A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF ADVENTIST CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES

ISSUE 1 2016

CONTENTS

P E R S P E C T I V E

finding a medium in which one can meet the responsibilities of both career and family.

The work of developing and improving family life is critically important because of the direct correlation between a healthy family and a fulfilled career. The foundation for achieving this outcome is love. The Bible describes love as something that is not provoked, thinks no evil, isn’t envious, rejoices in truth, and endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) A loving family willingly shares dreams, possessions, memories, smiles, frowns, success, and failure.

On any given day, it is important to remember that even the most ideal family is also vulnerable to attack and

Chaplains by nature are sensitive to the needs of others. They possess caring, empathy, and

listening qualities. They strive to meet the expectations of others through spiritual guidance, and assistance in most capacities. As chaplains, the work seems to never end, as the standards and expectations set by supervisors or those in need are met on a daily basis. With such tall orders to fill, the family is sometimes neglected, though unintentionally. Consequently, a feeling of separation results, producing an imbalance between ministry and home life. When there is no balance, complex family relations, and regrets are imminent. Balancing these two cornerstones of life involves

By Washington Johnson II, D.MinAssistant Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries–North American Division

2 I Perspective

4 I In Pursuit of Perfect Relationships

8 I Balancing Career and Family

12 I Desert Wanderings and Oasis Refreshments

16 I Of Triathlons and Mountain Summits

20 I Public Campus Ministries Joins Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries

22 I ACM World

24 I ACM-NAD Director’s Message

26 I Oakwood University Honors Chaplains

28 I Omana Appointed Assistant Director

CHALLENGE IN THE BALANCE

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failure. The enemy of God (Satan) specifically targets families. Therefore, chaplains must be on guard 24/7, presenting their families daily before God in prayer. Whatever the family’s need, God has a customized plan that will achieve His ultimate goal of happiness. For some, this plan may include participation in professional or spiritual counseling, increasing devotional time in the home, developing an attitude of kindness toward all members, or reconciling broken relationships.

Joshua, a faithful servant of God, the mentee of Moses, and a decorated-military warrior in Israel, gave the Israelites ideal counsel for living a happy and balanced family life. This counsel is still relevant today. “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in

sincerity and in trutH, and put away tHe gods wHicH your fatHers served on tHe otHer side of tHe river and in egypt. serve tHe Lord! and if it seems eviL to you to serve tHe Lord, cHoose for yourseLves tHis day wHom you wiLL serve, wHetHer tHe gods wHicH your fatHers served tHat were on tHe otHer side of tHe river, or tHe gods of tHe amorites, in wHose Land you dweLL. But as for me and my House, we wiLL serve tHe Lord.” JosHua 24:14-15

Please accept this invitation to renew your covenant with God. Determine that you and your family will serve the Lord above all else. Determine as well that as you minister to others, the important role your family plays in your life, career, and overall success will never be neglected.

Please share what is happening with chaplaincy in your part of the world.

Send it to ACMEditor@gc.adventist.org Copy your Union and Division ACM Directors. Include your email and phone number.

WHAT'S

WHATEVER THE FAMILY’S NEED,

GOD HAS A CUSTOMIZED PLAN

THAT WILL ACHIEVE HIS ULTIMATE

GOAL OF HAPPINESS.

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At Creation, God provided Adam an environment in the Garden of Eden where man

developed connectedness with his creator and nature. It resulted in man’s yearning for a relationship with another human being. Hence, one of the first concepts we learn as human beings is that of relationships. What does having a relationship mean and why is it important to know how to maintain relationships at home, at work, church, and community?

Defined as the state of being connected or related, having relationships is a life-long commitment to God, self, and others. Relationships are the essence by which human beings fulfill the reason for their existence.

Most of us have an idea of what a healthy relationship is supposed to be or look like. We may admit that a perfect relationship is an ideal we all want to pursue. Human

interactions require an integration of intellect, perceptions, and emotions that affect how we manage behavior, navigate complex situations, and make personal decisions that result in positive outcomes. Key to these interactions is the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI).

In 1995, Daniel Goleman popularized the term Emotional Intelligence when he laid out a case that factors such as self-awareness and discipline integrated with empathy can determine personal and professional success. Although he had not completed empirical work in this area, Goleman based his case on the work of psychologists and scientists who were developing the concepts and tools to measure EI during the same period.

Gardner developed the theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) and explains that MI theory focuses on distinguishing how intelligent

IN PURSUIT OF PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS

By Gloria Ceballos, Ph.D.

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is the person from how is the person intelligent.1 Based on eight criteria, he explains, intelligences have emerged from the response to environments, and how culture evolves to fit nature. Intelligences respond to a specific content of the world. There are different memories for language, music, spatial, and spiritual intelligences. We cannot assess intelligences, but proficiency in various tasks can be evaluated. Gardner also views EI as a more focused concept than social intelligence. EI can be one of the intelligences integrated into a component of social intelligence. Intelligence, according to Gardner, is a capacity with processes directed toward a particular content of the world. For EI, the content specific to EI would be the social world.

Approached from two different views Emotional Intelligence is either a trait or an ability. Emotional intelligence as a trait is defined as behavioral dispositions and self-perceived abilities measured through self-report.2

Emotional intelligence as ability is defined as the capacity to reason regarding emotions and to use emotions to assist

cognition that can be measured.3 The definition was expanded by Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso as perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions.4 The four domains or cognitive emotional terms proposed by Mayer, et. al are described in the model as four branches of a tree that are arranged in a hierarchy: a. PERCEIVING answers the question,

“What is this feeling?” It is used by individuals to decipher feelings in one's self and others.

b. FACILITATING uses thought and asks the question, “What should I do about these feelings?” to use the feelings to aide in the tasks at hand.

c. UNDERSTANDING THE FEELINGS puts feelings into words and knows what happens next based on what is being felt and finally managing emotions when something happens Can I control the emotions of myself and others?5

HUMAN INTERACTIONS REQUIRE AN INTEGRATION OF INTELLECT, PERCEPTIONS, AND EMOTIONS THAT AFFECT HOW WE MANAGE BEHAVIOR, NAVIGATE COMPLEX SITUATIONS, AND MAKE PERSONAL DECISIONS THAT RESULT IN POSITIVE OUTCOMES.

