Youth and Adult Magazine - Adventist Mission

32 Pages·2013·1.3 MB·English

MiYOsUTsHi &o ADnULT
2013 •QUARTER 3 • Inter-european DIvIsIon
www.AdventistMission.org
C o n t e n t s
On the Cover: Raquel is one of many immigrants to Portugal who have found Christ and
the Adventist Church through the work of the Vila Cha Adventist Church outside Lisbon.
CzeCh RepubliC bulgARiA
4 The unlikely Answer | July 6 20 growing pains | August 31
6 iNRi Road, Jesus’ Way | July 13
22 The Dream | September 8
8 pathway to Joy | July 20
24 Spreading the Faith | September 15
10 Turned Around | July 27
26 A Work of Faith | September 22
poRTugAl
ReSouRCeS
12 i Was hungry | August 3
14 The Stubborn pilgrim | August 10 28 Thirteenth Sabbath program | September 29
16 Sharing the gifts | August 17 31 Resources
18 goats and Friends | August 24 32 Map
= stories of special interest to teens
Yo u r O f f e r i n g s a t Wo r k
During Communist times pastors
and students met in secret to train for
leadership. After Communism fell,
your Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings
helped purchase land and a building
to establish the Czech Theological
Seminary. The seminary has continued
to grow, and young people continue to
n
n Divisio bAed tvreanintiesdt Cfohr usercrvhi.c e for God and the
Europea Thank you.
nter-
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tist Seventh©- d2a0y1 3A dGveennetrisatls C® o• nAflel rreignhcets o rfe served
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Ad Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601
800.648.5824 • www.AdventistMission.org
2
Dear Sabbath School Leader,
This quarter we feature the Inter- can earn. They lack warm clothes and
European (formerly Euro-Africa) household goods necessary to make a new
Division, which includes the countries life in Europe.
of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, The Adventist Church in Portugal
Czech Republic, France, Germany, is working to reach the newcomers by
Gibraltar, Holy See, Italy, Liechtenstein, providing surplus food, clothing, and
Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Portugal, household goods as well as providing classes
Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, to help them learn skills that will enable
and Switzerland. them to adapt to their new homeland.
More than 338 million people live Bulgaria has struggled economically since
in the Inter-European Division, but it emerged from years under Communist
only about 177,750 are Seventh-day rule. It has experienced economic growth,
Adventists, a ratio of about one Adventist but remains one of the lowest economic
for every 1,900 people. nations in the European Union.
The church in Bulgaria remained strong
The Challenges
during Communist times and continues
Portugal is a modern and largely
to grow, though at a slow rate. However,
secular country. Its location near Africa
among the close-knit Romani—the
makes it a portal to immigrants from that
Gypsy—people, the church has found
continent. Many immigrants who settle in
fertile ground and is growing rapidly. They
Portugal are finding it difficult to support
often worship in rented apartments or
their families on the meager wages they
small halls. A simple church will allow
them to invite more Romani and their
families and friends to worship God.
The Czech Republic is a modern,
Opportunities
secular post modern culture. The
The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering nation is one of Europe’s most atheistic
this quarter will go to help fund: countries. Fewer than 10 percent of the
people regularly attend any worship
 a community outreach center and church
service. Young people who did grow up
for immigrants outside Lisbon, Portugal
in a religious environment are especially
 an evangelistic outreach to students
vulnerable to the call of the world during
at major state universities in Czech
their university years.
Republic and Slovakia
 ain c whuersctehr nfo Br uthlgea Rriaomani (Gypsy) people Yours for the kingdom, n.org
Missio
 Children’s Project: Sabbath worship ntist
fcahciillditrieens fionr w theset eRronm Baunlgi a(rGiaypsy) CEdhiatorlro, tMtei sIssihonkanian ww.Adve
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The Unlikely Answer
CzeCh RepubliC | July 6
Radomir
wasn’t convinced. She didn’t argue; she
just gave me books and videos. For the
sake of argument, I read the books and
watched the videos, looking for flaws in
Christians’ thinking.
Olga invited me to church, and I went.
The lesson that day was on creation.
I tried to convince the class members
that creation was wrong, that the world
[Ask a man to present this first-person report.]
had evolved. The class members didn’t
become angry or turn away; they just
I was a guitarist in a heavy metal band. listened and continued with the lesson.
For me, life was about making money I began to think that maybe Christians
and having a good time. weren’t so wrong after all.
