Canadian Adventist Messenger for 1986 - Vol. 55

32 Pages·2013·4.91 MB·English

CANADIAN ADVENeTISrT
65
July 1986
"Train up a child in the way he should
go: and when he is old, he will not
depart from it." —
Proverbs 22:6
eCAsNAsDeIANn ADQVENeTISrT
From The President's Diary
Volume 55, No. 7, July 1986, Oshawa, Ontario
G.E. Maxson/Editor
June Polishuk/Associate Editor
Allan Colleran/Art Director
CONFERENCE EDITORS
L. Larsen/Alberta
M. Tetz/British Columbia
D.M. MacIvor/Man.-Sask.
P.A. Parks/Maritime
D. Crook/Newfoundland
D. Melashenko/Ontario
C. Sabot/Quebec
Official Organ of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada;
President, J.W. Wilson; Secretary, G.E. Maxson; Treasurer,
G. DeBoer, Vice-president; L Lowe. Departmental Directors:
Education, J.D.V. Fitch; Personal Ministries and Sabbath School,
C.S. Greene; Public Affairs, D.D. Devnich; Publishing, P.
Cordray; Youth and Stewardship,(cid:9) .; Trust Services, F.
Lloyd Bell; Consultant to Health Care Institutions, A.G. Rodgers.
Issued monthly, annual subscription price in Canada $5.00. Out
of Union $10.00.
God's Mercy Never Fails
Conference Directory
CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE — J.W. Wilson, President;
G.E. Maxson, Secretary; G. DeBoer, Treasurer; 1148 King Street
East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1H8. [phone].
ALBERTA CONFERENCE — H.S. Larsen, President; W. Olson,
Secretary-Treasurer; Box 5007, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6A1.
[phone].
BRITISH COLUMBIA CONFERENCE — C. Sorenson, President;
P.W. Dunham, Secretary, E. Tetz, Treasurer, Box 1000,
Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 4P5. [phone]. IN THE TOWER OF LONDON, February 25, 1601, the
MANITOBA - SASKATCHEWAN CONFERENCE — D.M.
Maclvor, President; M.D. Suiter, Secretary-Treasurer; 1004 executioner's ax abruptly ended the life of the Earl of Essex who
Victoria Ave. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N OZ8. (306) 244- allegedly was accused of high treason.
9700.
MARITIME CONFERENCE - P.A. Parks, President; M. Weststrate In happier days, as a favour, Queen Elizabeth had given him a ring
Secretary-Treasurer; 121 Salisbury Rd., Moncton, N.B. El E 1A6. with the assurance that in any life-threatening situation, the return of
[phone].
ONTARIO CONFERENCE — 0. Parchment, President; L the ring to the Queen would secure his rescue. Prior to his death, his
Carney, Secretary; G. Gray, Treasurer; Box 520, Oshawa, Ont. enemies had placed before the Queen a warrant for his execution — it
L1H 7M1. [phone].
QUEBEC S.D.A. CHURCH ASSOCIATION — C. Sabot, did require the Queen's signature. She waited, remembering her
President; L.M. Abel, Secretary; Y. Colas, Treasurer; 940 Ch.
promise to him. Day after day she lingered and waited, but the ring was
Chambly, Longueuil, Quebec J4H 3M3. [phone].
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR MISSION OF SEVENTH- not returned.
DAY ADVENTISTS — D. Crook, President; B. Christenson,
Secretary-Treasurer; 106 Freshwater Road, St. John's, Newfoundland Finally, driven to desparation by what she considered his defiance,
AIC 2N8. [phone]. she signed the fatal document and her friend was gone forever. But the
Legal Directory story is not yet finished.
Later in the year, the Countess of Nottingham, on her deathbed,
For the information of members and friends who wish to
remember the Church and its institutions in preparing wills and called the Queen. Elizabeth went, little dreaming of the unfolding
legacies. tragedy. The Countess told her that a short time before his execution,
ALBERTA CONFERENCE CORPORATION of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church -- Box 5007, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6A1. Essex gave her the ring with the request that she take it immediately to
THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CORPORATION of the Seventh-day Elizabeth. Her husband had advised against it, so she had never
Adventist Church - P.O. Box 1000, Abbotsford. B.0 V2S 4P5.
MANITOBA CONFERENCE CORPORATION of the Seventh- fulfilled the request.
day Adventist Church - 1004 Victoria Avenue, Saskatoon,
Essex had remembered the promise, had tried to save himself, but
Saskatchewan, S7N OZ8.