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Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso believe that even negative feelings can be harnessed to produce a positive outcome.

EI can be summarized as reasoning with emotions and about emotions. When a person is able to balance all of these they are said to have emotional intelligence because they are able to acquire and maintain relationships by predicting responses to situations as they understand and manage responses.

How then can we learn and practice emotional intelligence to be able to navigate all our life relationships? The Six Second’s Model developed in 19976 provides a framework that can help put theory into practice. The model consists of three parts: knowing yourself, choosing yourself, and giving yourself.

KNOW YOURSELFTo know yourself is the first step

to growth. This includes being self-aware, knowing what makes you who you are, and what makes you react to situations the way you do. Knowing yourself involves gaining knowledge about your feelings. This helps you sort out the range of feelings you experience, name them, know what causes, and how you react to different feelings. For example, are there feelings that make you act impulsively? Is there a pattern of situations and feelings that you can identify that lead you to impulsivity? Then, how fast can you recognize that you are about to act impulsively and you are about to impact negatively a relationship?

“The work of Christ in the heart does not destroy man’s powers. Christ directs, strengthens, ennobles, and sanctifies the faculties of the soul,”7 wrote Ellen White.

CHOOSE YOURSELFChoose yourself is the second part

of the model. Accepting yourself necessitates developing competencies in consequential thinking, navigating emotions, engaging intrinsic motivation, and exercising optimism. The skill of choosing yourself allows an individual to examine cause and effect of actions. Then, you develop the ability to act intentionally instead of reacting.

In choosing yourself before you act, choices made in the past are considered based on outcomes of interactions in given situations. Navigating emotions is necessary, as these are the basis for making decisions in almost every case.

Competence in being motivated intrinsically allows a person not to depend on outside factors to influence what makes you grow and change. As Christians, our internal influence should be the knowledge of our value to God and knowing we all have the value of one. As we approach any relationship this skill immediately puts everyone on the same level.

Jesus spoke about this when He said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12.

Exercising optimism aids in the internal motivation to grow and change. It helps you to visualize the future you want and to own the decision to make it so. In Philippians 4:6, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to “be anxious of nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” The assurance promised in this text should be what fuels our optimism.

“The Lord does not desire us to be sad and disconsolate. Jesus says:

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‘As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continue ye in my love. These things have I spoken unto you. That my joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full.’”8

GIVE YOURSELFGive yourself is the third part of

the model. Giving of yourself includes being empathetic with others and having noble goals. It means having the capacity to put oneself in the other person’s shoes to be able to develop trust and truly care for others.

“We have been taken as rough stones out of the quarry of the world by the cleaver of truth, and placed in the workshop of God. He who has genuine faith in Christ as his personal saviour, will find that the truth accomplishes a defined work for him. His faith is a working faith, and faith works by love and purifies the soul.…those who receive the truth by faith will bear testimony to the quality of faith they exercise. They will continually make improvement, looking onto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith,”9 wrote Ellen White.

Although placed last in this model, giving of yourself is what propels the competencies and skills that lead to

everlasting relationships with God and humankind. A noble goal gives us the sense of direction and influences all of our choices. When our noble goals include to be like Jesus and to treat self and others as what we all are, the most precious to our Saviour, thinking, acting, and feeling will be aligned. We will be closer in the pursuit of the perfect relationship.

Gloria Ceballos, Ph.D., is a Nurse Executive/Chief Nursing Officer.

1. Gardner, H. “Reflections on Multiple Intelligences: Myths and Messages.” Phi Delta Kappan 95: 77-200. Retrieved from http://www.kappanmagazine.org. 2. Petrides, K. V., and Adrian Furnham. “Trait Emotional Intelligence: Psychometric Investigation with Reference to Established Trait Taxonomies.” Eur. J. Pers. European Journal of Personality 15.6 (2001): 425-48. Web. 3. Mayer, John D., Peter Salovey, and David R. Caruso. “Emotional Intelligence: Theory, Findings, and Implications” Psychological Inquiry 15.3 (2004): 197-215. Web. 4. Mayer, John D., Peter Salovey, and David R. Caruso. “Emotional Intelligence: New Ability or Eclectic Traits?” American Psychologist 63.6 (2008): 503-17. Web. 5. Ibid.6. www.6seconds.org7. White, E. G. “The Work of Christ in the Heart.” Witnesses for Christ 10 Sept. 1895. 8. White, E.G. “The Lord Does Not Desire Us.” Witnesses for Christ 10 Sept. 1895.9. White, E. G. “We Have Been Taken as Rough Stones.” Witnesses for Christ 10 Sept. 1895.

AS CHRISTIANS, OUR INTERNAL INFLUENCE SHOULD BE THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR VALUE TO GOD AND KNOWING WE ALL HAVE THE VALUE OF ONE.

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By Joyce Johnson, Ph.D.

