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PRISONERS OF HOPE June 2009

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
One of my greatest joys and frustrations ever since I chose to become an Adventist almost 14 years ago
has been the music. My joys and frustrations have really been two fold. The first has had to do with
the way we as congregants sing our hymns, and the second has had to do with the way we as congre-
gants react to special items that are presented by others.
I will address the second point in this editorial and would like to begin with a question. When you are
sitting in church and a special item is rendered do you concentrate on the lyrical content of the item
being rendered? The reason I ask this seemingly ridiculous statement is that I have been amazed at
the number of items through the years that have been presented in our churches that have lyrics that
are not only unbiblical but are also contrary to the beliefs that we hold as congregants. What, to me,
has seemed a bigger crime than the sins of the singers, is that we, as congregants, have often given
hearty ―Amens‖ at the end of the rendition. I have been left wondering what exactly it is that we are
saying amen to. Are we really saying ―let the unbiblical item you just sang be so‖?
To give an example of the above; a group recently sang in our church a song about how atonement was
completed on the cross, and at its conclusion there was a robust amen given. Now, I know that this
erroneous belief which does away with the investigative judgement and Christ‘s ministry in the heav-
enly sanctuary has since the late 1950‘s found traction in our church, but it is my belief that it is not
mainstream within Africa, and more so in our congregation. In saying amen, we were basically saying
that we agree with the beliefs expressed in the song. The only ―excuse‖ I could come up with is that we
were concentrating so much on the music that the words and views expressed passed through our
heads without us even considering them.
This lack of concentration on the words of the music sung can also be easily tested by asking people,
after the service, what the songs sung were about. When I have done this in the past, I have realised
that people are more likely to remember the tunes used rather than the lyrics. This lack of concentra-
tion extends beyond the music to the sermons in that many of us, a week after the sermon, only re-
member the jokes (which should never be used in sermons), and the examples given rather than the
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
actual sermon content.
Editorial ......................... ……1
Lyrical content should not only be important for us when we are listening to others singing, but also Questions....................... .….2
when we are singing. We need to realise that when we sing in church, it is an act of worship to our God Rest ................................ .….3
and Father in heaven. We need to make a conscious decision to weigh up the words that we sing not Their Sacrifice .............. ..…4
only in our choruses but also in our hymn books. In the case of the latter, it is very unfortunate that we Lift Up Your Heads ....... …..6
as congregants have allowed rank error to creep in without so much as a whimper.....but then again, Moses Failed God .......... …..8
maybe we have never analysed some of the words that we sing, and the content of the many verses FreeWill Offering .......... …..9
that have unceremoniously dumped from our previous hymn book under one excuse or the other.
My challenge to all of us this month is simple. As we sit in the pews, on our chairs or on our benches,
listening to special items being rendered, may we both listen and hear what is being sung. May we
prayerfully seek to understand what is being sung. May we perceive much more than the tunes that so
easily dull our sensibilities. May we learn that it is not a duty for us to say amen at the end of a special
item, nor for that matter at the end of a sermon or prayer. May we realise that in saying amen we are
in fact agreeing with the words just uttered and truly saying ―let it be so‖.
Furthermore, as we render special items or sing hymns in the congregational setting in the coming
month, may we realise that we are engaged in an act of worship to our Saviour. May we prayerfully
seek understanding of the words that we are singing and sing only those things that be true and pure.
Above all else, may we ask the Holy Spirit to be with us daily as we meditate upon the Word, for it is
only in doing so that we will become grounded in what the Bible teaches to be truth. He will then
bring all these lessons to our remembrance as we sing and listen to songs sung.
 THE ABORTION ISSUE PART 3 OF 3... BY SR T NKOMO
There are very few cases where the mother has had to kill her make the right decision," when I was never given a choice.
child to save her own life, mostly it‘s because of situations like More importantly, where was my baby's choice? I grieve every
the following that I will quote. I pray that as we raise our chil- day for my daughter. I have struggled to forget the abuse and
dren to be steadfast, to be honourable, to live a sanctified life, the abortion. I can do neither. All I think of is, "I should have
that we will also show them that we are forgiving and under- done more, fought more, struggled more for the life of my
standing, that no matter how low they fall, they should never child." My abortion was over five years ago. God is still heal-
fear to tell us what they have done. May we never force them ing me, but it has been a difficult fight.
to commit the sin of murder because of our pride/prejudice.
