BUC News #480 (24 February 2006)
Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Contents:
BBC HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTIST INVOLVEMENT IN "PROJECT WHITECOAT"
SOUTH ENGLAND CONFERENCE EMPOWERS LEADERSHIP
ADVENTIST DISCOVERY CENTRE ADVERTISES IN READERS DIGEST
THREE MISSIONS PASTORS' RETREAT
DIVERSITY SEMINAR TAKES A FRESH LOOK AT CONFLICT
EDINBURGH ON THE MOVE
ADRA PROVIDES FOOD FOR MUDSLIDE SURVIVORS IN THE PHILIPPINES
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"
COMING EVENTS
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BBC HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTIST INVOLVEMENT IN "PROJECT WHITECOAT"
Over the last two weeks a number of members have contacted us regarding the BBC Radio 4 programme "Hotel Anthrax". The two part programme was broadcast at 8:00 pm on Mondays 13 and 20 February and highlighted the experience of volunteers who took part in America's top secret biological weapons research project at Fort Detrick near Washington DC. A large number of those volunteers were Seventh-day Adventists.
One Adventist volunteer who took part in the research project, codenamed "Project Whitecoat" was David Crooker, currently living in Hemel Hempstead. The following is his own explanation of how he and other Adventists became involved:
"I was a Whitecoat volunteer in the late 60s, was stationed at Fort Detrick, MD, and took part in medical experiments. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a long history of helping members make appropriate decisions on the question of military service and acting as a liaison on their behalf, especially following passage of the Selective Services Act in the US in 1917. Until the military draft ended in the late 1970's, thousands of Adventist young people were inducted into the US Army for service during peacetime and through at least three major conflicts. As a result of work done by the Church with the US government, Seventh-day Adventists could obtain non-combatant status if they chose and were trained at Fort Sam Houston, Texas to serve as hospital and battlefield medics. The Church stressed that it was an obligation and a privilege for a member to serve the country, but they should not be required to carry arms or take human life. The Church helped prepare its youth for military service through the Medical Cadet Corps which taught simple first aid and military protocol in colleges and academies. The Seventh-day Adventist Church further began a chaplaincy programme in the early 30's to directly serve members in military service."
"Project Whitecoat was initiated following the Korean War in 1954. It was noted that during the Korean conflict, US hospitals in Korea had several times as many patients from infectious diseases as from actual war inflicted wounds. Many of these diseases were exotic in nature and there had been no formal programme of developing vaccines to protect the troops. The US Army approached our Church with a proposal to use Seventh-day Adventist servicemen as a pool from which volunteers could be recruited for this research. This programme seemed to fit well within the concept of service to the country coupled with non-combatantcy and the Church gave its approval. Following documented atrocities of World War II, Project Whitecoat was carefully designed to adhere to strict ethical standards contained in the 1944 Nuremberg Code which outlines the basic elements of voluntary consent. From my experience, Project Whitecoat was a very ethical, strictly voluntary programme. Adventist servicemen were interviewed twice a year at Fort Sam Houston. Approximately 60 volunteers were selected to enter the programme each year, approximately one out of three applicants. Volunteers were either assigned to Fort Detrick or to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC where they were assigned to routine jobs. Once or twice during their tenure they would be asked to participate in a "project". I worked as a laboratory assistant to a medical officer who was doing research on infectious diseases. I was asked to volunteer for one project involving a two week test of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccine. The project was carefully explained and participation was completely voluntary. As was typical with many of the experiments involving volunteers, the EEE vaccine had been developed over a period of years and tested on animals. It required human testing as a final step to verify efficacy and safety."
"While there are those who contend that Whitecoat was involved in biological warfare or that the Church should not be involved with the military, the majority of those who participated feel this was a very worthwhile effort and are grateful for the opportunity. This programme led to a better understanding of infectious diseases which has had benefits for the military and civilians alike. According to one of the researchers involved in Whitecoat, Dr William Beisel of Johns Hopkins University, 'These contributions were important to military medical knowledge, to be sure. But other extraordinary contributions to worldwide medical progress, made possible ONLY by the Whitecoat Program, proved to be even more valuable… These additional contributions to medical knowledge were a quite unexpected bonus of the Program, because they provided medical information that remains current today, helping physicians throughout the world to treat problems involved with infectious diseases, starvation, and stresses of many varieties.'"
For in-depth information on Project Whitecoat see the book "For God and Country" by Robert L Mole, D Min. and Dale M Mole, published by TEACH Services, Inc, Brushton, New York.