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the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Eccl. 5:18

These intended blessings are hindered when mental, emotional, and physical resources are not equal to the demands placed upon them. Ellen White speaks well to this notion when she states, “It is not our duty to place ourselves where we shall be overworked. Some may at times be placed where this is necessary, but it should be the exception, not the rule. . . . If we honor the Lord by acting our part, He will on His part preserve our health. . . . By practicing temperance. . . . .in labor, and in all things, we can do for ourselves what no physician can for us.” 2

A good start to posturing oneself for the blessings that come with a balanced life would be to determine root causes of the suspected imbalance. The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC) of Canada (2012) reported that a short temper, lack of joy, constant worrying, feeling sick, lack of control, and addictive tendencies may be indicators that life balance is lacking, prompting a need to reassess goals and responsibilities.3

Business News Daily further reported that according to a study from EY, a provider of assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, where almost 9,700 workers were surveyed in eight countries, including the United States included. Nearly 25 percent of the U.S. workers reported that finding enough time for work and personal lives has gotten more difficult over the last five years, primarily due to:

ery few professions are immune from the ongoing challenge of balancing family and a career.

Combined family and work demands produce long days and short nights that hardly begin before the sun’s radiance signals another rushed cycle of domestic and vocational toil. For the busiest and most imbalanced, the work of the current day is rarely, if ever completed—only recessed until the cycle of duty is recommenced. Achieving career success while engaging meaningfully at home has the potential to drain psychological and emotional resources, both of which have fixed limits. Theoretically

speaking, career and family role imbalance can result in what Edwards and Rothbard describe as role scarcity.1

In other words, each role demands the same limited amount of resources, resulting in inter-role conflict, reduced well-being, and increased stress. The resulting stress can potentially contribute to a myriad of other problems, including those of a physical nature, such as high blood pressure and auto-immune disorders, not to mention the adverse impact on relationships and overall emotional health.

This makes achieving a balanced lifestyle a worthwhile goal. After all, God intended that work and all of its benefits be enjoyable over one’s lifetime: Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all

Building a foundation for success, actively communicating, prioritizing commitments, and expecting and addressing challenges may be

good starting points.

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1. Having salaries that haven’t increased much, while expenses have increased.

2. Increased responsibilities at work.

3. Working longer hours.

4. Increased responsibilities at home.

5. Having children 4

While many of the reasons listed may be beyond the control of the working family member, i.e., salaries, work, and home responsibilities, intentional focus on overall life balance could result in a more favorable outcome. Building a foundation for success, actively communicating, prioritizing commitments, and expecting and addressing challenges may be good starting points.

BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS The life demands of most

families make it necessary to have a prioritization that considers spiritual enrichment above all others. The priority given to spiritual growth and development corresponds directly with the degree of success achieved in carrying out each day’s activities. The Bible admonishes the same in John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Through both individual and family worship, God’s high place must be daily secured, with no possibility of becoming second to another. Busy families absolutely cannot afford to miss daily encounters with God. His wisdom, strength, and grace are essential for even the minutest details of life. In the absence of these, memory functions, physical stamina,

time management, patience, and essential virtues underperform, and even falter when least expected.

ACTIVELY COMMUNICATEThe importance of active

communication cannot be overstated for a busy family. In addition to the benefit of clarifying roles and understanding how shared goals will be accomplished, such connections can preclude potential conflicts that might otherwise result from unsound independent decisions and activities. In the event of unavoidable family separations, Skype, phone calls, and emails are ideal modes of communication that will help keep the family both connected and balanced.

PRIORITIZE COMMITMENTSIt is important to make sure time

is spent on activities that are most important and truly valued. This means that commitments must be prioritized. Still there will be times when prioritized commitments can become misplaced by competing life demands, requiring regular reprioritization, as well as divine aid.

Committing plans to God produces the very best opportunity for a hopeful end. There are sure advantages from soliciting help from the most capable, reliable, and securest source in the universe. One will always make good on every one of His promises, includeding: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and

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He wiLL do tHis: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6

of resources that will perfect the work of homebuilding, parenting, career pursuits, caring for elderly parents, coping with long commutes,

and everything else associated with keeping families and lives balanced. His love for families is all-encompassing and considers every possible family circumstance. Families, you are in perfect view of the Saviour! “The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 33:18).

Absolutely no one should despair over a lack of life balance. For the Bible truly declares among many other similar promises that, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. The keywords are “do,” “through,” and “strengtheneth,” and the key player is Jesus Christ. His wisdom, strength, and power represent the only hope for life balance.

Joyce Johnson, Ph.D. is an educator and consultant who writes from Silver Spring, Maryland.

1. Edwards, Jeffrey R., and Nancy P. Rothbard. “Mechanisms Linking Work and Family: Clarifying the Relationship between Work and Family Constructs.” The Academy of Management Review 25.1 (2000): 178-99. Web. 2. White, Ellen Gould Harmon. My Life Today: The Morning Watch Texts with Appropriate Selections from the Writings of Ellen G. White. Washington: Review and Herald, 1952. Print. 3. Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. (2012). Achieving Work Life Balance. Retrieved from http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Assets/Departments+(Administration)/Public+Affairs/College+Matters/All+About+Us/2012-June+30+2013/PPC+Balance+Sheet+Apr+2012.pdf4. “5 Reasons Achieving Work-Life Balance Is Harder Than Ever.” Business News Daily. Web. 09 Feb. 2016.

Jesus understands the plight of families. He stands ready today with a storehouse of

resources that will perfect the work associated with keeping life balanced.

EXPECT AND ADDRESS CHALLENGESWith the very best efforts to

balance family and career, life events and challenges that impact the ability to manage time well are assuredly inevitable. These could come in many different forms, but should always be addressed and considered learning experiences.

