Four Weeks, Yikes!

Four weeks! Can you believe this? Now do you believe I'm busy? Or is it lazy? Whatever. I can't even remember what I've been doing for four weeks. Let's see:

We've been through our March lifestyle session with 13 people. They were a super group. Every patient had cancer, but one, yet they were all upbeat and cheerful. Actually, that is saying a lot seeing one of them died in our home.  Patti was only 27 years old. She was a nursing student and found out she had cancer just three weeks before she died. We took her into our home because she was so sick, yet there was not one word of complaint or negativity.

One Saturday evening, her boyfriend who stayed with her throughout the ordeal, proposed to her complete with ring and party. She had a lot of friends and family filling our house to the point where we had to put our foot down. That was too much activity for the poor girl.

Unfortunately, we were not there when she died. Janet and I were in St. Louis, MO at an ASI Convention. Nevertheless, its hard. We see miracles sometimes, and other times we experience tragedy.  I wish I could choose who the Lord should work a miracle for, but I can't and it probably wouldn't be good. She would have been one of them. Too young to die.

Our weekend in St. Louis went off very well. Barry Black, the SDA Senate Chaplain and Mark Finley were our guest speakers. Wonderful preachers. Our little team of officers pulled together to feed over 1,000 people for Sabbath lunch. We were worn out by the end of the weekend. Then a storm blew through and left 12.3 inches of heavy snow. The airlines cancelled our flights and we were stuck in a motel for an extra day. Ces't la vie.

Besides that, I am teaching many classes to our great students. I am more and more impressed with the course we offer and the guest speakers that come to help us. My lover has been playing doctor (not illegally) at the lifestyle center. The people love her. She is one of the few who will sacrifice whatever it takes to see that the people are comfortable, and given he best chance of healing, but one more month and she's gone again, to Africa. We wish we could keep her.

This weekend, I am scheduled to speak at the Franktown Church on the South side of Denver. I will go Friday night so I don't have to drive so far Sabbath morning. From the church, I will drive to the airport (in the evening) and fly to Uchee Pines for a board meeting on Sunday. Then I come home the next day. Steven Grabiner, the President of OCI, will be here next week to do a series of meetings with our students on the book of Revelation. I look forward to that.

Janet and Leasa leave tomorrow for Chattanooga, TN. They intend to speak to a few wealthy donors about our needs for housing at EVI. I actually do not think I've ever been so involved in so many things at once in my life. It is at the same time exciting and wearing. Praise the Lord. At least I am not rusting out.

So says the Preacher to his Tribe.

Vacation in Sunny Hot Florida

We leave tomorrow. So sad. We've had a great time in Florida. Last year, a friend lent us a condo on the beach. This year, the condo was sold. Unfortunately, or should I say, fortunately, we only found out after buying our tickets to Tampa. Not to worry. Janet's sister, Dale and Sylvio, live nearby. We invited ourselves to live with them. That's how you determine true friends. 

We've had a wonderful time. They've been super hospitable, and overly generous. I feel indebted to them. Obviously, we've experienced some things we would not naturally be exposed to seeing there are to SDA's around. Let me explain: Dale and Syl live in a park in which they own shares. Approximately 400 people live in this park. A great number of them are Canadians. (For whatever reason, the Canadians seem to be the liveliest of the bunch.) Anyway, these Park Dwellers can think of any reason to have a party, something akin to our Leasa. Maybe coming from Minnesota has something to do with the party spirit. (She comes from very close to Canada.) 

Memorable to us will be the Karaoke night we experienced. I suppose you know what Karaoke is? I guess I had heard of Karaoke before, but never have I experienced the like. Bear in mind, the people have to be 55 years old to live in this park, and most are more like 70-90 years old. Here is how Karaoke works: They have all these music CD's, like hundreds and hundreds of songs. The music is all from the 50's-70's. Unfortunately for me, I knew most of the songs. I assume my Lover knew even more. Of the 60 or so people who were there, perhaps half participated in singing songs from the past using the original music. It's like doing special music using background music. Only the music was Country and Western, Rock and Beebop, folk etc . . .

It was all very entertaining, but not very Adventist. At least, I haven't met any Adventist who do that sort of thing. My sister-in-all was determined that I would sing. Oh me. She thought that because I preach it would be nothing for me to get up and sing in front of all these people. Now, don't think I wasn't tempted. Except that someone, Joe Stankavich, convinced me to sing a special once at church with him in South River, 30 years ago, and I performed so badly that I swore I'd never do that again--and I haven't. But I was tempted. I know all the songs and my feet know all the moves too. (Not to worry, I didn't.) 