Then my father died suddenly. Soon
Encountering God
afterward my wife left me and took my
The church had planned a weeklong
daughter. I was shaken to the core. I
retreat in the mountains. I had an office
sensed that something was missing, but I
near their camp, so I went to my office
wasn’t sure what.
in the mountain so that I could join in
A Praying Woman the retreat. The church members were
A couple years later I met Olga, a like a family, close and supportive. I was
n woman I had known years earlier. But now surprised to see that they could have fun
Divisio she was a Christian, an Adventist. I had without alcohol. My friends and I always
European nCehvreisrt biaenlise, vaendd i nne Gveord h, enaervde or fk Anodwvenn atnisyt s. dtirmanek. Twhhee nch wuerc wh amnteemdb teor sh waveelc ao mgoeodd m e
nter- But I liked her. as one of them. I found myself enjoying
I n
Missio I figured that if I talked to her, she the meetings and the fellowship.
t would realize that believing in God As I continued reading about evolution,
tis
n just isn’t normal. I tried to prove from I noticed that scientists would come
ve
d
A science that God doesn’t exist, but she to a place where they couldn’t explain
4
how evolution could arrive at a certain hairs on our heads. I realized that if God
conclusion. There was always missing is God—and the reality was becoming
C
information. But Christians, it seemed, compelling—He is, indeed, mighty. He i
l
could fill in the blanks. I began realizing holds the universe in His hands, and yet
b
that it took more faith to believe in He cares about something so small as the u
evolution than in creation. I began to hairs on my head. p
believe that God is Creator. e
Turnaround
R
I had smoked and drunk for years.
I had long thought that I was the god
I’d tried to quit, but I’d always failed. I h
of my life, that I didn’t need anyone else. C
loved Olga, and I wanted to quit smoking e
But that night I accepted Jesus as Creator
z
and drinking—for her, if not for myself.
and as my Lord. I gave Him my life. Soon C
Olga told me to ask God for help. I had
afterward I asked the pastor to study the
heard the people in church talking about
Bible with me, and a few months later I
praying to God, so I tried. “OK, God,”
was baptized. Then I married the wonderful
I said. “I don’t believe in you, but if you
woman who had led me to God.
exist, help me to stop smoking.” I threw
God has taught me many lessons in
away my cigarettes, and God gave me the
the past few years. He taught me that
strength to never smoke again.
I’m not the center of my life. I must not
On another night as I looked up into
take things into my own hands, but let
the dark sky, I saw the uncountable stars
Him handle them. He taught me that
above. I remembered a verse I had read or He cares about the largest things and the
heard in church that says that God knows smallest things in our lives. He’s the God
the number of the stars in the sky and the of creation, but He’s also concerned about
our smallest problems.
And God taught Olga and me that He
Fast Facts answers prayers in His own way. She had
prayed for a Christian husband, one who
 The Czech Republic is a small didn’t like heavy metal music, who didn’t
landlocked country in central Europe. smoke or drink, and who lived a healthful
life. I was none of those. But God changed
 The people of Czech Republic, as with
most modern European countries, my life and made me into the man she had
are secular and post modern in their been praying for. I sure was an unlikely
thinking. The country is the second-most
answer to anyone’s prayer before God took
atheistic country in Europe.
hold of my life.
 The official language of Czech Republic I still love music, but now instead
is Czech. of playing heavy metal music, I lead a
 The country has a population of a little church choir.
more than 10 million. Your mission offerings help people n.org
such as me learn the truth about God Missio
 OCCzhnerlciysh to iRnanee picnuhb ualrbicco hur.etg 1u0la prleyo patlete innd s any afos rC hreelaptionrg a mnde atus rSna mviyo rl.i fTe haarnoukn ydo ua nd Adventist
w.
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giving it to Jesus.  w
5
CzeCh RepubliC | July 13
INRI Road,
Jesus’ Way
INRI Road members
Sunday sports. And Peter is our music
man. You’re welcome to join any of the
activities posted in the kitchen.
“Tonight Jacob will share the story of
[Invite two young adults to share this how he came to INRI and what it means
mission report.] to him.”
Narrator: The large room buzzed with Finding God Again
conversation as university students relaxed Jacob: I came from a Christian home.
on couches, around a table, and on folding Although my mother assured me that Jesus
chairs. Laughter burst from one group. was always with me, I often felt alone. In
A young man began strumming chords school the kids teased me, and I felt that I
on his guitar while others still entered. didn’t fit in.
Someone gave out song sheets, and young Church became a time to be with my
voices joined in singing favorite choruses. friends, not with God. I didn’t attend regularly,
Dressed in sweaters and jeans, the young and gradually I stopped going altogether.
people looked more like a study group I started drinking. One night I went to
than worshippers. a bar and got drunk. A man started a fight
“Welcome to INRI Road [in-ree, “Jesus’ and knocked me to the floor. He raised his
Way”],” the leader, a university student, foot to kick me in the head, but another
said. “To ease your concerns, this is not a guy grabbed him, and I escaped.
n
Divisio church.” A gentle chuckle rippled through A few days later Mom asked me if
European tdhifef egrreonutp a. c“tWiviet iaerse tfhrireonudgsh wouhto t hmee wete feokr. sFormideatyh niniggh ht.a Sd hhea psapiedn tehda tt hmey p areuvnito huas d
nter- Michael leads a group discussion on topics felt impressed that I was in danger and that
I n
Missio of interest to you. Kara has an English- she must pray. Later I learned that the man
t language discussion group on Thursdays. who had hit me had kicked another man
tis
n Daniel here,” he said, nudging the young in the head and killed him. That could have
ve
d
A man next to him, “is the go-to guy for been me, I thought.