Having a strong support network is helpful in meeting unexpected life challenges, notwithstanding the divine aid promised in the notable invitation from Christ in Matthew 11:28-30: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for

I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my

yoke is easy, and my burden is light. His ancient invitation

and corresponding promise have not lost their fervor or relevance for helping to balance the lives of families

in this day and time. Jesus knows, cares, and really understands the plight of families. Just as He encouraged and affirmed them during His time on earth, He stands ready today with a storehouse

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Rosemary excitedly chose her seat in the university classroom. She’d felt called to work with

children all her life. Her dream was coming true with her enrollment as an education major at the university.

“During that first semester, we had a series of revival meetings on campus,” says Rosemary. “The speakers’ messages pierced my heart, and I recommitted my life to Christ. My anticipation of how He would use me in the classroom buoyed me.”

After the revival, Rosemary sensed a difference in her life. “I couldn’t keep

By Chaplain Rosemary Okeyo, with Deena Bartel-Wagner

from speaking about Jesus to everyone I met,” says Rosemary. “I was so active in doing outreach that people began to call me a pastor.”

The next year and a half, Rosemary studied diligently, but she found her interest in the education subjects begin to wane. Another Bible conference was the seminal moment for Rosemary. She felt as though she had completed a desert trek through parched ground and had arrived at an oasis where water was in abundance. “As I sat in the meetings, I could not tear myself away from what I

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AND OASIS REFRESHMENTS

DESERT WANDERINGS

was hearing,” says Rosemary. “I quit attending classes just to listen to each speaker and to fill my mind with spiritual matters.”

At the end of the conference, Rosemary knew what she had to do. “I changed my course of study from education to theology,” says Rosemary. “My father encouraged me and told me he thought I was making the right choice.”

Finally, Rosemary sensed she was in the right area of study. She attended her classes and graduated from with a Bachelors of Theology from Bugema University in Kampala, Uganda. Enthusiastically, Rosemary began her job search. “For the next two years, God was silent to my prayers for employment,” she says. The sense of the parched desert returned.

In spite of no formal employment, Rosemary found ways to minister to children. She noticed that when school wasn’t in session, the children didn’t have anything construction to do. Rosemary organized activities for them and used the opportunity to share the gospel.

Two years is a long time, and Rosemary became discouraged. “I began to wonder if I had misunderstood my calling,” admits Rosemary. “There were times that I was discriminated against because I am a woman. I would remind myself that Jesus was a man, and He too faced discrimination.”

Chaplaincy opened the door for Rosemary. “I always thought chaplains only worked in hospital settings,” says Rosemary. “I was very intrigued when I learned about campus chaplaincy.”

Today, Rosemary is the chaplain for the Hopeful Rays Elementary School in the Homa Bay region of Kenya. The students at the school range from preschool to 13 years old and has a

She felt as though she had completed a desert

trek through parched ground and had arrived

at an oasis where water was in abundance.

staff of nine teachers.In Kenya, the government partners

with local community organizations and churches to provide personnel and facilities for students. The government pays teachers’ salaries and often the local community shoulders the upkeep of the building infrastructure. Rosemary’s role as

Rosemary

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attend church and receive spiritual nourishment to help them in their daily lives,” says Rosemary.

Mentoring the staff in how to help children grow spiritually is another area that Rosemary addresses. She believes that a team approach to touching children’s lives is an effective method. “I can’t be everywhere, but a teacher can notice if a child is having difficulties and notify me,” says Rosemary.

Rosemary also fills the role of advisor to the school’s director. “We meet regularly and pray for the students and staff,” says Rosemary. “Another part of my role is to review the spiritual development plans for the school with the director.” A vision for the school year and succeeding years must be developed to meet students’ needs. Then as needs change, the plan must also be flexible enough to be adjusted as necessary.

One of the ministry outreaches that has faced difficulties is the opening of an orphanage. It has seemed as though it is another time of parched

chaplain is one of the staff positions that the government funds.

Daily, Rosemary meets with the students for a worship period. “Additionally, every Friday we have pastoral program instruction.” says Rosemary. “We discuss topics such as how to apply biblical principles in everyday life and how to worship God. Students and staff attend the 40-minute program to learn how they can further their spiritual growth.”

Rosemary provides counseling and any pastoral care that may be needed by the students or staff. “The area is extremely destitute and there are many needs,” says Rosemary. “I make regular visits to the homes of the pupils.”

During those visits, Rosemary helps the students develop their vision of why they want to grow spiritually and how to do that. She spends time praying with the parents and answering any questions they may have. Building friendships and trust are important as Rosemary talks to families about spiritual matters. “I encourage the families to

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“I always thought chaplains only worked

in hospital settings,” says Rosemary. “I was very intrigued

when I learned about campus chaplaincy.”

desert. “There are some orphans in the area that need care,” says Rosemary. “Our dream was to open an orphanage to help care for these children. Unfortunately, the actions of an unscrupulous person prevented this from happening. We continue to pray that another way will open for plans to activate the orphanage.”

The ministry of chaplaincy is a perfect fit for Rosemary. “I believe chaplaincy is an excellent form of ministry for women,” says Rosemary. “I appreciate the flexibility it provides and that it allows me to minister to others. When I asked my father why he encouraged me to study theology, he told me that he saw in me that I had a pastor’s heart and calling. I’m gratified that he was willing to encourage me to follow this path.”

Rosemary and her husband, Hezekiah, have to make sacrifices as a part of their commitment to following God’s leading. “My husband is a secondary teacher. He is very supportive of my ministry and calling that God has placed on my life,” says Rosemary. “He teaches in Kisumu. The distance between our schools means that we have to live apart during the week and see each other on the weekends. God has placed us here for now.”