MARITIME CONFERENCE CORPORATION of the Seventh-day died believing the Queen had refused to fulfill her pledge. Elizabeth
Adventist Church Inc. - 121 Salisbury Road, Moncton, N.B. ME
IA6. never recovered from this tragic shock. She would not eat and could
ONTARIO CONFERENCE CORPORATION of the Seventh-day not sleep. Her heart was broken. The messenger had not delivered the
Adventist Church - P.O. Box 520, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7M1.
SASKATCHEWAN CONFERENCE CORPORATION of the plea for mercy. The messenger had failed.
Seventh-day Adventist Church - 1004 Victoria Avenue, Saska- God's mercy will not fail. We have a wonderful Messenger, a
toon, Saskatchewan S7N OZ8.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN CANADA - 1148 Mediator, who never fails to deliver a plea for mercy. Before the throne
King Street East Oshawa, Ontario LIH 1H8. He says, "Father, my blood, my blood!" This plea He makes for every
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH in Newfoundland and
Labrador - 106 Freshwater Road, St. John's, Nfld. A1C 2N8. repentant soul.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH - Quebec Conference,
or Eglise Adventiste du Septieme Jour - Federation du Quebec - Someone has said that everywhere the word "mercy" is found in
940 Ch Chambly, Longueuil, Quebec J4H 3M3. scripture, we may substitute the word "Christ." He is our mercy seat.
Romans 3:25.
Printed by Maracle Press Limited. Second class mail
registration number 0912. Address all enquiries to 1148
King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1H8.
ISSN 0702-5084
2(cid:9) MESSENGER/JULY 1986 Cover Photo — "God's Provisions", Timberlea, Nova Scotia, by Dave Pierce
I Have a Dream
By Ed Desjarlais
Lacombe, Alberta
HE SAT IN A DARK, angel's message to me. I was on fire for
the Lord. It was there I read and reread
DINGY ROOM where
all the books of Mrs. E.G. White I could
the air is stale, in her
how long can she remain faithful to her lay my hands on. I also enrolled and
hand she held a well- new found-religion without being given completed all the Bible correspondence
worn Bible. I asked her how a fair chance to deeply root her courses our denomination has to offer.
spiritual life? The usual custom is to By the time I left the hospital my faith in
long she had been attending the
baptize them, then walk away and let God was solid as a rock and no one can
Revelation seminar. "This is my
them struggle by themselves. Often- ever remove me from His love and
seventh," she replied. "How are
times if we look closer we can see them from my church.
you enjoying it?" I inquired. "I climbing to the peak and soon falling The native people we work with
just love it," she replied. "I have back down to the bottom. don't have that chance. We rush them
been reading the Bible for ages If I was describing only one person through Bible studies and baptism and
in that predicament then perhaps it we turn them loose to go back to their
but I could never understand it
would be easy to shrug my shoulders old environment and from there it's
but the Revelation seminar
and say, "everyone has to walk that only a matter of time before they go
made it so plain and simple." lonesome valley by himself." But the back to their old ways.
As we converse I learn of her life. saddest thing about this story is that Abraham Lincoln had a dream to
Surely her life has not been easy but ninety percent of the native people we free the slaves, Martin Luther King
then I've heard that story so many work with are in that same situation. dreamed of freedom, Terry Fox strived
times before. No doubt she will be We baptize them, and soon we lose for a cure for the dreaded cancer. I too
baptized soon but then I wonder what them and then we wonder why. had a dream. My dream is to build a
is going to happen to her after that. It's part of the history of civilization native spiritual training centre. A place
Perhaps only the Lord knows, but this I that the rich and poor do not mix and where the native people can come for
know for certain that her life is going to white and colored would rather stay deep-rooted spiritual training. Also a
be worse than before. Already her away from each other. With this in place where they can come for practical
relatives are continually harrassing, mind, I recall many times sitting alone vocational training such as carpentry,
ridiculing and scoffing her new found in the pew, feeling rejected while I masonry, auto body, agriculture, Indian
faith. Her friend often attempted to whispered, "Lord, am I in the wrong culture, cooking, hygiene, etc.
force her to drink alcohol and attend house of worship?" but the answer is I believe this type of school is
wild parties. always the same from the Lord, "You urgently needed today. We must train
After she has been baptized how are part of the elect, remain where you these people to be independent and
long can she sit in that dark, dingy, are." In spite of feeling rejected at then send them home to be workers for
apartment alone, forsaken by her times, alone with discouragement that I God among their own people.
friends and the church members who experienced in my Christian life, I have Would you like to help me fulfill my
are afraid to associate with her? Now remained faithful to my church and dream? I need someone to donate the
that she's a church member, it also beliefs. I certainly can thank the Lord land, lumber, logs and money. All the
means no more bingos, nor more and praise Him for this. It's because of Canadian conferences should participate
shows, or bars, no more parties. Maybe His wisdom and guidance that I'm still since they will all benefit from it.