We have ALL sinned and come short of the glory of God. ―My name is Abby and I am 18 years old. When I told my boy-
Some of the quotes below are taken from worldlings, but they friend [I was pregnant] he blamed me for getting pregnant
reflect an attitude that is found in the Church as well. and insisted that I have the abortion. My mom told me that I
either had to have an abortion or get out of her house. The
―When I was 18 I was in love with a man who meant every- amount of guilt I feel is tremendous. Everything reminds me
thing to me and like most girls in love I gave myself to him. I of what I did. I am trying very hard to get through this. I just
became pregnant and while I didn't know that a tiny life grew can't get over it.‖
within me, I proceeded to inhale pot, snort cocaine and speed
and drink alcohol. When I found out I was pregnant I told my Brenda's Story
boyfriend and he wanted to keep it...and so did I. Want to I kept the abortion a secret. I told the father and the people in
know why I had an abortion? Because I was afraid what Kansas that knew I was pregnant that I had miscarried. I
my parents would think. So, we went together to have spent eight years after the abortion in destructive behaviors. I
the abortion done and to this day I think every year of how went to three different secular counselors, never telling them
old my baby would have been. This year that "baby" would be about the baby. I got off of antidepressants only two years
19, almost 20. I think about the tiny bottom I never diapered, ago. I am receiving counseling now at Birth Choice and hope
the little mouth that never nursed, the little fingers that I to eventually be able to counsel others. I have judged myself
never felt, the little legs that never ran to hug me, the little guilty of murder for 21 years. I had received God's grace and
arms that never held me, the first birthday, the teen years, forgiveness for my many sins, but I could not forgive myself,
prom night, driver's license, graduation and college. especially since I knew it was a baby. There is no statement
strong enough to explain what it is like for a mother to kill her
I think every year about my child whose life I had the power baby.
to end and know what? I cry, I cry deep hard sobs and some-
times I only have the energy for silent tears like now. Woud My counseling and healing continue to progress. For the first
my child have been retarded from the all the drugs I had time in 21 years, I don't feel shame and guilt. I'm sad about
taken? Or not? My boyfriend had been taking steroids and the abortion, and I am sorry I was in sin, but I have finally
began abusing me verbally and physically. I placate myself been able to grieve for my aborted baby and can think of him
with the thought that my decision was best because I would without horror. Carol. Continued on p5
have had this little one to care for with an abusive father but
did that baby's father go over the edge because of the decision
we made? Would that baby had brought us closer. I'll never
know.”

Carol's Story
I am a victim of incest; one of the "hard cases" for abortion. I
was raped by my father when I was fifteen years old. It was
not the first time, nor would it be the last. However, this time,
I became pregnant.

I was told that an abortion would solve my problem, when it

was never really the problem in the first place. I was told,
"Your parents know what's best," when they obviously were
only concerned about their own reputations. I was told, "You

2
 REST…..BY SR C LEE
In God's Plan, is not empty before sleep the digestive process continues
we have al- during the sleeping hours and this results in unpleasant
ready studied dreams. Since the stomach has worked while you were sleep-
sunshine, air, ing you awake unrefreshed in the morning and with little de-
exercise and sire for a hearty breakfast.
trust. In this
lesson the 4) Early to bed and early to rise. The greatest amount of res-
benefits of rest toration is done to the body during deep sleep. Studies show
or sleep will be that, due to the "circadian rhythm", which is regulated by the
studied. When sun's rays, the deepest sleep occurs between 9 p.m. and 12
a person exer- a.m.
cises in the "Nature will restore their vigor and strength in their sleeping
open air and hours, if her laws are not violated." Healthful Living, p. 69.
sunshine the natural result will be fatigue. The cells in the When a person works two hours longer in the day than is
body can not keep up their work indefinitely without rest. best, the rest that the body needs is not received. Two hours
When one exercises, energy is used faster than it is restored; of overwork plus two hours of lost sleep equals four hours of
tissues are broken down faster than they are rebuilt; and poi- excess for the system. Also, the work done after normal work
sons are formed faster than they can be eliminated. The body time is more taxing on the system and is most likely to be
then needs rest to restore its cells, tissues, and organs to re- inferior in quality and quantity. In this way we are violating
newed vigor. the laws of nature and the system is not fully restored to
vigor and strength. The amount of sleep needed may vary
During sleep the body is repaired. All its activities lessen,— according to the individual needs.
less heat is produced, the breathing is slower, the heart beats
more slowly, digestion is lessened, the nerves and muscles When the body is sick in any way, it requires plenty of rest to
are relaxed. The entire system is slowed down and the body heal. " She (patient) must have quiet and undisturbed rest."
building cells carry on their recuperative work. "They who Healthful Living, p. 225. Mrs. White also tells us that the
sleep give nature time to build up and repair the weary waste practice of sitting all night with the sick to watch them, is
of the organism." Medical Ministry, p. 80. "Sleep, nature's disturbing to their rest. This is especially true when two peo-
sweet restorer, invigorates the weary body, and prepares it ple stay with the patient and talk. She recommends that the
for the next days duties." 1 Testimonies, p. 395. Thus we un- caretaker be in another room, close to the patient, and re-
derstand that rest or sleep is essential for the system to be spond to any calls for help. This would allow the patient to
able to continue in its functions and also to build up the sleep undisturbed.
body.