Rosemary’s early dreams were to work with children in a classroom setting. Although her path led her to the classroom, it was different than what she thought it would be. “I am grateful for the education courses at the university. I’ve never regretted taking them. There are concepts I learned that I apply in my ministry today,” says Rosemary. “I can’t appreciate God enough for how He has guided my life. He led to me chaplaincy and today I work with

children, which had been my lifelong dream. Through the discouragement and the time when there seemed to be no answers, God continued to be guiding and leading.”

Rosemary

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T he sun glistened off the summit of Mt. Rainier on the first day that Air Force

Chaplain Ryan Neill arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington state. “Mount Rainier is such a prominent feature in the area,” says Ryan. “On that first day, I felt it beckoning me to summit its heights.”

Ryan had never previously participated in any mountain climbing before. “I didn’t know anything about what kind of preparation was needed, the cost of such an expedition, or the effort that it would take to make this type of dream a reality,” he says. “I just knew that I had to climb that mountain.”

His interest in physical challenges

didn’t just begin with viewing Mt. Rainier for the first time. “I’ve always participated in physical activities,” says Ryan. He finds it an important way to interact with the airmen he serves.

Ryan joined the Air Force as a chaplain following his ministry as a pastor in Oklahoma. “I had been serving in pastoral ministry for nearly eleven years,” says Ryan. “I enjoyed it, but I also sense a calling to chaplaincy. Lane Campbell, a friend, and fellow Air Force chaplain, encouraged me to check out the Air Force.”

Ryan also found that he encountered more extreme situations as a chaplain than he had during his 10+ years as a pastor. Within the first 10 months of his chaplaincy, he dealt

Of Triathlons and Mountain Summits

By Chaplain Ryan Neill, with Deena Bartel-Wagner

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with suicide interventions, domestic violence, and counseled numbers of families who were coping with marriage and family issues.

A change in the type of ministry meant Ryan would search for meaningful ways of engagement with those who he spent time with regularly. Chaplains often find that training with the Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers provides venues where conversations take place more naturally. “A Wing Chaplain shared with me that doing physical training (PT) with the unit allows chaplains to interact better with the Airmen,” says Ryan. “You become an integrated part of the unit, and that leads to trust building and forming relationships with those you want to reach out to.”

This advice coincided with Ryan’s desire to take advantage of regular physical workouts the opportunity to stay physically fit. When others in his unit began to train for an Ironman Triathlon, he decided to join them.

The Ironman Triathlon consists of swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles all in one day.

This challenge is mental, as well as physical, both in training and during the actual event.

Training for the Ironman required the commitment of time, energy, and focus. Typically, it takes an athlete six months of consistent training to prepare for the event. Schedules have to be adapted, and priorities of training versus other activities are chosen. “My 10-year-old son Josh rides his bike beside me as I train both on the bike and run,” says Ryan.

When he completed his first Ironman in the Ironman Coeur

“You become an integrated part of the unit, and that leads to trust building and forming relationships with those you want to reach out to.”

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“As I thought about the route ahead of us, there were moments when I questioned what I was doing.”

d’Alene event, he turned his attention to his goal to stand at the top of Mt. Rainer. He was going to claim that as one of his completed challenges.

“Following my arrival at JBLM I saw a photo of a team from one of the squadrons who had summited Rainer,” says Ryan. “This caught my attention. If a group trains together, it meant they were building friendships, and that appealed to me. It also meant we could budget far less for the climb because we wouldn’t have to pay guide fees. It was then that I began looking for a group to join.

A few months later, he learned of the formation of a new group that would train to summit Rainier. It took months of planning, preparation, and training. “We would meet in the evenings and train as a team,” says Ryan. Group training serves as a way to build team morale and relationships. It also encourages individual members to be consistent in their efforts to prepare.

Just two months after completing the Ironman Triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, the day arrived when Ryan

and the team were ready to climb the mountain. “Our team of six began by climbing from Paradise (5,400 feet) in Mount Rainier National Park to Camp Muir at 10,188 feet. “This portion of the climb started with a clear trail, but quickly turned to snowfields,” says Ryan.

When the team arrived in Camp Muir, they rested for one day before leaving to reach the summit. “It was 2300 when we began to prepare for our ascent,” says Neill. “As I thought about the route ahead of us, there were moments when I questioned what I was doing. We had to cross Cadaver Gap and Disappointment Cleaver.” In spite of the ominous-sounding names, Ryan and his team set out to meet the challenge that lay ahead.

In the dark, the climbers’ headlamps were the only light that led them down the path and through the crevasses that lay on every side. As the first fingers of daylight tickled the horizon, the mountain took on a different feel. The eeriness of the night changed to spectacular vistas as the mountain’s beauty glinted in the early morning sun. The day was clear and the views of the surrounding mountains inspired the climbers.

As the group continued their trek, in some places they had to cross crevasses. “Guide companies have set

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fixed ladders for climbers to navigate these portions of the mountain,” says Ryan. “On other sections, where the route is treacherous, you use ropes to anchor yourself as you navigate those portions of the route.” Proper training and equipment are the keys to a successful climb.

Climbing these heights means your body is affected by altitude and decreased levels of oxygen. The months and training and practice can’t truly prepare a climber for this, but stamina and sheer determination to reach the top helps climbers through the tough moments.

“We were feeling the effects of our exertion and the altitude when we summited,” says Ryan. “As I looked out at the earth that lay below me, every minute of training, of pain, of exhaustion was worth the trip.”

Climbers who have reached the summit haven’t finished their journey. “As we prepared to leave the summit, I was reminded of the words of Angus Bush, a veteran climber from the Operations Support Squadron. He always reminds climbers, ‘When you reach the top, you are only halfway!’ I realized this as we headed down the mountain.”