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A Second Chance Gentle Invitation
I wanted to change my life. I went back Immediately I felt guilty. On my way
C
to church and felt good about being there. back to the meeting I met a friend who i
l
But the feeling didn’t last. I was bouncing asked if I was OK. I poured out my
b
between God and the world. My failure to problems to her. She listened without u
clean up my act depressed me, but then I judging, and then she said, “You can start p
remembered that Mom and my aunt were again. Jesus will walk with you.” At that e
moment I saw Jesus as my loving Savior. R
praying for me.

We prayed together, and then we returned
Then a friend invited me to a youth h
to the meeting. C
meeting at INRI Road. I went because e
I knew some young people there. That As I gave God my addictions, He took them z
away. I couldn’t have done it on my own. C
night the speaker told his life’s story, but it
I love my new life with Jesus. It’s not a
could have been mine. I felt God whisper
happy little children’s story, but a real-life
to me, but my life of drinking and partying
relationship with Jesus.
was pulling me too.
God brought me back to Him through
Another friend invited me to attend an
the fellowship of INRI Road and young
INRI Road weekend retreat that sounded
people who are here to discover for
like fun. So I went. But I had a tough time
themselves that Jesus is real and that
concentrating, because I craved nicotine.
He cares. Now I fill my life with God-
After fighting the craving for several
centered activities, inviting other
hours, I slipped outside to smoke. university students to join INRI Road, the
program that has changed my life.
Narrator: The room remained quiet as
Jacob’s story sank in. Many could relate to
Mission Post
what they’d just heard.
One of the youth prayed a simple
 The Czech Republic is the second-most
closing prayer, and the young people
atheistic country in Europe.
mingled, chatting with friends and
 Young people often leave their childhood
thanking Jacob for sharing his story. Some
faith during their university years.
wiped tears from their eyes, for they too
 INRI Road (Jesus’ Way) is a youth knew the feeling of failure, and some were
organization that offers friendship and looking for hope in Jesus.
faith-building activities throughout the
INRI Road is an Adventist program
week as well as weekend retreats during
that seeks to make a welcome home for
school breaks.
Adventist and non-Adventist youth, no
 INRI Road has helped many young
matter where they are in their walk with
people stay close to Christ and the
chJaheculoprbec dhf i dnwodhz eialn ews a aowyf atyyoo fuJrenosmgu sp .h eoomplee asuncdh h aass GSINaobRdbI.a PRthaor aOt dof ffpe rtrohingisrg a qwmuiasl rla thte eru’lsnp Ti vshteairrrstti etmieenost rahec ross Mission.org
 FAodrv menotries to Mn tishsiiso npr DojVecDt, twhaist cqhu athrtee r. tyhoeu Cfozre hchel Rpienpgu tbhliec yaonudt hS loofv Eaukrioa.p Te hseaen k w.Adventist
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Jesus in a new way.  w
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Pathway to Joy
CzeCh RepubliC | July 20
Jana
could be happy without drugs or alcohol.
Jana stopped going to discos and parties,
but found it difficult to give up smoking
and drinking.
Although her lifestyle was quite different
from her Christian friends, Jana enjoyed
them, and they remained her closest
friends. They shared their faith with her,
and she listened. But she wasn’t ready to
make such a radical change in her life.
A New Chapter
The girls all finished their studies together,
and Jana and Alena decided to continue their
studies in another city in Czech Republic.
Like many young people in Czech
They agreed to share an apartment.
Republic, Jana [YAH-nah] grew up
In Brno [BUR-no] Alena began
in a family that had no religious roots or
attending a youth program called INRI
spiritual guidelines. As a teenager she
Road. She invited Jana to go with her and
and her friends went to discos and then
assured her that it wasn’t like traditional
graduated to techno-parties. She and her
church. Jana went to the program and was
friends experimented with drugs, and she
lied to her parents to avoid worrying them. amazed. She loved the singing and the
Jana graduated from high school and warm friendship. She immediately wanted
went to study in a university in another to be part of the INRI Road fellowship.
city. There she met three classmates who Jana made lots of new friends and joined
n were Christians. One was an Adventist. in a number of their activities—game
Divisio The girls spent a lot of time together, and nights, prayer meetings, Bible discussions—
European Jhaanpap yw. oTnhdeeyr eddi dwnh’ty s tmhoeky ea lowr adyrsi nseke omr egdo so jusJta tnoa b sep eanrotu mndo rteh aensed C mhorriset itaimnse. with
nter- to discos, as she had. And yet they truly Alena and her new friends at INRI Road.