There are several guidelines on how one should sleep to re- Often when one is sick it is hard to fall asleep. This is where
ceive the greatest benefit. the other remedies that have been studied in God's Plan are
important. When enough exercise is received in the open air
1) Have regular hours for sleep. By sleeping at regular hours and sunshine, combined with a simple trust in God, sleep
every night, the health, spirits, memory and the disposition will be a natural occurrence. This is why all of God's Plan
are improved. Irregular hours of sleeping cause the brain must be followed when restoring health to an individual.
forces to be sapped. If there is still insomnia there are several natural ways that
sleep may be induced. A neutral bath at a temperature of 94-
2) Have an abundant supply of fresh air during sleep. Sore 97 degrees aids in reducing congestion of the brain and spi-
throats, lung diseases and liver disorders occur when there is nal cord. This frequently accompanies insomnia. When a
not a continuous supply of fresh air during sleep. Also, one person is very tired, nervous and worn out a fomentation to
awakens feeling exhausted and feverish from the lack of oxy- the spine will produce sleep. This should be applied very
gen. But, when there is a supply of fresh air while sleeping, a warm, not hot, for 20 to 30 minutes. The fomentation may
sound, sweet sleep is induced. also be given over the liver and stomach as well as the spine.
Also, the following herbs are effective in producing sleep:
3) The stomach should have its work all done that it may rest Lady's slipper, catnip, skullcap and especially hops.
as well as the other organs while sleeping. When the stomach

3
Seep one teaspoon of any of these in one cup of boiling wa-
ter for twenty minutes. Drink it when it is hot. These herbs
are a tonic for the entire system and have no side effects as
do sleeping pills. For some, a soothing massage releases
the body of tension allowing a beneficial rest. Remember
that hot and cold treatments are stimulating to the system
and should not be used when trying to induce sleep.
"Tired nerves need rest and quiet instead of stimulation
and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate her ex-
hausted energies." Ministry of Healing, p. 326. There is a
treatment especially beneficial for nervous exhaustion.
This is called the Wet Sheet Pack. It has three stages of ef-
fects on the system. The first is the cooling stage, 5-12 min-
utes, the body heat is removed by evaporation, this also
reduces fevers. The second is the neutral stage, when the
sheet is slightly warmer than the skin temperature—the
amount of blood is lessened in the brain and sleep is the
result. The third stage is the heating stage when sweating
results in drawing blood from the congested organs. This
MISSION SACRIFICE—THEIR ONLY SON...BY BR J APPEL
(When we were still looking for mission organizations to join,
we were given Wendy and Gary Roberts‘ mobile numbers in
Chad. We never did get through to them, and sometimes inter-
mittently wondered how they were doing. In the meantime, we
focused on preparing for Tanzania. This account was taken
from http://bereadventisthospital.blogspot.com/)
When I first saw the coffin it was half-finished. Lying amidst a
pile of saw dust, it was a crude little thing, but somehow appro-
priate. Hard, twisted redwood had somehow been fashioned
into a 3 foot long box with bottom, back and sides just waiting
for the front and top to be able to enclose a little 4 year old
boy's body.
As I walk up to the container where Jeremy and Jonathan are
making the coffin, I am struck by the cold beauty of the sur-
roundings. A steel blue sky with gray angry clouds releases a
slight drizzle of rain onto the African plain watering the wet
sand and scrub bushes. A smattering of mango and Shea butter
trees break up the monotony of the flat expanse. A group of
tired grave diggers rest against the trunk of a tree to the right.
Straight ahead is the beginnings of Gary's airplane hangar with
the two old 20 foot containers making up the end of the hangar.
Around the half-open doors of one container is gathered a
crowd of mostly children with a smattering of adults all peering
intently at the two white men making a coffin.
The purr of a small Honda generator is broken intermittently by
the harsh roar of a power saw and the shocking pounding of
large nails into hard wood. A cool breeze tries to soften the at-
mosphere which is heavy with grief. I squeeze through the
treatment should not be used on someone with diabetes,
severe colds, or one who is feeble or has skin eruptions.