As Ryan reflects on his successful summit, he recognizes the importance of the team effort. “The

encouragement and patience of everyone in the group was inspiring,” he says. “I’m thankful to each one in our group for their support.”

He continues to train for triathlons and other events. “Every time I finish a race, I say I’ll never do another one,” says Ryan, with a laugh. “The next day comes, and I’m busy looking for the next event and making plans to begin training.”

Physical fitness doesn’t mean just climbing mountains or completing Ironman Triathlons. For chaplains, during long days of meeting other’s needs, it can seem like there is not the time to care for oneself physically. It does take the effort to schedule time for a walk or 30 minutes at the gym. The rewards for staying fit are worth the sacrifice. Ryan encourages chaplains and others to make a goal. It can be as simple as a daily 30-minute walk. Or you might choose to train for a more strenuous competition, such as a marathon or triathlon. “Vision, effort, and sacrifice make the difference in realizing your goal.”

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In January 2015, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries welcomed Dr. Jiwan S. Moon and Public

Campus Ministries as they joined the department. In addition to it’s work with Adventist chaplains worldwide, ACM also serves as the umbrella for the World/National Service Organizations and Public Campus Ministries.

It is estimated that over 1.5 million college and university Adventist students are studying on non-Adventist public and private campuses worldwide. According to University World News, “the number of students around the globe enrolled in higher education is forecast to more than double to 262 million by 2025.” Colleges and universities have become one of the most strategic mission

fields in the world. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has answered this need with the formation of the Public Campus Ministries (PCM) initiative.

“The role of PCM is to inspire and transform Seventh-day Adventist students into campus ambassadors through intentional mentoring and discipleship, says Dr. Moon. “PCM will provide a ministry presence and nurturing environment for students, both on campuses and in local churches, utilizing communities of mentors who are committed in caring and mentoring/discipling the students.”

Moon, a third generation Adventist pastor, was born in Seoul, South Korea. His father was the first missionary sent out by the Korean Union of the Adventist Church. Dr.

PUBLIC CAMPUS MINISTRIES JOINS ADVENTIST CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES

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Moon grew up in an international setting and has always lived in multicultural environments, relating to and collaborating with persons of all backgrounds. As a Korean–Canadian–American, Moon speaks three languages: Korean, English, and Tagalog.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts. in Religious Studies and Minor in Practical Theology from Southern Adventist University, a Master's of Arts in Youth Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry in Youth & Young Adult Ministry from Andrews University. His dissertation focused on mentoring and discipling adolescents. He served as a youth pastor beginning1991 and was ordained in 2003.

In 1998, Dr. Moon first began mentoring a group of university students at University of Toronto and York University and continues to mentor university groups today. His focus is on the Christian young person’s identity and how to fortify it when the student is exposed to the secular mindset on a public college

or university campus. He will be building strategy to meet the needs of our Adventist youth on public campuses, involving a movement of mentorship and discipleship calling on local congregations to form support systems and the formation of Adventist youth ministry presence on the campuses of public schools.

Moon has served in several capacities outside of being a pastor during his years living in Ontario Canada. He served as an on-call chaplain for two hospitals and also as a volunteer chaplain for a federal women’s correctional facility for 10 plus years. He is a disaster relief and crisis intervention chaplain and an ACM-endorsed Campus Chaplain.

Moon loves singing and playing instruments. He enjoys playing and watching all sports, but especially soccer. One of his favorite Bible verses is Galatians 2:20, NIV: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

“[Satan] well knows that there is no other class that can do as much good as young men and young women who are consecrated to God. The youth, if right, could sway a mighty influence. Preachers, or laymen advanced in years, cannot have one-half the influence upon the young, that the youth, devoted to God, can have upon their associates…You can do a work that those who minister in word and doctrine cannot do. You can reach a class whom the minister cannot affect.”

– Messages to Young People, p. 204 and p. 207.

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I N T E R - A M E R I C A N D I V I S I O N

CUBA

Hundreds of Inter-American Division Adventist students who attend public campuses met for a four-day conference at the Seminario Teologico Adventista de Cuba (Cuba Adventist Theological Seminary) in Havana, Cuba. They engaged in leadership skills and training that will equip them to reach out to the students and faculty at their universities. The students will be paired with local church leaders and professionals to create centers of influence that can be used for ministry.

Elder Hiram Ruiz, Director, ACM/PCM, Inter-American Division, Dr.

Jiwan Moon, World Public Campus Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Director, Department of Education, General Conference, Dr. Mario E. Ceballos, Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries-General Conference, Elder Israel Leito, President, Inter-American Division (left to right) joined the students for the event.

N O R T H A M E R I C A N D I V I S I O N

MICHIGANWashington Johnson and Art

Slagle, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Associate Directors-North American Division, recently met with

ADVENTIST CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE

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prospective chaplains at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. “The seminary students are looking forward to entering various areas of chaplaincy when they graduate,” said Johnson. “Several will become health care chaplains. Others are exploring military chaplaincy and campus chaplaincy.”

S O U T H P A C I F I C D I V I S I O N

AUSTRALIA

As a member of the International Board of Ministerial and Theological Education (IBMTE) taskforce, Dr. Mario Ceballos, Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries-General Conference, recently visited Avondale College in Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia.

The taskforce was composed of IBMTE members, as well as the deans of all of the SDA theological seminaries. The role of IBMTE is

to evaluate Seventh-day Adventist pastoral and chaplaincy training in Adventist colleges, universities, and seminaries worldwide.

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This is my first time writing in The Adventist Chaplain as the Director of Adventist Chaplaincy

Ministries for the North American Division. I count it a blessing to be living beyond my dreams.Daily, I wake up in the reality of Jeremiah 29:11. I

suppose we all do because each of us, as we are faithful, is being prepared and to become who God plans for us to be.

