February 5, 2018

Inbox

Survivor(s) | Heirs of the Reformation | Small Churches, Big Things | Where Are They? . . .

Various

Survivor(s)

Regarding the article “Survivor(s),” by Ivan and Olivia Ruiz-Knott (November 2017): These two authors speak with an honest voice about their own positive spiritual experiences growing up in an Adventist “ghetto.” With sweet sensitivity that touches my heart they pray and encourage those who may have had negative spiritual experiences in a similar place. As they suggested, part of the answer is this: It is important to see the reality of a loving, personal relationship with God lived out in front of them every day.

That being true, would it matter that much whether you lived in the Adventist ghetto, or any of a number of other places on our shaky planet? I understand that Nazareth was a hard place to grow up in, but for different reasons than being from Berrien Springs. Still, for all of that, our prayers for each other to an all-powerful God encourages us, whoever we are and in whatever place we live.

I also appreciate Clifford Goldstein, and the many other inspirational writers in the Review.

Rhoda Wills
Michigan

Heirs of the Reformation

I appreciated the thoughtful editorial “Heirs of the Reformation” (December 2017). So many times we have to read articles in various Adventist magazines with our guard up, so to speak. But I felt so humbled and understood by this article. My husband and I (and our grown children) are all members of a precious church that has been written about with such vitriol that it’s just hard to understand where this has all come from. This article seems like a return to the honest Review we have read through the years, which has been such a blessing in the past. You follow in the footsteps of courageous, intelligent editors. It’s a daunting position, but you are proving yourself willing to address important issues. Thank you very much.

Karen Sage
Chico, California

Small Churches, Big Things

I enjoy Bill Knott’s editorials a great deal in the Review, and I have been reading the magazine for a number of years. I’m writing to share a yearly event we hold at our church in Mariposa, California. This is a small mountain church with about 40 active members, and October 31 is a big deal in our community.

About four years ago we decided to “take back” this date for Jesus. We just completed the third program sharing Christ and Bible truths with our neighbors in a unique way. This year we had a “Hallowed House: Don’t Buy Satan’s Lies.” Each program uses props and scenes to highlight “stations,” on themes such as Christ’s resurrection and His second coming. As people leave, the kids can choose a piece of candy or a toy, and adults receive a pamphlet on death being a sleep. We had postcards at each area with a scripture on the back to collect, and at the end a person had five scripture cards to tell the story we acted out. Each year our attendance is larger and larger. This year we had almost 350 children and adults come through. This is our way to share and teach in our community, and it seems to be appreciated by parents especially.

I just wanted you to know that even small congregations focused on Jesus can do big things. Thank you for your work at Adventist Review.

Sharon Walker
Mariposa, California


Your Turn

We welcome your letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a letter in this section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the editors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, specific, timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your complete address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters will be edited for space and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters to the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; Internet: [email protected].

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