I should ask a better question — with here. Many years ago while I was in the Friend, I cannot do it without you.
all these don'ts and do's in her new life, T.B. sanitorium Jesus sent the third I'm waiting to hear from you.
"Abraham Lincoln had a dream to free the
slaves, Martin Luther King dreamed of freedom,
Terry Fox strived for a cure for the dreaded cancer.
I too had a dream."
MESSENGER/JULY 1986
1
I
T IS OFTEN
EASIER and even
more pleasant to
let the mind dwell on the
past than to face the
challenges and opportu-
nities of today. But it is
not a good way to improve
the mind for memories are
blurred and paint only the
bright roses without their
tangle of thorns. So, when
we hear glowing praises
of the good old days
contrasted with the dismal
scenes of the present,
remember that God put
eyes in the front of our
heads and not in the back;
remember that we are
living today and preparing
for tomorrow; remember
that God accepts our
youth where they are, as
they are and expects us to
provide the best possible
home and educational
climate in which they are
to be given opportunity to
develop characters fit for
eternity.
The reason why we
recall the good things of the
past is because God has
forgiven and erased from
memory (hopefully) the
sorrow, the mistakes, the
misconduct, the guilt, the
shame of yesteryear. These
extra burdens and excess
WHAT'S baggage we don't have to
drag along. And as God has
forgiven, so do we.
There are criticisms
regarding students' dress,
T E music, lifestyle, social be-
haviour, etc. I happen to
know that the great majority
of our students not only
view themselves as being,
DIFFER'(cid:9) I'NCE. but indeed are, decent,
supportive, active members
of the church who are
hassled by the uncertainty
of our times and who don't
need more hassels by well-
meaning folks. I defend the
By Malcolm Graham,
President, Canadian Union College students, our youth in
4 MESSENGER/JULY 1986
Why Seventh-Day Adventist Schools?
general. Our youth thank computer science have
me for it. After all, I have J.D. Victor Fitch, reached record levels of
survived crew cuts and Director, Education, Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada popularity, while virtually
florescent neckties, when all the helping professions
School evaluations are an integral part of the Seventh-day
girls' hairdos were manu- — teaching, social work,
Adventist system of Christian education. A unique student
factured by hurricanes and nursing, and the clergy —
questionnaire has been developed for elementary schools, junior
explosions in mattress academies and senior academies. There is also a different parent have reached all-time lows
factories. And, I intend to questionnaire for elementary schools and junior academies. in popularity. There is in-
survive the days in which One of the questions asked on the elementary school and creasing student interest in
girls revert to Cleopatra's junior academy student questionnaire is "What do you think are money, power, and status."
eye-shadow, the occasional the reasons for having a Seventh-day Adventist school?" The (p. 38, July/Aug. 1985)
gold chain hanging from most common answers centre around learning to know more There are many reasons
the neck instead of from about God and Jesus. Some students expand that response by for the change of values
saying, "To learn about Jesus and how He loves us." Another said,
grandfather's pocket-watch. from our generation(s) to
"To learn about Jesus, and that makes me happy." Some other
Criticism of the younger that of today. Let us consider
sample responses are as follows: "To learn the right things", "to
generation is nothing new. just a few. We'll start with
go to a school where there is no alcohol and drugs", "to learn good
It has been with the older language and to be truthful." As I read the insightful responses the cradle and work upward.
generation from the days of from many students, I wonder what answers children attending (1) Depending on social
Socrates who viewed the public school would give if asked a similar question. strata and the area of the
youth of his day as lazy and Another question asks the students to check the statements country, up to 50% of
irresponsible. Let us re- below that tell how they feel about their school. Some of the children that come into the
member that our youth to a statements are: world are born to unwed
— "Things I learn in school help me know more about
great degree reflect our mothers. From day one,
God."
attitudes and behaviours they live in uncertainty and
— "I like the way teachers make me feel important."
and develop within the insecurity and poverty.