SOUTH ENGLAND CONFERENCE EMPOWERS LEADERSHIP - Catherine Boldeau
For the past week the South England Conference has empowered and trained ministerial workers and elders in two major programmes. Last Friday evening 100 elders joined SEC Ministerial Association Secretary Michael Hamilton at the High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire, for the "Feeding the Flock" Conference.
The main speaker for the event was Orlando Jay Perez, Administrative director for Chaplaincy at the Adventist-run Florida Hospital in Orlando. "Jay" addressed issues of pastoral care with unique sensitivity and understanding of the subject matter, drawing on his own experience as a chaplain to support his thesis. He spoke of the need for elders to be "active listeners", and stressed the importance of the skill of listening as a vital tool in the communication process.
In addition to his speaking appointments with the elders, he and his wife Merlyn spent a further four days with the ministerial workers at Staverton Park, Daventry. His presentations were once again thought-provoking and well received, especially his opening devotional. Using the illustration of "the affair", he urged the ministers to spend quality time with God and their families, and not just simply have a "love affair" with the church. He spoke about the need for balance within the life of the ministerial family, something that everyone present could relate to. His honesty was not only refreshing, but demonstrated a level of empathic feeling, as only chaplains know how.
Empathy was the highlight of another of his sessions. In talking about pastoral visitation, he spoke of the need to put yourself in the "shoes of the other person", and forget your innate prejudices and preferences so that the ministry can be more effective.
From the response of ministers and elders, the ministry of Orlando Jay Perez was much appreciated. Commenting on his presentations, Wilfred Blake, pastor of the Stoke Newington and Stratford churches stated, "the presentations certainly hit the spot." Mark Baptiste, an elder from the Cambridge church concluded, "we certainly needed to hear these messages, it was well worth attending."
Evangelism was a feature on the agenda of the training of elders and ministerial workers and SEC President Pastor Humphrey Walters spearheaded this aspect of both conferences. Over the past two months, Pastor Walters has cast a vision for evangelism, entitled "Tell Southern England" where the laity becomes more involved in ministry. This vision was ably demonstrated with the assistance of Mfazaki Ndebele, Humphrey's own "pastor", a layman, who has successful planted the Sureway Community Church, in Barkingside.
Church planting is an integral part of the Tell Southern England initiative and Dr Stuart Murray Williams, who is an author, church planter and lecturer at Spurgeon College, provided some deep insights as to how the changing culture of the world naturally impacts on the changing culture of the Church. Although Dr Williams only joined the ministers on the last morning, his knowledge of the subject matter was astounding and his ability to be "wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove" in answering some very difficult questions, completed an idyllic week.
The British Union Conference provided support to the ministers during this week, with Pastors Perry and Hodges attending for three of the days. In his parting words to the ministry, BUC Ministerial Association Secretary Pastor Alan Hodges said that he felt encouraged by what he had seen and heard. In his State of Union address delivered yesterday morning, BUC President Pastor Cecil Perry passionately urged the ministers to go back to their churches "ready to reap" and not "just talk" about evangelism. With his characteristic wisdom, he presented Jesus Christ as the only way that success in ministry had any chance. He pleaded with them to re-commit their lives to God in service so that "He can use you mightily".
Pastor Perry closed the Conference with a prayer of commitment for the lives of the ministry. He especially prayed for the leaders of the Conference, in particular Pastor Humphrey Walters, who celebrated a special birthday yesterday.
As well as the empowering and training of the ministry, time was spent in fellowship and "team building". One minister commented, "This was the best ministerial meeting I have ever attended. There was something for everyone and I have never felt as close to my colleagues as I did over the last few days."
On behalf of Pastor Humphrey Walters I would like to thank Pastor Michael Hamilton for his hard work in planning both the elders and ministerial conferences so professionally in such a short space of time. Thanks also to Vivienne Evers and Ruth Stewart, secretaries to Pastors Hamilton and Walters respectfully, who provided invaluable administrative support for these two conferences.
ADVENTIST DISCOVERY CENTRE ADVERTISES IN READERS DIGEST - Dalbert Elias
The Adventist Discovery Centre has placed an advert for the 'Take Jesus' (Discover) correspondence course in the March issue of the Readers Digest UK, and there has been an immediate response. Before the Digest even hit the newsagents those people receiving it by subscription had begun to respond to the ADC advert. In just three days 46 people had registered for the course!