Janet sang with her sister. I forget what. Finally, I sang with our table--a group of eight or so. You are My Sunshine, The Lion Sleeps tonight and Wake up Little Suzie. 

Some of those old buggers can really belt out a tune and made Elvis look old fashion. I guess he would be by now--big, fat and red eyed.  

We spent two and one half hours kayaking an alligator infested river. We saw four alligators. One was big.  We also kayaked the mangrove swamps. Lots of fun and lots of sun. Aquariums and museums and all else. It's been great. We even played Shuffle Board. Now I must get back down to reality and think of doing some work. With all the storms happening, it might be tricky getting home tomorrow.

Before coming to Florida, Eden Valley hosted the ASI Winter Boards. That, from my perspective, was as exciting as anything else. Necessarily, I cannot divulge what we decided on these boards, but that isn't the point of my writing. As you know, I am the new ASI President--well, it's been a year and a half already, but I still feel like the new kid on the block. Everyone else has years of exposure to the inner workings of the corporation. Consequently, I am always nervous about doing well, saying the right things, not appearing to be as ignorant as I feel etc. . . 

Can you imagine how much I pray about things like that? Wouldn't it be better if I was great at everything? Well, I'm not, but the Lord blessed me more than I expected. That is always such a pleasant surprise for me. I thank Him everyday from the bottom of my heart. 

Blessings to all.

Sea turtle at an aquarium.

Waterskiing show

Shark plus.

Droning On

Life drones on as far as having notable events to talk about. On the other hand, we are super busy around here (Eden Valley).

We started a school at the beginning of January called the Wellness Institute. Our ten students are the best. The oldest is 69 years old, and the youngest is in her early twenties. To boost our impact we've invited several speakers from far and near. The course lasts until the middle of June and includes training in doing (or participating in) an evangelistic effort, and doing public health evangelism. Learning hands-on massage and hydro therapies with all the natural remedies we can put into their repertoire. Lately, they've been doing a series of Cooking Classes in Loveland. Between 40 and 50 people are attending. We also are involving them in giving Bible studies and in-home health studies with coaching.

My dear wife is taking treatment for her neck from a NUCCA Chiropractor. Her diagnosis isn't encouraging. You've never seen a more damaged spine, but Dr. Jung thinks he can help her. She assumes that the car accident she had when she twisted the steering wheel like a pretzel must have been the precursor of all this damage. I'll try to keep you posted on her progress. Jason has his own issues with a neck problem. Maybe Dr. Jung can help him someday, if it works on Janet.

We've had a better than usual Winter as far as the Lifestyle Center is concerned. Colorado winters scare people, but this year (maybe it's Global Warming) we've seen just a little downturn. My wife works in the LSC. I am always amazed at her work ethic and savoir-faire. She makes a huge difference to the quality of the work when she is there. She's a keeper, and someday I will.

Janet is still looking for someone to take her project in Africa. So far, no luck, or should I say, no providence.

Next week, Eden Valley is hosting the ASI and Missions Inc boards, just for added stress. It is all very interesting, and I am honored to be part of the program, but still feel like a fish out of water. Robert Folkenber Jr. resigned from his post on the ASI board. He accepted a call to head the church in China. He is a good guy, and we wish him well.  Apparently, Gary Thurber is being tapped by the NAD to replace Robert on our board. Gary is our Conference President in Colorado. I sit on the Conference Committee with Gary and I consider him a great man. I hope the NAD Committee approves his choice.

After next week's boards, Janet and I will take the better part of a week to enjoy the Florida sun. Pray for us that it not be more pleasure than we can handle.

Lastly, Caleb broke a leg speed skating. (My grandson in the Yukon.) His career is on hold for this season. No doubt, he feels like it's a bummer, but God has a plan. "Often, our plans fail that God's plans for us may succeed."MH 473. Do you ever wish things had been different? Well, don't. God is working out your salvation in a dark, mysterious manner. All I know is, "the work He has begun, He will perform." Phil. 1:6.

So says the Preacher to his tribe.

About Time

Let me tell you, if you don't write a blog for a while, it is really hard to get back into the groove. I must force myself. Besides, how can I remember everything that has happened in the last month plus?

