—a token— replacing the real thing.

Perhaps one of the most powerful religious symbols is the Ten Commandments. While the Ten Commandments were given as the law of our personal experience, they become an external token without substance if we don’t internalize them and live by them. Among many religious groups, the emphasis on elevating the Ten Commandments into the public arena while at the same time ignoring their requirement of holy living—and seventh-day Sabbath-keeping in particular—is religious tokenism. Too many Christians give lip service to the Ten Commandments, but are not committed to living by them.

Jesus said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:8. His words reproved religious people then and now who honor the symbol more than what it represents. Evangelicals and others have declared for years that the law was nailed to the cross and that we don’t have to obey it. However, now Evangelicals in America are upset that one of their religious tokens, the Ten Commandments, has been removed from some public courtrooms. The movement to restore the Ten Commandments in public life is a reaction to the rejection of their religious symbol. In fact, this religious symbol has now become a political rallying point.

The sad reality is that most Christians have no true appreciation for the Ten Commandments. They don’t understand the experience of truly keeping them. An emphasis on public tokens of religiosity, no matter how cleverly presented, cannot substitute for heart experiences with God that incorporate the principles behind the symbols. Those who are attempting to promote the Ten Commandments as public tokens may have no idea where the politics of tokenism will lead: oppressive laws supporting Sunday worship, with penalties for those that don’t obey them. This will lead to more empty religiosity, such as church attendance with no genuine experience with God. Creating laws supporting religious tokenism is giving God mere lip service.

Seventh-day Adventists have been called to restore the Ten Commandments to their rightful place in the heart and to remind the rest of the Christian world of our moral obligation to make them real in our lives, not mere symbolic tokens. True law-keeping is both internally rewarding and essential. The drive for public display of God’s law is a tremendous opportunity to proclaim His law—especially the Sabbath—more fully. Our moment is here. Live it and proclaim it!

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, June/July 2006

One Sabbath evening my wife and I had the opportunity to visit with Debbie,* a friend of mine from academy days, who is afflicted with multiple sclerosis. I had not seen her for many years, but now Debbie is confined to a wheelchair and lives in a room in a care center in Philadelphia, where she is alone in her faith and far from her family. She has difficulty in speech, but her mind is very sharp. The worldly influences around her are enormous, especially on Sabbath.

Debbie doesn’t have many visitors. No one in the Philadelphia area ministers to this precious Seventh-day Adventist child of God on a regular basis. Yet when we saw Debbie, we were surprised at her resilient spirit, her joy and contentment, and her faith in God. We sang with her, read her favorite Scriptures, told her conversion stories, prayed with her, and had a most encouraging fellowship with her. We went there to encourage her, but she encouraged us! We went there to minister to her spiritually, but she also ministered to us! Betsy and I are immensely grateful for the fellowship we had with Debbie. Her bright spirit was a strong testimony of the gospel in her life. Here is a woman who is content in the most difficult circumstances and most trying experiences. More than that, we met a woman who is happy even though she has many things she could complain about.

On the wall in the hall was this profound statement: “You need to learn to be happy by nature, because you’ll seldom have the chance to be happy by circumstance.” I suppose Debbie would be happy if she weren’t in this difficult set of circumstances. But then, would she have as much reason to be happy in the Lord? Often we forget what true happiness is when everything is going well. And then we grumble when we have a little trouble. Perhaps it is her circumstances that give Debbie the opportunity to let God make her truly happy.

Joseph was happy as sunshine in prison. Paul and Silas sang behind prison bars. Paul said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.“1 And again he said, “Rejoice in the Lord alway,“2 no matter what the problems are, no matter what the difficulties are.

The true Christian is happy by nature because Jesus has made him that way. Please pray for Debbie, but also pray that God will make you happy by nature. That is the best stewardship of your emotional resources. It is also the best way to be a blessing to others. That’s the gospel according to Debbie.

