A Journal for Seventh-day Adventists in Military and Public Service

ForGod &

Coun r yIssue 1

2016

By Mario Ceballos, D.Min., BCCDirector/EndorserWorld Service Organization

ContentsTable of 2 Perspective

4 Situational Ethics, The Golden Rule, and Core Values

8 An Interview with the World Service Organization Director

12 A Modern Day Nehemiah

16 With a Whole Heart

18 Before I Called

26 NSO-NAD Director’s Message

28 The Hug Lady of Ft. Hood

Ethics. What is ethics? “Ethics is a philosophical discipline pertaining to notions of good

and bad, right and wrong—our moral life in community. Bioethics is the application of ethics to the field of medicine and health care. Ethicists and bioethicists ask relevant questions more than provide sure and certain answers.”1

Systematic theology is the base of any moral standards and other doctrines. Such a bibliology2 also plays a part in determining ethical standards3. Postmodernism and its denial of an absolute true and moral standards has driven a wedge between ethics and theology. Ethics are the basis of God’s perfect character as demonstrated in the attributes of those that receive Jesus as her/his personal saviour. “The ethics inculcated by the gospel acknowledge

no standard but the perfection of God’s mind, God’s will. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole. Everyone who receives Christ as his personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes. This is the science of holiness.”4

Today, there is a decline in ethics. The reasons are many, and among them we have:Personal involvement leading

to profits by dishonesty and corruption.Personal weakness or apathy.Personal values of nothing other

than money.No need to feel personally

responsible for the conduct of others.No personal belief that corruption

is wrong.

WHAT IS ETHICS?

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P E R S P E C T I V E

Standards of behaviour based upon personal preference.As Christians and members of our

organizations, whether we are soldier, sailors, members of parliament, prime ministers, or presidents of a company or a country, it is paramount that we develop an ethical approach to life. Here are some things to consider:Willingness to changeActively practice and manage to

develop ethical behaviour into habitsConsistency of commitmentMaintain when no one is looking

and everyone else is compromisingPerseverance in midst of adversity or

prosperityPeriodic review by an accountability

partnerWe are in a unique position to

play an important role were we labor and work. We can positively impact the direction and mission of our institutions.

As Adventists and people of “the Book” (the Bible), our colleagues, subordinates, and leaders will see us as standard bearers in spirituality. Regardless of our position within the

institutions in which we serve, we must be knowledgeable in morality and impeccable in conduct. It is important for us to educate ourselves and expand our knowledge base in the field of ethics. To be able to to fulfill this very important role, we must prepare ourselves and continually strive to update our knowledge on the subject of theology and ethics. We do not need to be ministers, chaplains, or theologians to do so.

I encourage you not only to read the professional articles that you will find in the pages of our current issue, but to look for every opportunity to prepare yourselves to serve as the moral and ethical compass to those around you.

1 https://www.practicalbioethics.org/what-is-bioethics (Center for Practical Bioethics: guidance at the crossroads of Decisions)

2 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bibliology.

3 https://www.practicalbioethics.org/what-is-bioethics. Theological Basis of Ethics, Larry Pettegrew. The Master’s seminary Journal, 11/2 (Fall 2000) 139-153

4 E.G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume Seven (1906) Section Six Counsel to Burden Bearers. P. 277

Adventists serving in a uniformed service, and all veterans are encouraged to join the World Service Organization at AdventistsInUniform.org.

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By CDR John R. Logan, CHC, USNRegimental Chaplain6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Divi-sion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

&SITUATIONAL ETHICS

THE GOLDEN RULE CORE VALUES

4

people within their unit mistreat them, and at times even belittle them.

How many times have you heard leaders remark, “If you are going to get something done, you need to drop a few curse words so they know you mean business (or something to that effect). That is how you get things done.” It may get the job done, but there are more effective methods to give a directive and to hold those you task accountable.

It is disappointing for a young service member who dreamed his or

her entire life to join the military. This recruit makes it through boot camp and advanced training. Upon arrival at their first duty station, they are ultimately disappointed to see the moral leadership values they were taught in boot camp appear to be non-existent in their unit or workspace.

I have heard it said too many times by subordinates, “I respect the rank, but not the person.” Many feel that leading with fear and intimidation yields results to get the job done. It may appear to have the effect of meeting the unit’s tasks and objectives, but in the long run it can produce short-term results. Such an abrasive leadership style can also create hate, discontent, and loss of loyalty to the command and department.

A U.S. Army publication on Ethical Leadership noted that “researchers in the field of applied psychology define ethical leadership

E thics is defined as “the discipline in dealing with what is good and bad, with

moral duty and obligation.”1 Ethics is such a multifaceted subject that encompasses the individual and their environment. We regularly look at how the ethical constructs are demonstrated in our professional and personal duties. One key element is often overlooked and not taken into account–the Golden Rule. We have heard it mentioned, but in many instances, it is merely lip service.