One of our staff wondered why someone planted two telephone poles in that middle of his lane. Thank God for air bags. We lost another old van this week. Someone cut Darrell Bates off in town and our van was totaled. Fortunately, the other party was at fault and they gave us $3,429 for the old junker. Leonard suggested that we give Darrell a raise.

Our new education program is well on its way. The Wellness Institute has 10 students, great quality, and the program is wonderful. Last night, we did a Cooking School in Loveland. Between 40 and 50 people came, fourteen non-SDA. I spoke on the Brain and the crew demonstrated brain food.

The Lifestyle Center has enjoyed more patients this winter than ever. Janet and I took in a young 12 year old friend from Cashmere, WA. She has a debilitating disease that no doctor can figure out. We took her for 18 days to see if anything could be done. I believe she was helped, but it is difficult to ascertain that for sure. Our granddaughter came to be her support. Christina has really matured. I am super proud of her.

My wife and my son have both developed bone spurs or ostheo-arthritis in the neck at the same time. There must be something in the water in Tanzania. Today, my Lover is in Denver getting three X-rays. Well, it was six X-rays the last time I talked to her and she had to return for more this afternoon. The X-rays show that all the muscles on the right shoulder are pulling at her spine and all the muscles on the left are relaxed. Consequently, her spine is all crooked and her hips are imbalanced and her neck, which  is her immediate concern, is practically immovable. The way I analyze this is the my wife and our son are under major stress. The stress tightens the upper girdle around the neck and their muscles are so strong that they are threatening to pull them apart. (Is that dramatic enough?) I hope something can be done. She is too young to be put to pasture yet, to say nothing of my son.

I preached a series of meetings on 3ABN. Seven messages one day, and two the next. I haven't seen the finished product yet. I hope they turn out to be Spirit driven and useful to the Lord.

Shortly before that, Janet, Angie and her whole family (save Steve and the twins), Julie with her whole family, and myself enjoyed our time at GYC. What a blessing. The meetings were good, but seeing the excitement build up in Art and Julie and her kids was worth it all. Julie's boys really impressed me. They are growing strait and spiritual. I love it.

Tomorrow, I sit on the Rocky Mountain Executive Board. It's an adventure for me. To watch the dynamics within the church structure is interesting.

Polish ASI and Rosario Beach, WA.

Polish ASI

It isn’t hard to grasp the potential for the advancement of the gospel and for the support of the Seventh-day Adventist Church inherent in ASI. Recently, I was party to something truly impressive. I traveled to Poland in December (not recommended.) It was predictably humid, cold, snowy and gloomy grey. Be that as it may, I did have a wonderful opportunity to speak five times at the Polish ASI Convention.

(Ten times at Springs of Life.)

The convention was remarkable. ASI Poland has only sixteen members, yet they attracted 220 people to the meetings. They managed to host the people on a shoestring by using a church and a school for the venue and church member’s homes for accommodation. The food was excellent, even if we did have to sit on top of each other. The music was uplifting and best of all more than half of the congregation was young people. It seemed at times to be a combination of ASI and GYC. The bulk of the reports were from activity generated by young people, sponsored by ASI. Besides that, this small group raised more than 170,000 ZT (over $40,000) and you can’t help but see the power built into this organization, both for evangelizing the country and for the training of young witnesses.

Poland’s little ASI is so successful that the SDA Union in Ukraine sent a delegation to the convention to learn how they might establish an ASI organization in their country. Where the church allows ASI to harness the power of the business and lay people, wonderful things happen.

Rosario Beach, WA

It's Christmas!!! Well, it's actually Boxing Day. Fortunately, not one of the fourteen people here doesn't like his or her gift. We kind of set that up on Christmas Eve. We told stories of people in our past who were not happy with the gifts they were given. Everyone thought the stories funny and vowed to like whatever came their way. So they did and we had a wonderful time. 

We are spending Christmas at a place called Rosario Beach on the Pacific coast. Wonderful. Wet, yes, but wonderful anyhow. (The Rosario Beach Camp is owned by Walla Walla University.) In Cashmere we had snow to our eyebrows. Well, very low eyebrows. The kids spent every minute available to them sliding down off the mountain. They were soaked all the time, but apparently had great fun.  

Our next adventure will be at GYC in Seattle. The whole gang is going except Steve and the twins. Christina did her best to sign up people for GYC. Apparently, if you sign up so many people you get free registrations. So she signed up a bunch and would give the free registrations to those who couldn't afford to go. In the end, she managed to bring more than sixty people to GYC. 