*name has been changed

1. Philippians 4:11
2. Philippians 4:4

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, December 2004/January 2005

Pictures of the Abu Ghraib prison abuse have shocked the nation. Like most of us, I was stunned to learn that Americans were responsible for such atrocities. The enemy is us, too! But questions still plagued my mind. What got into those soldiers that led them to do those degrading things to their prisoners?

I naturally want to distance myself from them. Then I read about a famous prison simulation experiment done at Stanford in the 1970s.1 Volunteers were assigned to be guards and prisoners. Within a few hours prisoner abuse began. Instead of its planned two weeks, the experiment was discontinued in less than one. In just five days, because of humiliation and abuse, prisoners began acting in pathological ways and the experiment terminated.

Similar experiments were done at Wheaton College with “Christian” youth from good homes (Christianity Today, August 2004). Within an hour the foul language started, then other vulgar behavior followed. During the middle of the night in some experiments, the “guards” stripped the “inmates,” handcuffed their ankles in painful positions and made them eat food off the floor.2 And these were Christians!

Without God’s restraining power we all are capable of being cruel and inhumane to others. More troubling is that the rest of the group doesn’t prevent the behavior from expanding when one or two get out of hand. Groupthink sets in. There is a power exerted in groupthink that includes loyalty, camaraderie, guilt projection, and which exerts strong pressure to remain silent, even when the behavior is known to be wrong or immoral. Breaking rank becomes more of a crime to the group than the abuse itself. A mentality develops that justifies the abusive behavior. The victim “deserves it” because he has been “so very bad.” If the evidence isn’t strong enough, the mob mentality exaggerates and manufactures crimes that the victim didn’t commit, to justify abuse.

Perhaps you have seen this kind of thing on a more moderate level in your local church. I have heard stories in which church members are cruelly villainized by their fellow church members when they refused to go along with groupthink. Sometimes they are disfellowshipped by a reigned-up mob of their own former friends on the most flimsy pretences.

Those who refuse to get caught up in mob mentality and try defending the victim are the true heroes. They fight for the rights of others, and often take it in the neck themselves. They are treated as traitors, or turncoats. But they also know that saying nothing enables the abusive behavior. The hero in the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal is the soldier who reported the improper behavior to his superiors because he knew it was wrong. He paid a price, no doubt, from his friends for being a snitch. But in the end, he is the one who deserves the honors for exposing them.

True heroism and stewardship of our influence does not allow us to remain silent in face of abuse, even if there are negative consequences.

References:
1. www.prisonexp.org
2. www.youthdirect.org/appendix2.PDF

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, October/November 2004

Time Magazine’s article “Redefining Torture” reignited the sobering reality in my mind that the world we once knew has changed forever. A series of leaked legal memos has revealed that since late 2001 the Administration has been quietly but fundamentally reshaping America’s stance on torture…. The memos meticulously list all the laws against torture – then offer methods of evading them. Time, June 21, 2004. Though the White House downplays it, there is no doubt a developing shift in the way America handles its enemies.

I’ve noticed that the idea of redefining terms is not unique to the American government. Restructuring long-held definitions happens in churches, too. In order for leaders to support compromise, definitions of terms must change. For example, in order to support the idea that we cannot overcome sin until Jesus comes again, they must redefine who Jesus was. They falsely assert that Jesus was like Adam before the fall and therefore cannot be our example in overcoming.

But the changes don’t stop there. In order to support this false view of the nature of Christ, there has to be a redefinition of sin. Sin is now by nature, not by choice. You were born guilty. Thus Jesus could not have been like us, or He would have been guilty, too. Logically, one would eventually have to conclude that Jesus could not have been born of a woman quite like us. And then the nature of Mary is redefined, et cetera.

We have redefined many terms including legalism, victory, obedience, perfection, worship, modesty, jewelry, Sabbath, inspiration, prophecy – and the list goes on.