The patient must be warm. Give the patient a hot foot bath
for ten minutes, with a cold compress to the head. Have the
patient void. Place the sheet in water that is 60-70 degrees
and then wring it out. Wrap the patient in the sheet. They
should be lying on a dry bed. Cover them with a blanket,
allowing no air to reach the sheet. Leave for as long as nec-
essary to obtain the desired result. This works great.
The combination of each part of God's Plan is necessary for
the restoration of health to the body. May "every person
have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to
apply them. It is essential both to understand the princi-
ples involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a
practical training that will enable one rightly to use this
knowledge." Ministry of Healing, p. 127. May the knowl-
edge learned in this lesson help all to fulfill the directions
crowd just in time to help Jeremy and Jonathan lift up the cof-
fin, measure around and make the final trimmings. The wood is
so hard that holes have to be drilled before nailing or the nails
will bend. We place the small head piece on and Jeremy ham-
mers the nails home. The only thing left is to place a small boy,
recently alive and well, into the interior and hammer it shut
until resurrection day.
The Adventist Youth Society has arrived in their sharp olive and
tan uniforms. Jeremy, Jonathan and a couple of local men pick
up the heavy burial box and lug it over to Gary and Wendy's
humble abode. They place the casket gently on a simple wooden
bed on the porch and wait for the final step.
Cherise, Gary and Wendy's two and a half year old daughter,
runs in with a smile proudly showing off the cartoonish horse
and car that Sarah has drawn on the back of her hands with a
green marker.
It's almost time.
Neighbors and friends are
gathering outside. The
rain continues to sprinkle
the event as lighting
flashes occasionally in the
background. Gary looks at me. We walk silently over to the cof-
fin and pick it up. It's rough and twisted wood bites into my
hands with the weight of it's import crushing me more than it's
physical gravitational force.
Continued p7
4
From P2: Deirdre's Story
August 1977--I was 16 and I was pregnant. I knew this be-
cause I had gone to the local Health Department for a free
pregnancy test and they had called me back that morning.
The counselor on the phone asked me what I was going to
do. What was I going to do? I had just begun
"experimenting" with sex. I wasn't supposed to get preg-
nant. That happened to other people, not me. I answered
the counselor, "I don't know, maybe an abortion. I just
don't know." The counselor picked up on this statement
and offered to make an appointment for me at a Dallas
abortion clinic. I agreed. I was never counseled towards
anything, or offered any alternative other than abortion.
My abortion was publicly funded.
I felt sad and empty, as if a part of my soul had been taken
away.
As I look back at my post-abortion life, I realize that so
many of the mistakes that I made
and created for myself were due to
the subconscious image I had cre-
ated of myself, I had killed my own
baby. How could anyone love me
when I couldn't love myself?
I began to drink heavily and use
drugs. I had severe depressions in
which I contemplated suicide. I had,
and still have, horrible nightmares
involving babies and people trying to
kill me. I still get depressed and cry a lot. I pray at night
that God will let my baby know that I didn't kill him be-
cause I hated him. I long to hold him so much now that it
hurts, and I want him to know that.
I have spent many years trying to push the memory of what
I have done to the back of my mind, but it won't stay there.
I have constantly compared my dead child to what he
would have been doing had he lived. I understand that
most women who choose to abort experience the same feel-
ings. My child would have been in first grade this year. It's
very hard for me to look at a first grader.
I have shed many tears over the last few years and now I'm
angry. I'm angry at myself, my family, the abortion clinic,
their counselors, the doctors (who can commit murder on a
daily basis), and most of all I'm mad at my government,
who prints "IN GOD WE TRUST" on our coins, yet has le-
galized the daily painful, violent slaughter of the youngest
members of our society.‖
Georgia's Story
It was May 19, 1973. I was pregnant from a date rape. I had
tried to hide it from my parents but of course they found
out. Then the pressure started. "How are you going to go to
college with a baby?" "How are you going to support it?" "It
is only a blob of blood. It's not a baby yet." Before I had
time to think about what I wanted, the abortion was over.
Looking back and knowing what I know now, I realize that
I was going through almost classic Post-Abortion Syn-
drome. I became a tramp and slept with anyone and every-
one. I engaged in unprotected sex and each month when I
wasn't pregnant I would go into a deep depression. I was
rebellious. I wanted my parents to see what I had become. I
dropped out of college. I tried suicide, but I didn't have the
guts to slit my wrists or blow my brains out. I couldn't get
my hands on sleeping pills, so I resorted to over the
counter sleep aids and booze.
The hardest thing of all is trying to forgive myself. It is a
daily struggle to accept the forgiveness I know the Lord has
given me. And I will never forget it. Only now I don't want
to forget it, because it keeps me from getting complacent.