The girls, Vanessa, Brianna, Christina, Elie, Natalie, and Dakota are singing at GYC. They do a fantastic job of it. (Check out Angie's blog for pictures of our Rosario experience.) 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Poland

I am in Poland. It's been five days already and I have preached seven times so far. Two more times to go before I preach five times at the Polish ASI Convention. The experience is more than pleasant. I have very good friends here and I am treated like a king. Who can ask for more. Allow me to share some few experiences with you:

1. I didn't sleep on the flight over. I read and read and read in the biography of Dwitght Eisenhower--Soldier, President. Great book. I am living with Robert and Annia Kuczek. Their little girls, Ola and Lilly, are dolls.

2. I preached on the very day I arrived. I was in better shape than I expected. The meetings are very well attended. I often wonder if there is a lack of good speakers in Poland, or if there are few sermons here that deal with real issues. In any case I appreciate being appreciated.

3. I slept until  fourteen hours the first night. The people must have thought I died. They came to check up on me after noon. The second night I slept till 11:30 PM  and then from 3 o'clock to 8. I guess I'm doing well under the grey Polish sky.  I know most of the people.

         4.  Last night, I spoke on Mary and Martha. All the Mary's among us are delighted. They think
              they don't have to work hard, only pray. The Marthas are dejected because they have enough trouble getting the Marys to work. They are begging for longer meetings. I preach for one hour every day, now they want an hour and a half per meeting.

5. I went swimming on day four in a geo-thermal pool . . . hot springs. I'm always cold in Poland, and even the hot springs are not hot enough to keep me happy, but it was relaxing nevertheless.

6. I also saw a dentist. This lady dentist was appalled that my dentist in Loveland wanted to remove two teeth. She says the roots are strong and we ought to build on them. She would take two weeks to do the job and I figure at one third the price. She glued my teeth back in with no guarantee that they will stay put. She used what she called super glue. I'm sure it is dental glue, the best available to her. She charged $20. I gave her $40 just because I like dentists.

7. Today, I toured the building Dr. Grazyna uses for lifestyle sessions. It's a palace. Amazing really. It cost $3.5 million to build and it may be for sale. I wouldn't buy it, but if they can continue to rent it. It wows the guests for sure.

8. I have two more sermons to preach here.  I didn't think I would be asked to speak so much. I brought just enough sermons, but I am now searching my computer for something more relevant. A wealthy man came with his wife last night to the meetings. He, with the rest, was quite delighted with what he heard. I'm trying to encourage him to come to the ASI meetings. So far, he is not coming. I spent some time with the ASI president. Nice fellow. Can't speak English, but he assures me that anything I preach will be wonderful. Well, I don't know about wonderful, but I am not too worried about the situation.

9. Leo Schreven: I knew Leo fairly well. I sincerely feel bad. I surely didn't agree with all of Leo's style and theology, but I liked the man and wouldn't wish him any kind of hurt. I am sorry to hear of his death.  

10. I can't wait to go home. Not that I am unhappy in Poland. I guess there is no place like home, even if things are pretty lonely there as well.  

11. Jed Franklin sent a donation of $20,000 to be split up between India (Bill Dull), David Gates, Janet and Jason. Some friends sent $2500 for my wife's project, as well.  

         12. Walter Veigh is charged in Germany with sedition and anti-semitism. Not good news.
     
         Blessings to all.

Winding Down

Not much to report these days.

Tonight I start in on the last weekend of the evangelism I have been doing for the last month. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the people who have come. We've had as many as 80 people come in one night, but now we've come down to 40 or so regulars. The attendants are mostly Adventist. There are a few non-SDA among us, for which we are extremely grateful. The whole series is based on the Sanctuary model and I believe it is as profitable to Adventist as to anyone else. The Sanctuary solution to sin is present truth especially as we investigate the Most Holy Place and its implications in our lives. 

In one week, I leave for Poland. I am a little more relieved about that situation. I am trying, while doing everything else, to have good sermons for the ASI program in Poland. Lord help me. I seem to have my nose in a book practically every hour of every day. (That is an exaggeration, but that is how I feel.) I'd love to sharpen my chainsaw for the purpose of cutting down half a forest. 

John, my brother, and I will be speaking at a Prayer Retreat in Maine next May. That will be fun. Then I am asked to speak at the Pugwash Camp Meeting in July, in Nova Scotia. 

We had two Lifestyle Sessions back to back. Last night was the graduation night. I think everyone is ready for a break. So far this year, we seem to have a higher count of lifestyle guests. We are blessed.