Even among those of us who believe the truth, there are times when we personally redefine what we think God means, especially when we want to compromise. In fact, even though some support the truth doctrinally, they have strong emotional feelings against those who who take God’s Word as it reads concerning standards like dress, social relationships, sports, etc. They claim that these things are peripheral.

But God doesn’t change. Principles don’t change. If we are going to come into full harmony with heaven, we have to take God’s Word as it reads, not redefine it, restructure it, or relegate it to some other era.

When the threefold union spoken of in Revelation fully connects, every principle of our constitution will be repudiated (5T 451). Torture is a likely possibility, friends. The same satanic spirit that in the Dark Ages consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to the stake, that conceived the exquisite torture of the Inquisition, … is still at work with malignant energy in unregenerate hearts. (RH, January 16, 1900).

When this crisis comes—and it is very soon upon us—will you be in the habit of personally redefining what God’s Word says in order to justify compromise? We must be loyal stewards of God’s Word now and live by its principles now, so that we will be faithful when called upon to sacrifice for it.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, August/September 2004

Many people are interested in the future, but they can’t understand the ominous developments. We have so much available to us.

While on a plane recently, I was seated next to a history professor from the University of California at Riverside. He team-teaches courses in modern ethical dilemmas at various universities. We became friends quickly. He told me that his mother was a Ukrainian Jew and his father a Mexican Roman Catholic. I prayed, “Lord, show me a way into his mind.”

As we talked about world developments since September 11, I could see he had a keen mind for liberty issues. He knew about the developing restrictions of personal liberty. We also talked about the repression of certain religious ideas. When he asked me what I see coming in the future, I realized that the Lord had answered my prayer.

I surprised him by saying that the main groups who had been persecuted in history were Sabbathkeepers. I gave the examples of the Nazi persecution of Jews as an example, which he could understand, and the early Christians who were all Sabbathkeepers.

I explained that Sabbathkeepers will again become objects of repression. He saw the point when I reminded him that many Christians will demand that we get America to return to God if there are more catastrophic terrorist attacks, and that laws will be enacted to get everyone in church. “What day would that be?” I asked. He replied, “Sunday.”

I asked rhetorically, “Where will that leave us Sabbatarians?” I offered him a copy of Great Controversy. He was so eager to get it that as we got off the plane, he reminded me to send it.

About three weeks later I was at an Ontario, California airport security checkpoint when I realized that my friend was right in front of me. I surprised him when I spoke to him by name. Providentially, we were seated together again!

This time I prayed, “Lord, show me a way into his heart.” I asked him about how his parents got together. He told me the whole story, including his own rejection by Jews, Catholics and Protestants. I saw him soften. Several times I could see tears in his eyes as he told me the painful experiences of his youth fifty years ago when religious differences were as big as racial ones. We talked more in the Denver airport. When we parted, he gave me a big hug and told me that we were “cementing a great friendship.”

I sent him Great Controversy, which he had never heard about even though he knew and lived among Seventh-day Adventists at Riverside, California. Please pray for Carlos, that the Holy Spirit will especially speak to him as he reads its powerful pages.

Many people are interested in the future, but they can’t understand the ominous developments. They see “men as trees, walking” (Mark 8:24). We have so much available to us. We have the truth. We have the Spirit of Prophecy. Faithful stewards of our prophetic message will enlighten others whenever they have a chance. Go for it!

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, June/July 2004

Well, not really. But now that I have your attention, I want to make a point. Historically, dictators have always helped the cause of God. Nero, Diocletian, many popes, Stalin, Ceausescu and others all suppressed God’s people and unwittingly motivated deeper commitment, zeal and determination to spread the truth. Historically, the more restriction and oppression there is, whether from state or church, the more sincere people rise up to work for God. They see that their mission rises above these difficulties and that they must be faithful stewards of that mission so long as God gives them breath.