By its very nature the Digest is usually read over a period of weeks following publication. We anticipate the steady stream of applicants will continue on a daily basis for several weeks to come, hopefully realising a take up of several hundred people registered to study God's Word.
That God is blessing this exciting ministry is clear. The Digest advert appears in a prime location next to the well read and popular "All in a Day's Work" section. We are grateful to the Readers Digest team for this. Our gratitude to the Readers Digest is even more so considering that a number of magazines have declined to accept religious advertising, frightened off by the controversy over the publication of the infamous 'cartoons' seen by many as an insult to Islam.
The Vision of the Adventist Discovery Centre continues to expand thanks to the support of our members and sponsors. A second Readers Digest advert will appear later this year with the potential to reach millions. Already over 4,300 people have applied for courses as a direct response to the 'Connect One Million' adventure of faith where, in just a few weeks one million cards were distributed. Thanks to our sponsors a further one million cards will shortly be available totally free of charge to our churches and members. Watch for details in BUC News.
The General Conference has the vision to "Tell the World" in just five years. This is a big vision. The North American Division has launched "Sow One Billion". This too is a big vision. The Adventist Discovery Centre believes the nearness of the return of Jesus invites big vision thinking. Expand the vision and God expands the resources. By the end of 2006 the ADC aims to have had three million VOP cards distributed for Jesus. It can be done. It is already happening. Thanks for expanding your vision and making this possible.
THREE MISSIONS PASTORS' RETREAT - Clifford Herman
There once was a Scotsman, an Irishman and a Welshman, and they all gathered together in one place. Along with them were a professor, a pastor and a few laymen. They gathered not to see who can outwit the other, but to see who can inspire the other. The gathering was a two-day retreat held last weekend at the Roundelwood Health Spa in Scotland for the pastors and workers of the three Missions in the British Union Conference, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This was the first event of its kind for many years, if not the only one during the existence of the Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The professor who came along was Dr Richard Rice, who lectures at Loma Linda University on the subject of 'God and Human Suffering'. He is also the author of many books used at Adventist colleges and universities around the world. One that is particularly well-known, and used as a text book in many Adventist colleges, is 'The Reign of God'. He also penned the inspiring book, 'Believing, Behaving, Belonging', which was used as the object of our discussions for the two days. He was accompanied by his wife Gail, who teaches at the same institution. She describes herself as a teacher of teachers in the area of Group Dynamics and Leadership styles. Dr Richard Rice aimed, over the two days, to develop in each of us a mental paradigm that will allow us to view the life of the church as an environment that allows people to feel they belong to a family primarily - alongside the vision to share with them our beliefs.
And then there was the pastor. He came from the south in the person of Brian Webster, with his wife Isobel. Brian took charge of our devotions, focusing on our personal family life and how it relates to God as our parent, and how we respond and feel about Him.
Including the lay members, around 35 people gathered each day to listen, think, and share around the concepts and thoughts which Richard and Brian brought to us. Together with the daily woodland walks, the saunas, the jacuzzis, the swimming pool, the food, the treatments and the good company, the two days were both worthwhile and memorable.
DIVERSITY SEMINAR TAKES A FRESH LOOK AT CONFLICT - Gifford Rhamie
A young Martin J. Pearson (Research Assistant, University of Bradford) laid out a fairly pragmatic presentation on the topic: "SDA Communities in Britain and the Promise of Dialogue", on Tuesday 21 February at Newbold's Diversity Seminar. He drew from his conflict management expertise, a topic which underlay his MA dissertation, and his work with interfaith and interdenominational communities in Bradford.
After rehearsing the goals, methodology and tools of his presentation Pearson identified four factors that gives rise to a diverse church and potential conflict in the 21st century: greater movement of peoples, increased access to information (internet), education and media. These often find differing and sometimes conflictual expressions through worship (music), morality, church organisation, modes of evangelism, to name a few. Congregations are consequently polarised.
Pearson posits that 'dialogue' is the answer - not a debate, discussion, chat or therapy, but a dialogue where one spends most time listening, is aware that thoughts are difficult to disassemble and is committed to the possibility of changed thoughts and actions. This scenario of "interculturalism" presents both opportunities and conflicts, where the latter is either surface (misunderstandings that can be easily solved by improved communication) or latent (deep-seated and may need to be publicly addressed).