— "I like seeing my parents helping around our school."
environment which parents Worse yet, they are often
— "I like the spirit and loyalty in our school."
provide. — "I like the school because there's someone here that I can rejected. They fight, uncon-
Ego identity is formed in talk to about my problems." sciously at first, for survival
adolescence from the sum — "My teacher cares about me." — and they fight alone. (At
of all a person's experiences — "My teacher helps me to learn about Christ and how to be a least this is true for many of
up to that point. It is only as better Christian." them.)
strong as the real personal In another item, the students are asked to check from a given (2) Home life is not what
accomplishments to that list, what activities in the school helped them most spiritually, and it used to be even in the
helped them to learn what God is like. Some of the activities listed
point in time. Different life solid, two-parent home.
are: Week of prayer, worships, Bible class, prayer bands and
experiences, challenges and Father is working up North
chapel.
accomplishments add up to (and as some cynically
Student responses indicate clearly that Seventh-day Adventist
make different people. schools are meeting the needs of the students. Again, not from a observe, that is often the
Youth entering their teens critical point, I wonder how the students who are not attending best way to keep the family
are encompassed by the Seventh-day Adventist schools would respond. together), mother works;
traditional problems of the Since Seventh-day Adventist education places special emphasis the child is in the day-care
young — adjusting to rapidly on social and spiritual responsibility, the practice of service for centre and learns to identify
developing bodies and others must be a part of each student's education. Students are with others and to accept
actively involved in outreach and community service projects.
emotional imbalance that their values. What can the
Plans have been developed, and implementation procedures are
hormonal maturation brings, church do to show its accep-
being considered whereby each school will be actively participating
association with the opposite tance of this abandoned
in Harvest '90. Seventh-day Adventist schools have as one of their
sex, struggle for indepen- generation and to imprint
goals, the personal commitment of each student to Jesus. A
dence from parents, the further goal is to encourage and to assist the students in spreading Christian values within the
need for personal and the gospel within the community. personality and character of
unique identity, the search Why Seventh-day Adventist schools? The students attending the children?
for the key to success — know the answer! (3) By the time many
namely the key to the children have reached school
automobile. Our youth are different CHANGE-A MAGAZINE age, they will have spent
Television is a powerful today because they live in a OF HIGHER LEARNING. more time being program-
but unfeeling influence on different world and have "For the past ten to fifteen med by television than they
their lives. They are pro- had a different set of years, students have become will spend under the tutelage
grammed to run in crowds experiences in life. By the markedly more self-centered of a teacher during the first
and fall easy victims to peer way, 85% of Canadian and materialistic, less four to six years of ele-
pressure. Left alone, they elementary students (so they altruistic, and less concerned mentary education. Today
search to be seen and heard. say) go to school without with social issues or with there is no childhood for
And we had better look and breakfast because their involving themselves with millions of children — mass
listen while we still like parents are away or they the improvement of society. media and the absence of
what we see and hear or don't care. These value changes are parental presence, associa-
else unacceptable approaches I quote from an educa- exactly paralleled by changes tion and guidance have
will be taken to get our tional researcher, Alexander in students' career plans; thrust emotionally and
attention. Astin,(cid:9) published(cid:9) in business, engineering, and spiritually under-developed
Continued on page 20
RELIGIOUS
CANADA
by Douglas Devnich
Director, Department of
Public Affairs
Canadian Union Conference
I
before and under the cerns before the Committee. Sunday. This change
HE SEVENTH- law and has the right to It was pointed out that few would tend to put
DAY ADVEN- the equal protection and Beliefs had been submitted people of all religious
TIST CHURCH equal benefit of the law by religious groups on the faiths on a more
historically has without discrimination question of religious equality equal footing, which
considered it based on race, national or and that the Committee is the purpose of
to be a duty to ethnic origin, colour, wanted to hear from the Section 15 of the
take an active religion, sex, age or Church. Charter.
part in national and inter- mental or physical dis- At the appointed time (2) That changes should
national efforts which pro- ability. David B. Thomas, General be made in law
tect liberty of conscience Early in 1985 the Minister Counsel for the Seventh- which would require
and religion. Early in 1981 a of Justice for Canada issued day Adventist Church in employers to make
new era began in Canada a discussion paper on Canada joined with the reasonable accom-
within which the Church in equality issues and he Director of Public Affairs in modation for the re-
this country has been invited interest groups to making the following ligious practises of
fulfilling its historically submit representations to a recommendations to the their employees. In
appointed role in defense special sub-committee of Government. particular, where em-
of the freedom of conscience
Parliament. Hearings were (1) That where existing ployees by reason of
and religion for Canadians.
to be held across the country laws specify Sunday religious conscience,
When the Charter of for the purpose of discerning as an employee's
are unable to work
Rights and Freedoms was social attitudes in Canada day off, a benefit is
on Sabbath hours, the
entrenched in the Canadian toward equality right issues. given to Canadians
Constitution Act on April 17, The Church's depart- who choose Sunday employer would be
1982 a very important obliged to take
ment of Public Affairs as their day of re-
provision, indentifiable as reasonable steps to
submitted a Brief recom- ligious rest. Obser-
Section 15, was not to come mending certain changes in vers of Saturday do accommodate that
into force until April 17, law which would enhance not receive a similar religious need.