Not a day goes by that the abortion
doesn't cross my mind. It is a constant
struggle trying to overcome my guilt
and depression, even knowing I have
been forgiven. I dread the day when I
have to come face to face with my little
child and explain to her why mamma
took her life. But I also think I am a
softer, more caring person than I
might have been.
I had my abortion two days ago. I am 17 and I am
graduating catholic high school in a week (along with
prom) etc.). I have a scholarship to a great catholic college.
Those were my reasons for having an abortion. I am writ-
ing to tell you to think twice before an abortion!!!! I am so
sad and I really didn‘t want to do this. When I first went to
the clinic I expected to be under 12 weeks but it turned out
I was about 14. I hated doing it and I feel disgusting. No-
body knows except my boyfriend and best friend. My boy-
friend wants to pretend like nothing‘s wrong and my best
friend doesn‘t really understand. The only reason I did this
is so I would be a disappointment to everyone in my life,
but now I feel like more of a disappointment than ever. I
don‘t think this pain will ever go away knowing that I was a
mother, who not only let her child die, but MADE her child
die. I wish I could take it back and be a stronger person
who stood up for her child‘s life.
One last question from our Catholic forum. ―What‘s the dif-
ference between 10 weeks (in the womb) and 10 years?‖
May God help us not to fall into temptation, but if we do,
may He help us to return to Him and not compound the
guilt we bear.
5
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...
In the last few days, as I quote above, he provides ―irrefutable‖ proof of the aims of the
write, the pope has re- UN, (which many of us Adventists are in denial about), by linking
leased a new encyclical. it to the ―one world government‖ that he is pushing for.
Below are a few quota-
tions from it. I would Saints, it is really time for us to lift up our heads, for our redemp-
have liked to include a tion is drawing nigh. Very little of the above should surprise us as
number of excerpts, but Adventists – those of us who have not been in a Laodecian stu-
I have chosen three that por. Reading through the statement one cannot but see the reality
are pertinent to this col- that Revelation 13 will be fulfilled in the near future. The issue for
umn because of space you and me is- where do we stand?
considerations. Please
pay special attention to NEWS: Benedict XVI’s encyclical Charity in Truth #57:
the emphasis provided ―Fruitful dialogue between faith and reason cannot but render the
in bold. work of charity more effective within society, and it constitutes
the most appropriate framework for promoting fraternal col-
NEWS: Benedict XVI’s laboration between believers and non-believers in their
encyclical Charity in Truth #67: “In the face of the unrelenting shared commitment to working for justice and the peace
growth of global interdependence, there is a strongly felt need, of the human family. In the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et
even in the midst of a global recession, for a reform of the United Spes, the Council fathers asserted that ‗believers and unbe-
Nations Organization, and likewise of economic institutions and lievers agree almost unanimously that all things on
international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations earth should be ordered towards man as to their centre
can acquire real teeth. One also senses the urgent need to find and summit’. For believers, the world derives neither from
innovative ways of implementing the principle of the responsibil- blind chance nor from strict necessity, but from God's plan. This
ity to protect and of giving poorer nations an effective voice in is what gives rise to the duty of believers to unite their ef-
shared decision-making. This seems necessary in order to forts with those of all men and women of good will, with
arrive at a political, juridical and economic order which the followers of other religions and with non-believers,
can increase and give direction to international coop- so that this world of ours may effectively correspond to
eration for the development of all peoples in solidarity. To the divine plan: living as a family under the Creator's watchful
manage the global economy; to revive economies hit by eye.‖
the crisis; to avoid any deterioration of the present cri-
sis and the greater imbalances that would result; to COMMENT: Should all things be ordered towards man and not
bring about integral and timely disarmament, food se- towards God? Is it really true that when believers in any religion
curity and peace; to guarantee the protection of the en- on the planet work together the world will more correctly follow
vironment and to regulate migration: for all this, there the divine plan? Interesting how ―anti-christianity‖ and ecumen-
is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my ism meet in this quote.
predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago. Such
an authority would need to be regulated by law, to observe con- NEWS: Benedict XVI’s encyclical Charity in Truth #56: ―The
sistently the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, to seek to Christian religion and other religions can offer their contri-
establish the common good, and to make a commitment to secur- bution to development only if God has a place in the public
ing authentic integral human development inspired by the values realm, specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, and
of charity in truth. Furthermore, such an authority would particularly its political dimensions. The Church's social doctrine
need to be universally recognized and to be vested with came into being in order to claim ―citizenship status‖ for the
the effective power to ensure security for all, regard for Christian religion. Denying the right to profess one's relig-
justice, and respect for rights. Obviously it would have ion in public and the right to bring the truths of faith to bear
to have the authority to ensure compliance with its deci- upon public life has negative consequences for true devel-
sions from all parties, and also with the coordinated measures opment. The exclusion of religion from the public
adopted in various international forums. Without this, despite square — and, at the other extreme, religious funda-
the great progress accomplished in various sectors, international mentalism — hinders an encounter between persons
law would risk being conditioned by the balance of power among and their collaboration for the progress of humanity.
the strongest nations. The integral development of peoples Public life is sapped of its motivation and politics takes on a
and international cooperation require the establish- domineering and aggressive character.‖
ment of a greater degree of international ordering,
marked by subsidiarity, for the management of globalization.