The United States sea services teach recruits and officer candidates the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values prompt Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, (a.k.a Coasties) to obey the law through leading by example, respecting themselves and others, maintaining a high standard of integrity, supporting and defending the United States Constitution, as well as upholding the special trust, confidence, and honor of fellow service members, country, and family.

Core values also encourage us to achieve the highest degree of excellence in our respective organizations. In my countless conversations with junior service members, it has been said that maintaining a high operational tempo and work ethic within the organization is not difficult. What makes their jobs stressful and challenging is how

Core values also encourage us to achieve the highest degree of excellence in our

respective organizations

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“Leaders become credible and authentic as ethical role models by engaging in

ongoing behaviors that subordinates deem unselfish and ethically appropriate.”

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as the demonstration of appropriate conduct through personal actions and relationship and the promotion of such conduct to subordinates through two-way communication, reinforcement, and decision making.”2

Further discussion in the research also concluded that “leaders become credible and authentic as ethical role models by engaging in ongoing behaviors that subordinates deem unselfish and ethically appropriate. These behaviors include being honest, showing consideration for others, and treating people fairly and with respect.”3

One of the best ways to gauge whether or not you are living up to the ethical standards of the institution you serve is to follow the leadership example of Christ. In the book Ministry of Healing, E. G. White, spiritual leader and leading pioneer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, penned, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.”4

These words are the epitome of ethical leadership. As leaders we expect our subordinates to follow us and to carry out our directives. In order for us to have good followers we need to be good leaders and not good first impressionists. Rather we must be a noble leader overall, with a leadership style that exhibits the characteristics of the Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule can be found in a number of the world’s great religions–“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In the New Testament, Jesus was asked what was the “Greatest Commandment?”

He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”5

Most people, when they think about the Golden Rule, state the phrase “treating others the way you want to be treated.” I take it a step further, treat people better than how they treat you. I should learn from any ill fate I have experienced upon reporting to a new command or unit. My past misfortunes should help me to ensure that those same things do not happen to the new individuals reporting to the unit. A good work ethic should not only be concerned about morale, conduct, and actions within the unit, but it should include treating all fellow peers and colleagues in a manner that exemplifies Christ, and what humans crave–respect, acceptance, and appreciation. Such actions reciprocate within the work environment and beyond. Respect begets respect. Some are quick to point out what they would do in situations that would question their moral conscience and courses of action. In the end, the fair treatment and genuine respect and concern for those we serve and supervise can really give us a better outcome of meeting our goals and accomplishing the mission of our respective command, the way Jesus would want us to.

1 “Ethic.” Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed August 17, 2014. http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/ethic.

2 Christopher M. Barnes, Ph.D., and Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Doty, Ph.D., U.S. Army, What Does Contemporary Science Say About Ethical Leadership?, Military Review: The Army Ethic, pp.90

3 Ibid.4 Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Pacific Press,

pp. 1435 Matthew 22:36-40, New International Version

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In a recent interview with Dr. Mario Ceballos, the director of the World Service Organization and director/

endorser of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries–General Conference, he shared his passion for those who serve God while serving in positions of military and public service.

FGC: Describe your early contact with military service members and how this impacted you.

MEC: I enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1979 and completed basic training at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. From there I went to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas to receive training as a medic and a pharmacy technician. I then served as a pharmacy technician at Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas.

FGC: Why did you enlist in the Army?

MEC: I felt it was important to serve my adopted country. I was fortunate to become a United States citizen and I wanted to give something back. My military service as a medic

was a way to serve fellow humans in a positive way.

FGC: Did you encounter any difficulties with Sabbath-keeping while you were in the Army?

MEC: There are those in the Army who say, “Your soul may belong to God, but your body belongs to the U.S. Army.” I knew that chaplains were supposed to help with Sabbath accommodations. I had orders to be in charge of quarters (CQ) on Sabbath and to control who came in and out of my unit. I explained my problem to the chaplain and he used that quote about my body belonging to the Army.

FGC: How did you handle this response?

MEC: I was dejected because I thought the chaplain was there to help. I then went to my commanding officer. I explained that I was a Seventh-day Adventist and my desire to have Sabbaths free.

FGC: Was the commanding officer any more understanding?

An Interview with the WORLD SERVICE ORGANIZATION

DIRECTOR

8

how meaningful it is to have the ability to worship on Sabbath. That incident helped me to make my decision to go to seminary and train to become a pastor and a military chaplain.

FGC: In what other ways was your connection with the church important to you during your Army service?

MEC: There was a need for a Spanish congregation in the Fort Hood area. While I was there I helped to form the Spanish congregation in the nearby city of Killeen.

