June 2010
Vol. 6, No. 6
www.adventistworld.org
Adventist World is free in print and online. For that reason, I only review or comment on articles and editorials that I believe to be of special interest.
GENERAL COMMENTS
This issue is generally informative. As usual, CHURCH WORKS is an important information source. I was disappointed that there was no attempt to inform readers as to the business and theological issues to be discussed at the General Conference session. There is, however, one smart phone issue that is "troubling", and Ellen White has an opinion about who is best equipped to make decisions in times of crisis.
REVIEWS
ADVENTISTS PLAN EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP WITH WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Seventh-day Adventist Church officials voted April 6 to accept a proposal from the World Health Organization (WHO) that seeks the denomination’s partnership with the United Nations’ agency in a program to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The approval paves the way for expanding the church’s fledgling alliance with the WHO in helping to implement public health initiatives.
CHURCH LEADERS REEMPHASIZE PUBLIC OUTREACH
According to Bertil Wiklander, President of the Trans-European Division, “There is something very flawed about a church where members just attend meetings, listen to sermons, and give tithes and offerings,” he said, adding that "some churches stress intellectualism over spirituality, doctrine over relationships, and have grown 'too holy,' emphasizing 'exclusiveness at the expense of compassion.'”
IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Lowell C. Cooper, General Vice President of the General Conference leaves no doubt about the importance of the health ministry of the Church.
"Seventh-day Adventists are engaged in health education and health care, in disaster relief and development, because these activities reflect the ministry of Jesus. He wanted people to experience the fullness of God’s will for them. He ministered to them at the point of their pressing need. His interest in them encompassed their physical and spiritual needs, yet He did not heal them as a pretext for gaining their discipleship.
"No ministry should be judged inferior or incomplete simply because it does not yield visible commitment to God and His work on the earth. Inordinate attention to measures of success (that is, baptisms) can lead to a preoccupation with short-term goals and the “success” of programming rather than the quality of service in the name of Jesus."
ALL ABOUT ATLANTA
Find out what's happening at the General Conference. Review subscribers will receive a daily printed record of the session in addition to emailed Bulletins. The Adventist News Network (ATN) will provide news as it happens through its Web portal, adventist.org. Beginning June 23, at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) The Hope Channel will begin broadcasting a daily a 30 minute live newscast.
Although technology will allow members unprecedented access to official proceedings, steps will be taken "to keep sensitive discussions...from being broadcast live via technology available on the latest smart phones."
Accidental Poisoning
Allan R. Handysides and Peter N. Landless provide life-sving advice.
"If a person swallows something poisonous, it’s vital to call a local medical emergency number immediately. Make sure you can give the person’s age, the name of the substance ingested, how much was taken, when it was swallowed, whether the person has vomited, and how long it will take to get to the nearest medical facility.
"In the United States a call to 1-800-222-1222 will reach the regional poison control center; a call to 9-1-1 will connect you to emergency services. Be aware of your region’s poison control center, and keep contact information readily available. Follow the instructions of the poison control center. They have much more precise information at their fingertips than does the average family doctor."
Small Things Can Lead to Great Results
Ellen G. White wasn't shy about proclaiming that women were at least the equal of men when it came to making decisions in times of crisis.
"The Lord has a work for women, as well as for men. They may take their places in his work at this crisis, and he will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Holy Spirit, they will have just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of his countenance, and will give them a power that exceeds that of men. They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their labor is needed."
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