Oppression is sad, yet a profound principle is involved. The more controlling an organization becomes, the less unity there is. If someone in authority says, “Don’t read that book or magazine” or “Don’t go to that meeting,” what do you think many people will do? The very things they were told not to do. Opposition to the truth increases interest in it. But it also creates disunity. Note that it is opposition to truth that creates disunity. It does not arise from Christ-like defenders of truth. Is it any wonder there is so much disunity today?

Controlling authorities tend to calculate first whether a work fits into their plans (and is “loyal” to them) rather than if God is in it, and then grant permission only if it meets their minds. But for those called to a special work for God or to uphold His special truths in the midst of apostasy, the best thing that can happen is for them to experience opposition. It draws attention to what God is doing through them. Plus, it often brings others to their aid who would not otherwise recognize the need for help.

I’m not advocating needless antagonism. We must cooperate with all faithful souls wherever possible. But why should we fear disapproval? No really good work for God has been without opposition. Think about the apostles, the reformers, William Miller, etc. Their work flourished, in part, because God permitted them to have severe opposition. His ways are sometimes hidden in difficult shadows.

In the closing work, perhaps we should expect surprising things to happen. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God. . . . [But] God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300.

“The Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning.” Manuscript Releases, volume 2, p. 19. It sounds like God is going to work around existing structures that oppose His work, doesn’t it?

Proper stewardship of our mission in this world puts us at odds with the devil and all his agencies. You can rest assured that every faithful soul will face severe tests of loyalty to God and to His truth. The opposition is often at the hands of people who are supposed to have the same mission.

Maybe we need more dictators, so more good people will wake up and get on with their calling. What do you think?

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, April/May 2004

Recently, I was in a grocery store standing in the checkout line. There in the rack was a magazine with the now-famous picture of the captured Saddam Hussein looking haggard and bewildered.

As I was wrapped up in my thoughts, the man who chanced to be in front of me turned to me and said, If I was George Bush, do you know what I’d do? I’d tell Saddam he has 24 hours to give me all the names of the insurgent leaders, or I’d burn him at the stake.

I almost reeled back in shock, but managed to control myself. I haven’t ever heard that kind of talk from anyone. I’ve only read about the auto de fe (burning at the stake) in history books. Why talk of this barbaric punishment in this modern and enlightened age? If Saddam deserves to die, I would think a firing squad or an electric chair could do the job pretty well. Why burn him at the stake with a lingering painful death? But I suppose that was my companion’s point. Make it painful. After all, didn’t Saddam torture his victims?

Then it dawned on me. God had allowed me to hear this man’s deeply passionate feelings about Saddam, who is half a world away, for a reason. My checkout line companion cannot touch Saddam himself, but deep in his heart he is very angry at him. He was telling me what he would do if he could. Ellen White comments, As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. Maranatha, p. 185.

When our faith is placed in unfavorable light, perhaps we will be painted as wicked as Saddam Hussein. What will be the feelings and actions of those around us who have the ability to harm us? Will they be as angry as the man in front of me at the grocery store? Will they perhaps try to take matters into their own hands? After all, we won’t be half a world away, perhaps only a few inches, as I was from my angry companion. God gave me this little insight so that I could see how easy it is to resurrect the methods of the Dark Ages in modern America.

Ellen White goes on to say, For their own sake, they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. Ibid, p.185. Perhaps God’s medical missionaries will also find protection through helping others. Satan is using the Saddams and the Osamas of the world to condition people to knee-jerk in certain ways when their emotional buttons are pushed. Get ready for trouble, folks. Once the focus shifts to God’s people, there’s no telling how far some will be willing to go to vent their anger, even to the infamous stake.

Our stewardship involves preparation. Becoming a medical missionary may be your best asset in difficult times. Build your prayer life, too. It is a resource you will desperately need. After all, you might face the stake.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, February/March 2004

Some people think that self-supporting work is offshoot. Some people think that self-supporting institutions are too strict. Some think that self-supporting organizations are not part of the church. But I have my own ideas about what is wrong with at least some self-supporting institutions.