FGC: After your discharge, did

MEC: Yes, he told me that he understood because he was a former Adventist. He called in the first sergeant and explained who I was and that I could either exchange work days with other soldiers or pay them to cover my Sabbath hours. He also instructed that I should be notified when I was coming up for duty in sufficient time for me to make the necessary arrangements.

FGC: How did this impact you?

MEC: It was then that I realized that only others who were Sabbath-keepers could truly understand

WO

RLD SERVICE ORGANIZATION

OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIS

TS

MEDICAL CADET CORPSSeventh-day Adventist SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

ADVENTIST SERVICE CORPS

Dr. Mario Ceballos holds the rank of Commander in the United States Navy. He served for in the United States Armed forces for 32 years.

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you follow your decision to attend seminary?

MEC: Yes, I received an early discharge to attend the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. In the summer of 1982 I went to Berrien Springs, Michigan and enrolled.

FGC: Did that mean your military career was behind you?

MEC: No, in fact I immediately applied to become a chaplain candidate with the United States Navy. In one week I went from holding the rank U.S. Army Specialist 5 Sergeant to holding the rank of U.S. Navy Ensign as a Theological Student Program Officer. That position today is known as the Chaplain Candidate Program Officer. While in seminary, I completed my Basic Chaplain Course at the Navy Chaplains School in Newport, Rhode Island.

FGC: Did you return to active military duty following seminary?

MEC: I moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and began my ministry as a pastor, while serving in the Navy Reserves. I felt I had the best of both worlds by serving both as a pastor and a Navy Chaplain. Eventually, I served the church Texas and Massachusetts, as a pastor and associate youth director for the Texas Conference, and director of

church ministries for the Southern New England Conference, as an associate director of spiritual care and adjunct professor to the medical residency program at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida. I also served as vice-president of Spiritual Services and Missions and adjunct professor of Spirituality and Healing for the Kettering Adventist Health Care and Kettering College of Medical Arts in Ohio.

FGC: Where were your assignments with the Navy?

MEC: I was assigned to a submarine base in New London, Connecticut, with the Marine Expeditionary Forces at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina, with the 2nd Marine Air Wing, and as a Casualty Assistance Call Officer during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom at the Navy Operation Support Center at Andrews Air Force Base. During

As WSO Director, Ceballos believes that Adventists must follow their conscience in terms of military service and supports that those members receive spiritual support from their church.

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Operation Enduring Freedom I was mobilized for eight months to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. My role there was to support Navy officers and the enlisted who were deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. On a monthly basis we had 3000 sailors going through our facility.

FGC: How does your background impact your role as the director of the World Service Organization?

MEC: When I was a young Army recruit and later as a chaplain, I had contact with the National Service Organization. Often the major entertainment that new recruits are enticed to join include smoking drinking, and other activities. One of the most helpful things to me when I was in the Army was having a place to go on Friday nights and Sabbath. The Adventist Serviceman’s Center in San Antonio was a refuge on the weekends. It connected me with my church and provided interaction with other Adventists, which was very important.

FGC: Describe the role that you see the World Service Organization playing for Adventists who serve in the military and other public service.

MEC: The Seventh-day Adventist Church advocates non-combatancy status, but the individual is allowed to follow their conscience. The church will provide religious support to members, regardless of their choice of combatant, non-combatant, or pacifist.

One way the Adventist church provides support to all of these individuals is through programs such as the Medical Cadet Corps

(MCC) and the Adventist Service Corps (ASC). Since the mid-1970’s, the MCC has only been active in limited areas. Plans are currently being laid to reactivate the program. The MCC program will provide training that will prepare men and women who may consider military service. It will educate them on what to expect if they serve in the military.

The Adventist Service Corps is a new program that will provide an alternative to military service for those who want to serve their country, but not in a military capacity. Those who join ASC will be prepared to serve their local communities and beyond through programs such as disaster response, search and rescue, and other beneficial options.

FGC: Are these programs designed only for North America?

MEC: No. Both MCC and ASC are being organized for use by the Adventist church worldwide. Each world region will coordinate with national governments within their territory for recognition of these programs. Many countries have voluntary military service, but there are still some that use conscription.

FGC: Why are these programs important now?

MEC: As a world church, we must be prepared in the final days of earth’s history. The Bible tells us that violence and conflicts will increase. The MCC and ASC programs will groom Adventist youth to serve in practical ways to serve their God, fellow citizens, and nation.

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By John Wamwara, ICRC Legal Officer with Deena Bartel-Wagner

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A s Christians when we entrust our lives to God, He often leads in ways we could never

imagine. John Wamwara attests to this in his life experience.

“I was born into a Catholic family in the Kendu Bay region of western Kenya,” says John. “Life was difficult, but my faith and church were important. I had a lot of respect for the priests I knew. I saw them as men of God and this gave me much hope. As a child, I thought I wanted to be a priest when I grew up.”