1985. This delay period was the freedom of religion in legal benefit and are
In October the Parlia-
to give the federal and
Canada and which would thus discriminated
provincial governments time mentary Committee issued
put the diversity of religious against. It was re-
to revise existing laws in its report and its recommen-
beliefs and practices in commended that
order to bring them into dations coming out of the
Canada on equal footing. laws respecting hours
harmony with Section 15. hearings which were con-
Subsequently, an invita- of business and
Section 15(1) of the Charter tion was extended to the employment stan- ducted in 1985. The following
says: Church to make an oral dards ought to delete are excerpts of the report.
Every individual is equal representation of its con- any reference to "Members of the religions
6(cid:9) MESSENGER/JULY 1986
that observe a day other than for legislation regulating hours of is, such special provisions as would
Sunday as their religious day of rest business and employment standards not cause undue hardship to the
are at a disadvantage when day of for most workers, the Minister of employer, in response to the needs
rest legislation designates Sunday. Justice will raise with the Uniform peculiar to those classes of em-
Although Parliament retains juris- Law Conference and provincial ployees that are protected from
diction to legislate in relation to ministers responsible for human discrimination by terms of the
religious days of rest, we believe it is rights the question of weekly days Act.
inappropriate to do so." of rest which respect freedom of Response: The Government agrees
"There are a number of practical conscience and religious belief. The in principle that the Canadian Human
things an employer can do to matter will also be raised at the Rights Act should be amended to
accommodate the religious obser- meeting of federal and provincial incorporate the concept of reason-
vances of its employees. Those ministers of labour. able accommodation. In light of the
whose Sabbath is on Saturday and RECOMMENDATION 80. We re- recent Supreme Court of Canada
begins on the preceding evening commend that the Canadian Human decisions in Bhinder and Canadian
can be allowed to leave work early Rights Act be amended so that Human Rights Commission v. Canadian
on Friday during the winter months employers are obliged to make National Railway Company and
when the sun sets at an earlier hour. "reasonable accommodation," that Continued on page 28
To ensure that no work time is lost,
employees could begin the workday Announcing
earlier on Friday, work through the
lunch hour or make up the time on
another day of the week. Employees
who need prayer breaks during the
day could be allowed to take coffee the Conflict
and lunch breaks at flexible times to
accommodate this practice. When
an employee has a day of religious
observance that does not coincide
of the
with a statutory holiday, the
employer could allow the employee nom
to work a different shift or work
1361
longer days at other times to make
up for lost worktime. These options
Ages
for accommodating religious obser- 1A1(cid:9) M] in 4(cid:9) It:
vance or practices will not usually a:2n11n1,2 ., (cid:9) tin tut s ar laOP vTAaT(cid:9) MIf ITLr:.,
be disruptive or expensive to
implement."
Following the issuance of this set at
positive report respecting the Church's
earlier representations, further high-
level government contacts were made
to encourage the Government to put in
place the recommendations of the 1971 prices!
Committee.
Finally, on March 4, 1986 the
Honourable John C. Crosbie, Minister
of Justice for Canada tabled the
Government's response to the 85
Not since 1971 has the classic Conflict of the Ages five-volume, hardbound set by
recommendations on equality as given
Ellen White been priced so low! Only U.S. $29.95/Cdn. $41.95! An incredible price!
by the Parliamentary Committee.
Why this special? Because the publisher, Pacific Press, believes every Adventist
RECOMMENDATION 40. We re- home in North America should have at least one of these sets. Perfect for college
commend that the Minister of students and school libraries too.
Justice refer to the Uniform Law
This important set contains Patriarchs and Prophets, Prophets and Kings, The De-
Conference of Canada and to
sire of Ages, The Acts of the Apostles, and The Great Controversy.
provincial ministers responsible for
human rights the consideration of This incredibly low price of just U.S. $29.95/Cdn. $41.95 lasts until December 31,
1986 only.
amendments to provincial hours of
business and employment standards Don't miss the bargain of the year! See your ABC today. Or you can order toll free
legislation to provide for. days of by calling 1-800-253-3000; in Alaska and Hawaii call 1-800-253-3002. MasterCard
rest that respect freedom of con- and VISA orders only. Price is sure to be at least U.S. $20 a set higher in 1987.
science and religious belief on a The Conflict of the Ages set is a Pacific Press product.
consistent basis. 1986 Pacific Press Publishing Association
Response: Recognizing the respon-
sibility of provincial governments
MESSENGER/JULY 1986 7
Kurt Cao
Kurt Cao has an M.A. in Counselling and is Director of Christian Family Counselling in Oshawa, Ontario.
it. Please slow down. Others also carry
responsibility for what is happening.