I n
Missio seemed to enjoy life. When Alena invited her to study the
t Jana especially liked Alena, the Bible, Jana agreed. Everything about
tis
n Adventist girl. Something about her drew Christianity was so new to her; so she
ve
d
A Jana’s admiration. Jana wondered if she started at the beginning.
8
A year later Jana felt she had to make Jana stood firm in her faith and was
a decision. She wanted to give her heart baptized. She continues attending INRI
C
to Jesus, but she still loved her boyfriend, Road and became a group leader in one i
l
and didn’t want to break up with him. She of the prayer groups. She also led a group
b
invited him to attend some INRI Road called Face to Face, a discussion group u
programs, and he joined the guys in a few that invited a Christian businessperson or p
sports events. But he wanted nothing to e
community leader and interviewed them
R
do with Christianity. Reluctantly, Jana
about how they lived their Christian life

was torn by her new love for God and her in a secular world. This was a popular h
C
old love for her boyfriend. She prayed and group to invite non-Adventist student e
cried, and in time chose Jesus. z
friends to attend.
C
Unexpected Resistance Slowly Jana’s parents have learned
to accept her new Christian life. They
Jana gave up smoking and drinking as
well as her boyfriend. But to her surprise, are asking questions about her church
her parents resisted her decision to activities. Recently Jana and her mother
become a Christian. They had grown up were talking about her life before she
atheist and found it difficult to understand became a Christian and after. Her mother
why their daughter would want to become now agrees that her life as a Christian is
a Christian. They didn’t know anything better, so much better.
about Adventists, and they weren’t sure “INRI Road was a great thing for me,
whether it was a cult. a turning point in my life,” she says. “I
probably wouldn’t have stepped inside a
Mission Post traditional church, but INRI Road isn’t
traditional. It meets the needs of today’s
 INRI Road aims to reach Adventist young people, many of whom, like me,
young people and keep them in the
never experienced Christ before.
church during their vulnerable university
“The friends I have made here, the
years and reach non-Adventist youth,
many of whom have rarely or never set casual times as well as the spiritual times,
foot inside a church. have made a huge impact on my life. I saw
 Through casual worship services, that young people can be happy without
discussion groups, study groups, sports drugs or alcohol. I had always thought
events, prayer groups, and weekend
that these things made me happy, but now
retreats, INRI Road leaders want
I know they are only poor substitutes.
to make friends for Jesus through
friendship evangelism. Christ is the only way to be truly happy.”
Part of this quarter’s Thirteenth
 In the six years that INRI Road has
existed, dozens of young people have Sabbath Offering will help expand the
come into the church, and many more INRI Road outreach throughout the n.org
hrealvatei orentsuhrinpe wd iothr sGtroend.gthened their Cthzoeucsha nRdesp oufb yliocu anngd a Sdluolvtsa kcaian stoa stthea fto r ntistMissio
 For more on INRI Road, see this quarter’s themselves the beauty, the love, the Adve
Adventist Mission DVD. w.
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wonder of our Savior.  w
9
Turned Around
CzeCh RepubliC | July 27
Josef
At camp we had three meetings a day.
The pastor talked about people who
had met God and whose lives had been
changed. I didn’t want to admit it, but his
[Ask a young man to present this first-
stories had an impact on me. I wondered
person report.]
if my problems with girls would clear up
if I gave God a chance. Frustrated, I left
My name is Josef [Yo-sef]. I was an
the meeting and walked to the bathroom.
angry troublemaker in my teens.
I locked the door and prayed. I apologized
My dad insisted that my brother and I go
to God for all the trouble I had caused and
to church. I didn’t want to be there, and
asked Him to help me. I surprised even
I let others know. I didn’t pay attention
myself. Suddenly I was so overwhelmed
and sometimes argued with members.
with a sense of forgiveness that I cried.
Outside of church I hated people for no
Imagine, Mr. Tough Guy crying!
good reason and picked fights with people
The next afternoon as I walked along
n on the streets, people I didn’t even know.
Divisio the beach, I met a girl I knew a little. We
n The Bathroom Prayer had never really talked before. But before
Europea Two years ago the church had a youth I knew it, we had talked for four hours!
nter- camp, and my brother and I were expected My friends recognized that something
I on to go. I made no secret that I didn’t want had happened to me, something big. I
Mtissi to be there, though I hoped to meet some didn’t say much, but I knew that God had
ntis girls. I had trouble talking to girls, but I answered my prayers. He had turned my
ve
d
A still wanted to be friends. life around.
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