They also require the construction of a social order that COMMENT: This is a
at last conforms to the moral order, to the interconnec- further call for the abo-
tion between moral and social spheres, and to the link lition of the separation
between politics and the economic and civil spheres, as between church and
envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations.‖ state, as well as a calcu-
lated warning about
COMMENT: Essentially what we have here is Pope Benedict Religious Fundamen-
calling for the ―establishment‖ of a world authority that will man- talists, of which true
age the economy of the world. He further goes on the state that Bible-believing Advent-
this world authority should have effective power to control the ists are part.
nations and that this authority will need to be universally recog-
nized! In his own words he says he says it would need ―to ensure
compliance with its decisions from all parties.‖ Finally, in the
6
Followed by Wendy and Cherise we enter the house, pass through the destroy our last enemy, death.
living room and into the bedroom to the left where Caleb awaits, cold Then, Gary talks about how much Caleb loved to talk about Jesus and his
and silent. He is peacefully lying on the floor next to the two mosquito second coming and then he had us sing together Caleb's favorite song in
net covered mattresses where he slept with his sister. A small, baby blan-
English:
ket covers most of his lifeless form. Gary and I gently set the coffin
down next to him. Gary lifts him up while Wendy arranges the blanket
and smoothes it out over his face. Gary picks him up gently in his arms, "When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no
tears streaming from his red and swollen eyes. more...when the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!";
Unfortunately, as the local gravediggers go to lay the coffin in the tomb
"Let me hold him one more time." Wendy's voice is deep and broken as they realize they've made the hole too small. As they rush to and fro
she hugs her first born son for the last time on this earth. quickly to dig the grave larger, the chorale saves the day with a some
"Cherise, do you want to kiss Caleb one more time?"; Gary asks softly.
traditional, echo and repeat style African songs. Finally, the modifica-
"Yeah, daddy..."; She approaches wiping away a stray strand of pure,
blond hair from her cherubic face. She leans forward, lips puckered, and tions are made and the coffin is slowly lowered into it's final resting
places a tiny kiss on the top of Caleb's pale head. place with the help of the rough ropes.
Gary covers Caleb up again and lays him in the coffin. He fits too well.
This shouldn't be happening. I sob quietly, letting the tears flow freely. As the dirt starts to be shoveled on top of the coffin, Cherise seems to
realize a little what's going on. Her heart-breaking cries and tears tear us
We take the even heavier coffin out to the porch where Jeremy expertly all apart. Gary crouches down gently beside her.
pounds the last nails home with a devastating sound of finality. It's defi-
nitely time now.
The uniformed young people wait outside. Gary and I place the coffin on "What is Caleb doing right now?";
the shoulders of six young Chadian girls who will bear the honors. "Sleeping, daddy."
"And when will he wake up."
"Left, left, left-right-left..."; The solemn march begins as we all fall in "Oh yeah, when Jesus comes." Her face lights up a little and she wipes
behind while the young people sing a mournfully echoing marching song her eyes as Wendy picks her up and holds her close.
about following Jesus no matter the cost. The procession winds out the
As the crowd starts spontaneously singing in Nangjere, the grave-diggers
gate, around the fence, past the water tower and out towards the airstrip.
expertly create the funeral mound. A handmade hoe, a stick and the end
Gary's plane stares silently, it's windows covered with a tarp as if even it of a shovel pound and stir the earth into place as two other men shovel
is too grief-stricken to observe the final steps of the young boy who the earth in and continually pick up what has fallen to the sides. Then
loved so much to greet his daddy's return from mission flights or climb with some final pounding with the flats of the shovels a perfectly oval
all over the cockpit dreaming of the day when he too would fly. mound arises as only those who've seen much death and assisted many
funerals could make it.