"Whosoever Shall Cause One of
Your husband is responsible for what
he chooses to do. What he did to your
These Little Ones to Suffer. . ."
daughter was Not your fault. You are
not responsible for your husband's
actions, although many spouses today
train their partners to take the blame
for their own actions. You are respon-
sible for what you do or do not do, such
ear Readers:
as knowing that your children are in
danger and not moving immediately to
It is not my intent to keep bringing the "bad news" o protect them and report your husband.
family issues to you. It is, however, my commitment t I can understand your fear of your
husband, and your fear of being left
discuss any family issue with which our church famil
alone if you report this.
needs help. With that in mind, and with the knowledg But: 1. If you are upset, imagine the
that Jesus is soon to call a halt to our pain and sin, trauma of your little girl's heart and
body and her feelings of helplessness.
print this next letter. While reading, remember that thi
2. You are, along with your husband,
letter represents many letters that are not printed here acting as an unfit parent in violation of
and many more that have not y been wrlten. God's law and the law of the land.
It has been said before, two wrongs
still don't make a right.
My difficulty is in sounding too
harsh when I'm just wanting you to
Dear Mr. Cao: them terrible: hurry up and get help. Go ahead and be
I am writing to encourage you to do 1. Status quo — Some risk to a caring mother and do what is right
an article on child sexual abuse. This is children, lack of trust, anxiety, family and necessary. God will love you for
a very controversial and difficult sub- goes on like before. it.
ject, which is why I would like you to 2. Separation "And they brought young children
address it. It must be happening in — visiting privileges to him, that he should touch them: and
other Adventist homes if it can happen — children at risk while visiting his disciples rebuked those that brought
in one as "normal" as ours. — what others will think them. But when Jesus saw it, he was
I don't know how to deal with this. 3. Intervention of authorities much displeased, and said unto them,
I've spoken to my pastor about it a few — loss of control of family Suffer the little children to come unto
times, but if I report it, my husband — husband in jail me, and forbid them not: for of such is
could go to jail, and he would be — newspapers the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto
ashamed to set foot inside our church — children have to be interviewed by you, Whosoever shall not receive the
again. I am also afraid of him. everybody kingdom of God as a little child, he
I am so afraid for my daughter. I — court shall not enter therein. And he took
pray she has not been badly hurt (In What can I do? them up in his arms, put his hands
our case, the abuse was not severe). I How do I handle it? upon them, and blessed them." Mark
did confront my husband, and he has Where can I turn? 10:13-16
done nothing to help himself. The I can only sign myself, Following are several categories of
roots of our marriage are being ripped brief information and thoughts on
out for the lack of trust I feel towards Confused and Anxious. sexual abuse. It is just the tip. And, I
him. Do I love him or am I just afraid to know many may feel this is not the
take the next step and maybe lose Dear Confused: place for such articles. I am not sorry if
him? You are writing as if this whole mess this subject troubles you. I am sorry
Three choices loom up to me, all of was your fault and only you can solve that this article needs to be written.
8(cid:9) MESSENGER/JULY 1986
1. Facts and Figures 2. Your husband is emotionally still We do what we want to do with what
This is not an uncommon form of a child and is attracted to girls of his we have, by choice. Render to God that
abuse. emotional age. There is every chance which is God's. . . i.e. the children, safe
Did you know? he was molested as a boy. It is common and sound.
— that 96% of all prostitutes inter- to pass it on. 9. Your Options
viewed under the age of 18 admit All of this sounds very psychological 1. Keep the secret. It is criminal, it is
being sexually abused before they and treatable, and it is. BUT! It is also dangerous, and it keeps the family in a
left home? No wonder they left wrong, damaging, and illegal.
dysfunctional state of values and priori-
home, the poor kids! 5. Pastor ties. Would you rather have your
— that 1 out of 4 girls will be sexually
Your pastor should be supportive, children upset now, temporarily, or
assaulted before they reach 18?
direct, tender, and non-judgmental. possibly forever?
These statistics didn't include boys,
But he should not keep the secret. 2. Separation and keep the secret.
but the damage is the same.
Secrets are not therapy and are not Someone will get tired of suffering and
— that most of the offenders are family
safety. Reporting begins both treatment will tell. Then the separation or removal
members or adu lts trusted and
and protection. He can contact the local of children will happen anyway, which
known to the child?