How do we get there? One day at a time. One step at a time. There are five steps that have helped me in my becoming. You may find them helpful too. They are admittedly simplistic, but they work.

My son actually helped me to distill this list years ago when we were talking retrospectively about his high school years. My daughter told me just the other day that she reminds herself regularly of these five steps. Both are teaching them to their children.

So here they are. Five tips to managing the transitions in life.

1PICK YOUR FRIENDS WISELY.

Good friends can double your potential, or, cut it in half.Every phase of life brings us into new relationships. Observe

the people in your environment. Only allow yourself to bond with people who bring positivity into your life.

Inevitably, you will interact with some people who are or bring negativity into the atmosphere surrounding you. You do not have to envelope or embrace their negative influence. It is possible to learn some positive lessons from negative experiences. But work hard at building the best relationships with the best people in your sphere of influence.

Hello CHAPLAINS and FRIENDS

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N A D U P D A T E S

KEEP DREAMING.

My friend, Wintley Phipps, recorded a song titled, Keep Climbing. The lyrics of the first stanza are, “God placed a dream within your heart, and if you make a start, He wants for you to know, All of your needs He will supply. He is always standing by; He’s there to see you through. So keep on climbing until you reach your goal.

DRAW YOUR GOALS FROM YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A PLAN.

Dreams unwritten fade away. However, once committed to memory and paper they can be actualized. This happens by backward mapping your dream. In so doing you create a plan with predetermined and measurable actions and phases. In the Navy we called these POAMS, an acronym for Plans, Objectives, and Milestones.

THE FOURTH STEP IS TO PRACTICE OPTIMISM.

Optimism is a mysterious force multiplier. When you think positively it strengthens your resolve, creativity, and tactile, physical strength. Conversely, pessimism has an immediate and opposite effect that is measurable.

Practice optimism and visioneer your life.

THE LAST STEP IN MANAGING THE TRANSITIONS OF LIFE AND BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE IS TO READ, READ, READ.

The phrase “Leaders are readers and readers are leaders is attributed to Harry S. Truman. His original statement was “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” He was right.

Keep reading. You can go anywhere or do almost anything when reading a book. Good books will challenge and expand your mind and horizons. Having read widely, you will never be a boring conversationalist. Read! Read! Read!

So there you have them. Put them to work. Systematize them in your life. Then, let’s use at least one of these pages for book reviews and recommendations.

I would also like to read some of your verbatims, assuming that many of you are still practicing the action reflection model learned in CPE.

In future issues, let’s challenge and sharpen each other with our stories, learnings, and writings.

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OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY Honors Chaplains

By Washington Johnson, D.Min.

In an effort to acknowledge the outstanding ministry of Seventh-day Adventists chaplains, Dr.

Carlton Byrd, Oakwood University Senior Pastor, set aside a special Sabbath to highlight those who serve the Seventh-day Adventist Church untiringly around the North American Division.

Dr. Paul Anderson, Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries–North American Division, along with Elder Ivan Omana and Dr. Washington Johnson II, Assistant Directors, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries–North American Division traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, to participate in the special service.

Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM) is the ecclesiastical endorsing

agency for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Adventist chaplains serve on educational campuses, in community and government agencies, correctional institutions, health care facilities, and the armed forces. This select group of men and women are committed to God and the specialized ministry of helping others that are in need of pastoral care and moral support.

During a Personal Ministries spotlight, Dr. Anderson shared an overview of ACM in a video presentation, as well as his vision for chaplains who are endorsed by (ACM).

The special day at the Oakwood University Church was filled with excitement from start to finish. Chaplains who represent all areas

“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”Romans 12:1

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N A D U P D A T E S

of service, Oakwood University students, local members, and many special guests were in attendance. Two distinguished guest included Lt. General Willie Williams, United States Marines Corps (Retired) and Barry Black, United States Senate Chaplain.

Williams previously served as director of the Marine Corps staff at Marine Corps Headquarters. This position made him third in the chain of command for the entire Marine Corps, behind only the commandant and the assistant commandant. The congregation enthusiastically applauded his accomplishments, as a warm welcome was extended by Dr. Byrd.

Chaplain Black, who served as the day’s guest speaker, presented an electrifying message related to the importance of guarding the heart. He placed special emphasis on the importance of

seeking wisdom and how his own life had been positively influenced by the advice received from his mother and others that contributed to character development and a growing relationship with God. Each of these helped to prepare him to become the Chief of Chaplains for the United States Navy and later United States Senate Chaplain.

A special highlight was the presention of an ACM award by Dr. Paul Anderson

to Chaplain Black for his many contributions to chaplaincy. The melodious musical performance by the Aeolians of Oakwood University, which included a full concert during the afternoon, was another highlight.

Combined, these events and the gracious hospitality expressed by Dr. Carlton Byrd and the Oakwood University Church family contributed to a glorious Sabbath worship service. ACM was honored to be a part.

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Ivan Omaña has been appointed as the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries–North American Division Assistant

Director for the western United States and Canada. His territory includes the North Pacific Union, the Pacific Union, Guam-Micronesia Mission, and the western half of Canada. He replaces Jose McLaughlin, who held the same position until his death in 2015. Before his appointment, Omaña was the senior chaplain at Florida Hospital Kissimmee.

Born in Venezuela, Omaña’s family history is tied closely to the growth of Adventism in that country. “My great grandfather, Julio, became a Seventh-day Adventist in 1922,” says Ivan. “In 1936, at the 43rd General Conference Session in San Francisco, he was

ordained the first Venezuelan pastor to the gospel ministry.”