We march across the deep red laterite surface of the airstrip, cross a
sandy path, pass through some low scrub brush and arrive at the six foot
deep hole that will be Caleb's resting site until the end of the world. A We then turn to follow the Advent Youth as they lead us back singing
pile of sandy clay with two hand made ropes strung across it lays to the the same marching songs. Arriving at the house, we follow local custom
side of the grave. The coffin is marched around the hole and deposited by seating Gary, Wendy and Cherise in lounge chairs along with the
carefully on top of the ropes and dirt pile. A crowd has gathered. The other participants in the memorial service while the mourners pass one
wind blows. The rain falls. The universe mourns. by one to greet. The women curtsy and bow while solemnly shaking
The service starts with a couple of French hymns that have never had hands, often with two hands or the second hand touching the forearm of
much meaning for me until now. the right hand as they shake as a sign of respect. The men shuffle and
nod somberly as they hold the hands for a long time and silently let you
"Jusqu'a la mort, c'est notre cri de guerre, le libre cri d'un peuple rachete, know they feel your loss (and they all have lost children so it means
jusqu'a la mort nous te serons fideles..."; (Even unto death, it's our battle something). One crippled man on crutches hobbles in and hugs both par-
cry, the free cry of a redeemed people, even unto death we will be faith- ents while tears stream down his cheeks.
ful...) Even song off tune the deep feeling of those singing it penetrates
to the bottom of my heart. We are free, we are at war, their are casulties, Finally, the kids file in for their respectful shaking of hands as the adults
but we don't mourn as those who have no hope...we will stay faith- take a seat on mats spread out behind the choral which has been singing
ful...my heart wants to believe it. French hymns without ceasing. Annie and some of the local women
"Et mon coeur n'a rien a craindre, puisque tu me conduiras. Je te suivrai serve Kool-Aid. People quietly converse. Occasional sobs burst forth.
sans me plaindre en m'appuyant sur ton bras." (And my heart has nothing Laughter is sometimes heard. Gary and Wendy are periodically called
to fear, because You are guiding me. I will follow You without com- away by phone calls from well-wishers around the world.
plaint, leaning on your arm). A cold chill runs down my spine as I feel
the presence of God. He is present. He weeps with us at this tragedy. We The sun sets on a day that started out as any other day and quickly tum-
have nothing to fear. bled into an early morning ER call, a desperate last ditch effort and the
After I give opening prayer, Andre exhorts us with a little eulogy re- laying to rest of a four year old boy in a crude, twisted coffin, resting
minding us that death is a sleep, that our hope is in the resurrection when peacefully in the African bush through the rest of this world's turmoil
Jesus comes again to reunite all of us who have abandoned our rebellion until the end of the world and the beginning of the next when God will
against him. Caleb's suffering is over, it's those of us left on earth who wipe every tear from our eyes and our last enemy death will die as we all
suffer, but Jesus is coming soon to wipe every tear from our eyes and are reunited with those we have lost.

7
 MOSES FAILED GOD BUT REPENTED.... BY SR EG WHITE
Num 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Be-
cause ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the chil- As he looked back upon his experience as a leader of God's peo-
dren of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into ple, one wrong act marred the record. If that transgression could
the land which I have given them. be blotted out, he felt that he would not shrink from death. He
was assured that repentance, and faith in the promised Sacrifice,
Moses and Aaron had felt themselves aggrieved, losing sight of were all that God required, and again Moses confessed his sin
the fact that the murmuring of the people was not against them and implored pardon in the name of Jesus. PP, p472
but against God. It was by looking to themselves, appealing to
their own sympathies that they unconsciously fell into sin, and Had not the life of Moses been marred with that one sin, in fail-
failed to set before the people their great guilt before God. PP, ing to give God the glory of bringing water from the rock at
p418/419 Kadesh, he would have entered the Promised Land, and would
have been translated to heaven without seeing death. But he was
Wearied with the continual murmuring and rebellion of the peo- not long to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself, with the angels
ple, Moses had lost sight of his Almighty Helper, and without the who had buried Moses, came down from heaven to call forth the
divine strength he had been left to mar his record by an exhibi- sleeping saint. PP, p478
tion of human weakness. The man who might have stood pure,
firm, and unselfish to the close of his work had been overcome at For the first time Christ was about to give life to the dead. As the
last. PP, p418 Prince of life and the shining ones approached the grave, Satan
was alarmed for his supremacy. With his evil angels he stood to
Bitter and deeply humiliating was the judgment immediately dispute an invasion of the territory that he claimed as his own.
pronounced. "The Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye He boasted that the servant of God had become his prisoner. He
believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Is- declared that even Moses was not able to keep the law of God;
rael, therefore ye shall not bring this congre- that he had taken to himself the glory due to
gation into the land which I have given Jehovah--the very sin which had caused Sa-
them." With rebellious Israel they must die tan's banishment from heaven--and by trans-
before the crossing of the Jordan. Had Moses gression had come under the dominion of
and Aaron been cherishing self-esteem or Satan. The archtraitor reiterated the original
indulging a passionate spirit in the face of charges that he had made against the divine
divine warning and reproof, their guilt would government, and repeated his complaints of
have been far greater. But they were not God's injustice toward him.