Children's Aid Society to report and puts you right in the middle of your
— that many offenders refuse treatment
get information on how to help the third option.
until they are charged and convicted family. 3. The authorities. Why not report it
and treatment is ordered. Help isn't and stop the sickness and sadness?
6. Daughter (s)
always chosen, but it is always Tomorrow will still come, and so will
I do not know a pleasant way to say
needed. next year. You will make it. Each
this although I do understand your fear
— that sexual abuse is often genera- person will face their actions with or
and hesitation to disrupt your home. If
tional, passed from parent or relative without your help. God will do it in
you think you are doing your family a
to child, who grows up and abuses Judgment if nowhere else. So, why
favour by keeping the secret, read what
the next generation. wait? Be a part of the healing.
one 25-year-old client recently said
What can you do?
2. You, the Non-offending about her mother. "I'm mad. They
Where can you turn?
Spouse (Mom and Dad) had no right to do
Pray, and pick up the phone for the
what they did. It wasn't love. . . I hate
This is a difficult time for you. You
social service agency, family and child-
them..." Does this sound like they both
have said that you feel guilty, helpless,
ren's service, or police.
molested her? No, just dad. But, Mom
afraid, trapped and alone. Please get
How do you handle it?
knew it was happening. Now, years of
help. Maybe you don't understand
— Just deal with the truth and your
pain later, she cries out, "Why didn't
how counselling and therapy or govern-
part in all this. Believe your children,
she protect me?" Support your daugh-
ment agencies work. But, please do this
encourage them.
ter, protect her.
for yourself and your family. Don't
— Surround yourself with friends and
suffer in silence and endanger your 7. "The Abuse Was Not Severe" professionals who can support you
children any longer. Do you think child
Minimizing is common. It is also through this.
protection workers enjoy getting paid
common for the offender and the — Ask lots of questions and find
to investigate or apprehend a child?
victim to tell only part of the story. The answers. You are going to suffer,
No. They enjoy helping and seeing dirtiness, fear, and guilt often make the along with everyone else, for a
children and parents learning, forgiving truth distasteful and hard to speak. while. It will get better.
and reuniting in health and happiness. The emotional impact can be devas- — Stay close to God and talk to Him
But, first they have to protect. Wouldn't tating. Sexual abuse is one of the listed constantly.
you? abuses that can result in multiple — Trust starts with sharing. You have
God says so much about His love for personality disorders, suicide, severe told me. That is very brave of you.
children. Don't let a child's view of God depression, lack of trust, etc. The child Now tell someone who can help all
be distorted by a parent. Please. is exploited and betrayed, and often left of you.
3. Hubby and the Church to face the adult(s) alone! How awful, — Your husband must get treatment.
He has been a hypocrite this long how unforgiveable (almost). The longer He may have to be charged to get
already, just like most of us. Con- the child goes without help, the longer it.
frontation with God would be good for the affects last and the more difficult to — The sooner it is faced, the sooner the
him, for all of us. Worrying about what undo. God can do anything, but some- nightmare will be over, and the
other members think gets in the way of times we won't let Him. sooner you can have more real
what God thinks, and wants. Let him 8. God vs Caesar happiness and peace than you have
deal with God. God can handle it, you ever known.
Not everyone reports sexual abuse.
don't have to protect either of them. But, when they get old, they wish they As a result of this letter and others like it, along
4. Your Marriage had. When the children are grown, with the demand for information and the growing
number of known sexual abuse cases involving
What was it that led him to molest they often end up telling people like Seventh-day Adventist families, the next two columns
your daughter? There are several myself that they wish someone had will be on issues of the Christian and Child Sexual
possibilities, I will mention two. helped them back then. The law wants Abuse. Part I - Awareness and Prevention
1. Your husband is angry, hurt, and the children protected and the offender Part 2 - Treatment and Healing
emotionally withdrawn from you and charged. So does God, only He calls it "Family Forum"
he finds nurturing and acceptance in Judgment. Responsibility and account- 1148 King Street East
the child. ability are key words in these last days. Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1H8
tsvccumr•ro /TT TT V ICIOL A
Vancouver Central
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Baptism
You Are Invited Thirty Years of Service Baptisms represent victories. On Sabbath,
April 26, 1986, five more victories were
To Worship at Hope Frances Switak was a young church witnessed. Pastor Jerry Chang baptized
school teacher in Windsor, Ontario, when three young people from his weekly Junior
the wife of the local pastor asked her to Baptismal Class — Elvie-Jane Basit, Anne
write up church news for the Windsor Marie Mindoro, and Jay Bacomo. All are
Star. students at Deer Lake Seventh-day Adventist
For the next 30 years Fran not only School and were encouraged and supported
wrote the news, but helped to make it. She in their decision for baptism by their
organized Windsor's first Pathfinder Club respective parents.