Too much faith. You can’t rely on your own chutzpah. Self-supporting work requires a lot of faith because you have to rely on God for finances, staff, problem solving, etc. Self-supporting work demands that you exercise faith more fully and more completely than anywhere else.

Too much sacrifice. That’s a tough one. No successful work for Christ is accomplished without sacrifice – a lot of it! And guess what? We are nearing the end of this earth’s history, and the different lines of God’s work are to be carried forward with much more self-sacrifice that they have yet been. Upward Look, p. 241. Self-supporting work prepares you for what’s coming.

Too much hard work. Yes! Not enough staff, so that means everyone has to wear more than one proverbial “hat.” You have to be versatile, flexible, multi-tasking-capable and very energetic.

Not enough pay. Uh oh! The big issue. Well, actually, when you consider everything, many people in self-supporting work actually do better financially than they would with a mortgage, car loans, credit card debt and city living (with its many extra costs). They need a “regular job” to support all that.

Not enough benefits. True, the benefits may not be the same as other institutions offer, but in many cases they are better. Children get educated and generous routine medical support, housing, utilities, etc., are part of the package. But most importantly, some of the benefits are “out of this world.”

Not enough job security. Look, folks, job security is a state of mind. It depends on what you are expecting. If God has something else for you to do, you shouldn’t worry about security. Of course any self-supporting institution could go belly up. But are you aware that some conference institutions have closed or laid off staff lately? How about secular institutions? If you have the right attitude and you are productive, you’ll have plenty of work to do. He’ll take care of that.

Not enough help. True. But how important is the spiritual integrity of the self-supporting institution? It happens that self-supporting institutions can’t hire just anyone, even if they are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. These institutions have to be very selective or else they get people who don’t uphold the standards or who are not doctrinally sound, etc. So, yes, self-supporting institutions are perennially shorthanded. But then they don’t have the stronger worldly influences to leaven them.

Too efficient. That’s true too, self-supporting work tends to be efficient. It has to accomplish more with less, but that isn’t such a bad thing. It is a great place to invest in God’s work, because the donor gets a lot more productivity for the gift.

In the end, this list is not really about what is wrong with self-supporting work. It’s about what’s right with it. And you do need some chutzpah, but not the kind that isn’t sanctified. Considering everything, how much more fulfilling and rewarding it is to put one’s shoulder under the load of self-supporting work. God has many great opportunities for you, even if you are volunteering.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, December 2003/January 2004

In the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald of August 27, 1931, there was an article entitled “Where Shall I Attend School the Coming Year?” The article pointed out that previous columns of the Review had carried warnings against attending worldly educational institutions and that, as far as possible, SDA youth should attend our denominational schools. It was considered a great privilege to attend these schools.

In those days, there was a strong missionary and soul-winning emphasis in the curricula and other programs of the schools. Even the names of the institutions reflected their missionary purpose. Those who did not attend Adventist educational institutions were viewed as not secure in their faith.

As I was growing up, I remember overhearing adults talking about this or that wayward youth. The discussion would often include a comment that they had not attended an Adventist school. I remember the sacrifices my parents made just so my brother, sister and I could attend Adventist schools.

Back in those days, the only distinction made was between Adventist and non-Adventist educational institutions. Perhaps there was less of a need to make distinctions when SDA schools were strongly emphasizing missions and soul winning. The denomination often depended on our own schools to provide evangelists, pastors, missionaries and other church workers.

But today things have changed. Now there is a need to make a greater distinction. Denominational schools have lost that missionary focus in their curricula. Even the names of the institutions have changed, and no longer carry the “M” word. It is almost impossible to find a school that shares the spiritual vision of those earlier versions of Adventist education. It is impossible to find a denominational institution that is actually attempting to follow the principles (sometimes called the “blueprint”) of education found in the Bible and in the writings of Ellen White. The result is lower standards, secular curricula and the ever-present sports, all of which model secular institutions and all in the name of accreditation, of course. The secularization of Adventist schools is, in many cases, covered only by a veneer of spiritual culture.