It was noted that when conflicts flare it has the potential of affecting the moral and social fabric of the Church and its wider community. Thus for dialogue to work it must be seen as commitment, a process (individual and collective), providing safe space, an opportunity to be open and that demands a different quality of reflection. Some useful skills necessary to facilitate this dialogue are: having strategies to cope with strong emotions, being clear about objectives and roles, assisting participants to identify their own objectives, to agree on ground rules and to listen to each other.
Four stages were cited in the process of a sustained dialogue, namely: creating the setting, developing a common base (trust), sussing the conflict and moving from dialogue to action. In this regard, it will be possible to move through the models of mere collection of enquiry to critical-dialogical education to community-building and social action to the deepest level of conflict resolution and peace-building.
In sum, Pearson stressed that this model of dialogue still has many limitations. While conflict is inevitable it is also enriching since the utilitarian benefits of dialogue at local and interdenominational Church levels far outweighs the losses. The seminar was very dynamic and provoked a very lively discussion where participants strove to be true to themselves and join forces in beginning to formulate a radical approach to leadership in the Church of the 21st century.
EDINBURGH ON THE MOVE - Andrew Willis and Clifford Herman
Finally the long wait is over. The builders have moved in for 'Operation Edinburgh Church'. The long awaited renovation and refurbishment endeavour has begun. In fact as I am writing (20 February) the local pastor is opening the doors for the builders to take their places. The last two weeks have been spent packing up boxes and belongings to be placed in storage, ready for the start of the work.
The work will include building a mezzanine floor, improving and enlarging the kitchen, improving and adding more toilets, installing a new heating system, installing a baptismal bath, and creating a welcome area at the entrance. All this work will take approximately four months to complete.
In order to find a temporary home while the work is being done the members approached a neighbouring church and asked for their help. The Granton Parish church, 200 metres down the road from the Edinburgh Seventh-day Adventist church, kindly agreed to make their building available to the Adventists, and this will be their home for the next four months.
If you are planning to visit Edinburgh in the next four months, don't go to 65 Boswall Parkway, because you will only find dust and a big mess. Instead go down the road and you will find the same warm atmosphere and spirit that members are used to and that only Edinburgh can offer. For more information contact Pastor Andrew Willis. Phone: 07905 588872.
ADRA PROVIDES FOOD FOR MUDSLIDE SURVIVORS IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is providing emergency food aid in the province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines, for families who have been forced from their homes by the torrential rain that has swept through the region, flooding homes, and causing severe landslides.
ADRA is providing 770 families with a one-week packet of food worth $10 each. Each packet consists of 11 pounds of rice, seven packs of noodles, seven cans of canned meat, more than six cups of nuts, as well as essentials, such as oil, salt, sugar, beans, milk, and one packet of nutritional biscuits. "These foods contain nutrients to sustain a family of five during this emergency for one week until they are able to return to their homes to rebuild their lives," said Goran Hansen, country director for the ADRA office in the Philippines.
This initial response to the emergency is valued at $10,000, which was funded in partnership with ADRA International, the ADRA office in the Philippines, and the ADRA regional office in Thailand. Currently, ADRA is developing its larger, long-term response to the crisis.
To assist in ADRA's response to the crisis in the Philippines or help us prepare for others, donations can be sent to: ADRA-UK, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JZ. Donations can also be made online at: <www.adra.org.uk>.
THIS WEEK'S "IN CONVERSATION"
The BUC's "In Conversation" television programme is shown five times per week on Hope Channel Europe. Coming up this week we have the following guests:
Stefan Burton-Schnull - 1:30 am and 3:00 pm on Saturday 25, and 8:00 pm on Monday 27 February
David West - 8:30 am on Wednesday 1 March
Richard de Lisser - 7:30 am on Friday 3 March
As well as these broadcasts on Hope Channel Europe, "In Conversation" can be seen three times on Hope Channel (North America) and eight times on Hope Channel International every week, though these are only available on the Internet here in Europe.
For a schedule of broadcast times and more information about "In Conversation" see the Adventist Media Centre (UK) website at: <www.adventistmedia.org.uk/inconversation.php>. For the full Hope Channel schedule see: <http://hopetv.org/article.php?id=4>.
Hope Channel Vice-President Gary Gibbs recently shared the following statistic regarding who is watching Hope Channel: "During the past 60 days people from over 178 countries turned to the Hope Channel website to find hope and truth. This is a staggering statistic! There are 243 countries in the world. This means people from nearly 75 percent of the countries of the world watched Hope Channel within the past two months alone!"