and encouraged the youngsters to collect Terry Hiebert started regularly attending
canned food for the needy instead of the the Vancouver Central Church in February,
usual Halloween treats. The Windsor Star 1986; and on his first Sabbath mentioned to
photographer helped the Pathfinders build Pastor Bob Tetz his desire to become a
the cans into a robot, then took their picture Seventh-day Adventist. Terry attended the
for a feature story, which was followed by "Truth for the End Time" Seminar conducted
many more. by Pastor Dirk Zinner. Terry's first contacts
Driving west to EXPO on the Trans
When Fran and her husband Paul go back some five years as he occasionally
Canada? Then you'll likely drive the new
moved to Penticton, the church had neither attended various Seventh-day Adventist
Coquahalla super highway in British
a press secretary nor a Pathfinder club, but churches in the Vancouver area with some
Columbia. As you drive past Hope you will
Fran soon made up for this deficit. Again her Seventh-day Adventist friends. Personal
also be passing the newly built Seventh-day
Pathfinders and the Dorcas Society featured Bible studies convicted him of the Scriptural
Adventist Church complete with a tall black
prominently as she made the public aware truths that he was studying and galvanized
spire atop the white belfry. The colonial
that the Adventist church is a caring church. his decision to surrender all to God and join
church complex was built in 1984 in the
The articles she submitted, together with His church.
Hope community of 5,000.
news articles about Adventists picked up Michael Rolih is originally from
Since the sanctuary seats 140, our usual from other sources, are enough to fill 12 Yugoslavia; and because of the witness and
attendance of fifty leaves room for healthy entire newspapers. encouragement of his wife and many
growth and plenty of visitors. Besides the Fran's contribution to the church was Seventh-day Adventist friends, anxiously
Sabbath School division rooms, the com- officially recognized when Elder W. Rogers prepared for his baptism.
munity activity room and spacious fellow- of the B.C. Conference presented her with
ship room have provided a well-used open- the Communication Award for Excellence
door for the townspeople, with more than on November 13, 1976.
80 of them participating in a variety of After her husband's accidental death
community service programs and two Bible while working at Camp Hope, Fran married
Seminars during 1985. again and became Mrs. Steve Foldi. She
For many years the small congregation now longed to retire from the position she
met in a small one-room building on the old had held for so many years, and the church
Conference campground while steadily reluctantly accepted her resignation,
adding to a building fund. In November of nominating a new press secretary for
1983, with a building site purchased, plans 1986.
were sketched and construction began on Front, Anne Marie Mindoro, Jay Bacomo, Elvie-
February 13, 1984. Jane Basit.
After much study and prayer the Back, Pastor Jerry Chang, Terry Hiebert, Pastor
members decided to refrain from using the Bob Tetz, Michael Rolih, Pastor Dirk Zinner.
building until it could be completed, paid
Diamond Wedding
for, and dedicated to the service of God and
the needs of the community. With the
bountiful blessing of God and the dedicated
commitment of the members and many
friends, the work was completed in March
1985.
Dedication of the members in a com-
munion service on Friday evening, March 1
16 preceded the formal act of dedication When Fran gave her final report at a recent
during the divine worship hour the next church business meeting, Pastor Dan Jackson
day. At 4:00 p.m. the sanctuary and the presented her with a plaque inscribed "In
narthex were well filled for the innaugural Appreciation for 30 Years of Dedication to the
Church in the Communications Field."
service followed by a fellowship luncheon
Elfriede Volk
for the guests. Now, a year later, we look
back in wonder at how God led throughout More Missing Members
the project! If you know the address or whereabouts
Our heartfelt thanks to each of you who of the following people, please write to the Bill and Anne Vanshaik celebrated their 60th
helped, and an invitation to all to worship church clerk, Aldergrove SDA Church, Box wedding anniversary recently. The Comox Valley
Church family gathered together for a delicious
with us whenever you can — the bell tolls 998, Aldergrove, B.C. VOS 1AO:
dinner sponsored by Bill and Anne's children.
eleven times as Divine Worship begins Patrick Jordan This sincere couple have been a witness to others
each Sabbath morning. Mrs. Cathy Hovland for many years and the church family extends
Darol Rick Cheryl Hovland warmest congratulations and best wishes.
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