Where do parents turn for a spiritual education for their children? Often they opt for home schooling or self-supporting institutions. Perhaps that can help their children through twelfth grade. But where do parents send them when their minds, hearts and bodies are maturing? Where can students best develop and crystallize their vision in God’s cause? They need influences that will focus them on soul winning, self-sacrifice and commitment to missions.

That is one key reason God raised up Hartland College. It is perhaps the best four-year Adventist missionary training college in the world. Youth can train at Hartland College for marketable skills, but more importantly, they train for soul winning. I am thrilled as I see the burden for souls in the youth and graduates of Hartland College.

Our recent 20th anniversary camp meeting featured graduates from Hartland who are ministering around the world. It was amazing and inspiring to hear their testimonies and mission reports, and to see just how many of them are serving the Lord in some kind of mission and soul-winning endeavor.

If you know of youth who have a spiritual commitment to the Lord and want to be properly and thoroughly trained for God’s service, order a FREE copy of the new video on Hartland College and share it with them and other members of your church. Call my office at 540-672-3100 ext. 285 or e-mail stewardship@hartland.edu and we will see that you get your video with our compliments.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, October/November 2003

I have noticed there are some people who just don’t seem to be at peace with the existence of a self-supporting institution like Hartland. In spite of the fact that there are thousands of people who are rejoicing today in the three angels’ messages directly because of the ministry of Hartland. Despite the proven ability of Hartland graduates to win souls and fulfill many other practical purposes in God’s work and despite the fact that Hartland has held high the banner of present truth and God’s principles for over 20 years, there are still those who don’t like Hartland at all. Have you ever wondered why? Could it be because of what we stand for? Could it be because of what we believe?

See if any of the following deeply held beliefs apply to you:

The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are fully inspired. If God said it, we believe it. That may sound simplistic to a theologian teaching at a seminary. But who is wise enough to decide which parts are inspired and which ones are not? Certainly not the theologians, nor anyone else.

God’s blueprint for education is more relevant today than when it was written (though more difficult to implement). The amazing thing is that Hartland College has successfully demonstrated it for 20 years, which may make some very uneasy about the implications for their own schools.

The voice of authority in all our work is the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, not the church manual. This is particularly galling to some ecclesiastics. Yet it is vital. The higher the church manual is regarded, the lower the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are respected.

Spiritual accountability issues within the church must be addressed (not just financial ones). Many today are overthrowing the old landmarks. Addressing these issues is seen by some as disloyalty. But really it is the highest form of loyalty. Is a mother disloyal to her small child when she warns him from putting his hand on the hot stove?

This is not about Hartland. It’s about you! If you are reading this, you are likely a friend of Hartland. You may well be facing some negative attitudes toward you because of your support for Hartland or, more importantly, because of your support for the truth. Analyze why! Jesus never promised that you wouldn’t get tarred with the same brush that tars Hartland. If you stand for the truth, you should expect that some will despise you, and even mistreat you, for that is what Jesus promised (See Luke 6:22, 23). But what should you do?

First, rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven. Plan on being misunderstood and mistreated. It’ll help reduce the pain when it happens (Matt. 5:12, see also Luke 6:22, 23).

Second, pray for them that despitefully use you (Matt. 5:44).

Third, study your Bible and look for similar situations in scripture stories. These will give you great courage. On my second time through Desire of Ages, I find the parallels in Jesus’ life to faithful people today are truly amazing. He always managed to get Himself into trouble with church leaders and some fellow believers.

Fourth, treat all your “opponents” with kindness, helpfulness and generosity (Matt. 5:44). You never know when one of them might be a Saul or a Nicodemus.

God bless you, and thank you for co-suffering these “light afflictions” with us. It is an important part of the stewardship of your soul.

By Hal Mayer | Hartland Ministry Report, August/September 2003