Other Omaña family members have also served the church. “My paternal grandfather and father were ministers, one of my aunts served as undertreasurer for the Inter-American Division,” says Ivan. “My mother was the Children’s Ministries Director and Shepherdess coordinator for the Inter-American Division while my father served as Ministerial Secretary.”

At age 18, Omaña came to the United States to complete his undergraduate degree in theology at Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University). After graduation, he returned to pastor in Venezuela for the next 10 years. Two years after his return to

IVAN OMANA APPOINTED ACM Assistant Director

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N A D U P D A T E S

Venezuela, Ivan met and married Anabel. “One year and one week later, we welcomed our daughter, Ivonne, to our family,” says Ivan.

“My move from pastoral ministry to chaplaincy was completely directed by God,” says Ivan. “I was on vacation in Florida when I met with Mario Ceballos, who was a chaplain at Florida Hospital at that time. I had always been interested in chaplaincy and wanted to learn more about this form of ministry. We discussed chaplaincy and the requirements for health care chaplains.”

Before Ivan finished his vacation, a chaplaincy position opened, and Ivan decided to apply. “I was hired, and my family and I returned to Venezuela to pack up our home. We announced in prayer meeting on Wednesday night that we would be holding a sale on Sunday. By the end of the week, we had sold everything, including our car.”

Ivan began his chaplaincy at the Adventist Care Centers in the Greater Orlando area. “I was the chaplain for three care facilities,” says Ivan. “During this time, I quickly discovered the value of using volunteers to supplement my ministry. One of the local Spanish churches became very involved in outreach at one of the centers.”

Juanita, a resident, suffered from severe osteoporosis and arthritis. “She was unable to move about easily,” says Ivan. “The children from the church dearly loved Juanita. They decided to raise the funds to purchase a motorized wheelchair for her. When they presented this unique gift, Juanita was overcome with joy.”

Following the events of 9/11, the

care center staff turned to Ivan for reassurance and comfort as the nation mourned the loss of life and the tragedy that had occurred.

In 2002, Ivan was asked to become the full-time chaplain at Florida Hospital Kissimmee.

Ivan began his work there May 10, 2002. On May 13 there was a major training accident in Orlando which killed two firefighters. “One of those firefighters also worked as a nurse at our hospital,” says Ivan. “Our staff was devastated. To this day, I can close my eyes and smell the burned flesh and hear the commotion in the room as the team struggled to save the life of one of their own.”

Crisis was once again the catalyst for Ivan to bond with those he ministered to. The hours of listening to and praying with staff built solid relationships. “After the accident, I was no longer the chaplain assigned by the administration to the hospital,” says Ivan. “The staff began to call me their chaplain. They would tell people that I had been through the tragedy with them. Our relationships remained strong for the next 15 years while I was there.”

Ivan says that he sees himself as a fellow traveler with his colleagues. “I am very much a relational person,” says Ivan. “I understand the lonliness a chaplain can feel. My role is to keep the chaplains in my area informed and connected with ACM-NAD. I also see my role as being the pastor to those chaplains. God has put a call on their lives, and I am here to help them develop that calling.”

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Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for

you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 New Living Translation

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CORRESPONDENTSEast-Central Africa Division (ECD) Magulilo Mwakalonge, ACM Directormwakalongem@ecd.adventist.org

Euro-Asia Division (ESD)Oleg Goncharov, ACM Directorogoncharov@esd.adventist.org

Inter-European Division (EUD)Marius Munteanu, ACM Directormunteanu@adventist.ro

Inter-American Division (IAD)Hiram Ruiz, ACM Directorruizhi@interamerica.org

North American Division (NAD)Paul S. Anderson, ACM Directorpaul.anderson@nad.adventist.org

Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD)Lisa Clouzet, ACM Directorclouzetl@andrews.edu

South American Division (SAD)Bruno Raso, ACM Directorbruno.raso@adventistas.org.br

South Pacific Division (SPD)Trafford Fischer, ACM Directortraffordfischer@adventist.org.au

Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID)Busi Khumalo, ACM Directorkhumalob@sid.adventist.org | Skype: handybusi

Southern Asia Division (SUD) To be determined

Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD)Houtman E. Sinaga, ACM Directorhesinaga@ssd.org

Trans-European Division (TED)Patrick Johnson, ACM Directorpjohnson@ted-adventist.org

West-Central Africa Division (WAD)N. John Enang, ACM Directornjenang@wad-adventist.org ornjenang2000@yahoo.co.uk

Executive Editor: Mario E. Ceballos

D.Min., BCC

Editor: Deena Bartel-Wagner acmeditor@gc.adventist.org

Layout and Design: Emily Harding HardingDesign

Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Mario Ceballos, Director/Endorser

Adv

en

tist Chaplaincy M

inistries

WO

RLD SERVICE ORGANIZATION

OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIS

TS

THE ADVENTIST CHAPLAIN is a quarterly publication of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM), the ecclesiastical endorsing agency of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church.

This journal is distributed worldwide to chaplains, church leaders, institutions, and others involved in chaplaincies. To be added to our mailing list, please visit our website at AdventistChaplains.org, or email ACMEditor@gc.adventist.org.

Comments and/or articles will be considered for publication. Contact the editor at acmeditor@gc.adventist.org. Include your full name, complete mailing address, telephone, e-mail address, and current digital photos with all submissions. Items submitted by mail will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped return envelope.

CONTACT US: Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, Adventist World Headquarters, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. Phone: 301-680-6780; fax: 301-680-6783; e-mail acm@gc.adventist.org; Website: AdventistChaplains.org.

Unless otherwise credited, all photos © BigStock 2016. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®.

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