COMING EVENTS
A full list of coming events is located on the BUC website at: <www.adventist.org.uk>. Only brief details are listed below.
CHURCH HERITAGE PRESENTATION - LEWISHAM. 5:15 pm on Sabbath 25 February at the Lewisham church. Run by the Lewisham AYS department. Contact: Phiona Barnett <phionabarnett@hotmail.com>. Phone: 07930 471276.
FRIDAY NIGHT FORUM. Friday 24 February. Log onto the London Youth Federation Forums to join in with the online discussions. All are welcome to join in. Contact: Sacha Gillin <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07956 688923.
ADVENTIST FOOTBALL LEAGUE. Sunday 26 February. The Adventist Football League continues in earnest this Sunday with the following games: Balham v Brixton (1:00 pm), Greenwich v Stoke Newington (11:30 pm) and Kennington v Clapton (10:30 pm), at Dulwich Park. Newbold College v Luton Town (1:00 pm) at Newbold College, Willesden v Southall (1:00 pm) and Chiswick v Watford Town (2:00 pm) at Wormwood Scrubs. Come and support your local churches and this vibrant ministry. Contact: Trevor Young <taayoung2001@yahoo.co.uk>. Phone: 07958 753695.
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS WEEKEND - WOODFORD GREEN. Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March. Another in a special series of refreshing, health-focused weekend programmes: Speakers Marcia Mendoza and Michelle Sullivan. Presentations, cooking demonstrations and MOT health checks. Venue: United Reform Church, Ray Lodge Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 7NZ. Contact: Fred Evans <frederickevans@gmail.com>. Phone: 07908 058759.
MOORCLOSE NIGHTS. 6:30 pm on Saturday 4 March. Worship, drama, music, life-changing thoughts, fun and you. Come and experience God's power and love. Children's ministry at the same time, refreshments afterwards. DVD's are for sale from previous Nights. Future nights: 1 April, 6 May, 3 June, 2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 2 December. Contact: Geert Tap <tapgeert@hotmail.com>. Phone: 01344 407652.
ADVENTIST WORK RADIO OFFERING. Sabbath 11 March. Give in church or make a donation on the BUC website at: <www.adventistinfo.org.uk/give>.
LYF "HIT LONDON" EVANGELISM. Sabbath 11 March. Sponsored by the London Youth Federation. Contact: Sacha Gillin <info@londonyouthfed.org.uk>. Phone: 07956 688 923.
SOULMATES DINNER AND DISCUSSION - WEST LONDON. Saturday 4 March at a hotel near Heathrow. SoulMates is a fun and lively dinner and discussion for couples. The subsidised cost is £30 per couple. There are limited places so book quickly! The topic will be 'Rekindling the Fire - a look at fun and friendship in marriage.' Please copy this to your friends who may be interested. For more information and an application form contact us as below. This event is sponsored by the SEC Family Ministries and Women's Ministries departments. Contact: Vivienne Evers <fm@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.
CARIBBEAN GALA - BIRMINGHAM. Saturday 11 March. Venue: All Saints Church Centre, Belwell Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. Caribbean music, Gospel singers, and a charity auction to raise money for Good Hope Hospital, the Tamworth Seventh-day Adventist Church and Acorns Children's Hospice. Tickets cost £25 per person and are available from: Annette: 07776 205663, or Wendy: 07932 016045. Also from the Wesley Owen Bookshop, 7 Carrs Lane, Birmingham. For further information, or if you would like to support the charitable causes, contact Annette or Wendy as above. Email: <wbdpromotions.pr@hotmail.co.uk>.
YOUTH AND THE WORD - WATFORD. Sunday 12 March. An advanced Bible Study for youth, held at the Stanborough Park church. For more information contact: Japhet de Oliveira <jdeoliveira@secadventist.org.uk>. Phone: 01923 232728.
TED PRAYER GUIDE. For Sabbath 25 February our Bible focus is on Hebrews 4:12. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Please pray that God's Word may be real in every member's life this week.
For the coming week our Bible focus is on 2 Thessalonians 3:16. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." Please pray that whatever happens to us this week, we may have the gift of inner peace.
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BUC News is a weekly news bulletin produced by the British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and edited by the Communication Department. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Thursday, preferably as simple email text. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk/news>. The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed by individuals cited in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though we try to ensure that they do. You are free to re-print any portion of this bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify BUC News or other sources whenever you publish these materials. Back issues are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk>.
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