chargeable with willful or deliberate sin; they Christ did not stoop to enter into contro-
had been overcome by a sudden temptation, versy with Satan. He might have brought
and their contrition was immediate and against him the cruel work which his decep-
heartfelt. The Lord accepted their repentance, tions had wrought in heaven, causing the ruin
though because of the harm their sin might of a vast number of its inhabitants. He might
do among the people, He could not remit its have pointed to the falsehoods told in Eden,
punishment. Moses did not conceal his sen- that had led to Adam's sin and brought death
tence, but told the people that since he had upon the human race. He might have re-
failed to ascribe glory to God, he could not lead them into the minded Satan that it was his own work in tempting Israel to mur-
Promised Land. PP, p419 muring and rebellion, which had wearied the long-suffering pa-
tience of their leader, and in an unguarded moment had sur-
"The Lord was wroth with me for your sakes," said Moses. The prised him into the sin for which he had fallen under the power
eyes of all Israel were upon Moses, and his sin cast a reflection of death. But Christ referred all to His Father, saying, "The Lord
upon God, who had chosen him as the leader of His people. The rebuke thee." Jude 9. PP, p478/479
transgression was known to the whole congregation; and had it
been passed by lightly, the impression would have been given Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our char-
that unbelief and impatience under great provocation might be acters may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claim
excused in those in responsible positions. But when it was de- us as his own. MB, p116
clared that because of that one sin Moses and Aaron were not to
enter Canaan, the people knew that God is no respecter of per- Moses had humbly repented of his sin, no stain rested upon his
sons, and that He will surely punish the transgressor. PP, p420 character, and his name in Heaven's book of records stood untar-
nished. By the power of his word, Christ opened the prison-
All who profess godliness are under the most sacred obligation to house, and set death's captive free. ST, March 31, 1881
guard the spirit, and to exercise self-control under the greatest
provocation. The burdens placed upon Moses were very great; God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a lesson which should
few men will ever be so severely tried as he was; yet this was not never be forgotten--that He requires exact obedience, and that
allowed to excuse his sin. God has made ample provision for His men are to beware of taking to themselves the glory which is due
people; and if they rely upon His strength, they will never be- to their Maker. He could not grant the prayer of Moses that he
come the sport of circumstances. The strongest temptation can- might share the inheritance of Israel, but He did not forget or
not excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon forsake His servant. The God of heaven understood the suffering
the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of that Moses had endured; He had noted every act of faithful ser-
earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our vice through those long years of conflict and trial. On the top of
weak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or Pisgah, God called Moses to an inheritance infinitely more glori-
unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His ous than the earthly Canaan. PP, p479
strength we may conquer. PP, p421
8

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
This newsletter is authored by
members of the SDA church
whose desire is to provide a
thought provoking newsletter
for Adventists dwelling on the
banks of Jordan; in the process
appealing to entire fidelity to
the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy.
FREEWILL OFFERINGS
How does God regard the covetous man?
"For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord ab-
horreth." Ps. 10:3.
What kind of men does God require to occupy responsible positions in His
work?
"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth,
hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hun-
dreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." Ex. 18:21.
What warning does the Saviour give against covetousness?
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15.
How did God regard the rich man who laid up his goods for his own ease?
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose
shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" Luke 12:20.
What does Christ say of those who do as the man in the parable?
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21.
How much can one carry out of the world?
"For we brought nothing into this world, and its is certain we can carry nothing out." Deut.
8:18.
Who gives man power to get wealth?
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get
wealth." Deut. 8:18.
What is said concerning those who trust in their riches?
"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall." Prov. 11:28.
What charge was Timothy required to give the rich?
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain
riches, but in the living God." 1 Tim. 6:17.
What ought they to do with their means?
"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communi-
cate." 1 Tim. 6:18.
What will they thus do for themselves?
"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they
may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. 6:19.
By giving of one's substance to the Lord's work, what does he thus do?
"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase." Prov. 3:9.
How does the Lord look upon the spirit of giving to the cause?
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed
toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6:10.
If a person has but little of this world's goods, is he not excused from giving?
"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He
hath given thee." Deut. 16:17.
Then can it be the amount a man gives that is so acceptable to God?
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not ac-
cording to that he hath not." 2 Cor. 8:12.
What does one who gives freely to the cause of God provide for himself ?
"Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in
the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." Luke
12:33.
If one's treasure has been transferred to heaven by giving to God's cause, where
will his heart be?
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34.
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