Many of the John’s neighbors were

A MODERN DAY NEHEMIAH

Seventh-day Adventists. “My best friend was an Adventist,” says John. “We often had many discussions about our beliefs and what the Bible said about them.” Then John had the opportunity to hear a Seventh-day Adventist evangelist speak to a group of students. “I was touched by his understanding of the word of God,” says John. “My greatest desire was to know the Bible like this man.”

THE ANSWER IS NOAs John’s yearning for biblical

knowledge grew, he was also impressed

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John. “This worked well for two years. Then everything changed.”

The school was assigned a new principal, a former Adventist, who didn’t want to hear anything about Adventist students or Adventism. His response was to increase class time and exams, especially on Saturdays.

“Our group decided that we would go to the chapel and worship instead of attending class,” says John. “We were punished severely. I was called into the principal’s office and had to face a disciplinary committee. I wanted to tell them that you cannot fight God, but there was time for that as they meted out uncountable lashes of canes.”

John’s faithfulness was rewarded when his mother told him that she was joining a baptismal class. “This came as a surprise to me since she had commanded me to never share my convictions with her. My mother told me that she had watched how I lived my life and that convinced her that I had found something different,” says John. “Four months after my baptism my twin sister and four of my cousins also were baptized.”

HELPING THOSE WHO ARE WITHOUT HELP

A turning point for John’s life work came when he witnessed an act of a person in a position of trust. “This man was a leader in a heavily poverty stricken area,” says John. “He

that he needed to begin attending the Adventist church, but his mother was opposed to the idea. “When I told my mother that I wanted to attend the Adventist church on Saturday, her answer was firm. I could not go because she needed me to work on the farm,” says John.

John’s family depended on the subsistence farming and the food they were able to grow. With school and other responsibilities, the only time John had to help in the garden was on Saturday.

“The following Friday I asked my mother again if I could attend,” says John. “The answer was the same. I had to be in the field on Saturday morning.”

John was determined that he would eventually keep the Sabbath. The third week John approached his mother again. He was surprised and pleased with her answer. “She told me that I would have to work in the field until 9:30 and then I could attend church,” says John.

Eventually, John was able to find ways to work in the field and have Sabbaths for worship and church attendance. His desire to become a pastor grew and he began teaching Sabbath School.

John knew that learning to speak English was going to be an important factor in obtaining higher education. “I obtained a copy of the Good News Bible and taught myself to speak English by reading the Bible,” says John.

TESTED CONVICTIONSAs John’s education progressed,

he found that he had to stand for his Sabbath convictions. “When I was in secondary school, there was a small group at my school who insisted on having time to worship. We had to read our lessons until 10:30 and then we were dismissed and could attend church,” says

“MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD WATCHED

HOW I LIVED MY LIFE AND THAT CONVINCED

HER THAT I HAD FOUND SOMETHING DIFFERENT”

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was dishonest with the money that individuals sacrificed to donate. They were denying themselves to be faithful to God’s instruction on stewardship.” The seeds of wanting to help the disadvantaged began to sprout and John considered how he could best help others.

John realized that there are many ways to serve God and fellow humans–not just in pastoral ministry. As he considered his options, he was drawn to the law. “In my country, being the first born son carries many responsibilities,” says John. “My family was eager for me to study medicine and this was the surest way to secure employment after graduation.”

John knew that God was speaking to him about making a difference in people’s lives through the use of legal means. He chose to study the law in spite of his family’s wishes.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING ON CAMPUSDuring his university attendance

John became heavily involved in campus ministry. He saw this as an opportunity to continue to enhance his leadership skills and gain experience in serving others.

“I was ordained as a local elder of the University of Nairobi Seventh-day

Adventist Church,” says John. “I was subsequently elected as the president of a nationwide Adventist student organization. The Adventist students in the universities throughout Kenya organized the Kenya University and Colleges Adventist Student Association (KUCASA). The organization promotes unity among the students and encourages them to stay connected with fellow Adventists and their church family.”

KUCASA hosts regional events across the nation, with groups meeting on Kenya’s coast, and in the eastern and western portions of the country. “Students often can’t afford to travel far and the regional events allow them to meet more often,” says John. A biennial East Central Africa retreat draws 20,000+ students for fellowship, spiritual renewal, and re-commitment to their calling as Christians.

One such event tested John’s leadership skills and ingenuity. “We attended the 2007 event in Rwanda and were ready to return home,” says John. “This coincided with Kenya’s post-election violence. Travelling by road, from Rwanda, we had to travel through Uganda. At the height of the violence, the border between Kenya and Uganda was closed and the students and I were stranded for 21 days.”

John was able to work with the Ugandan Red Cross and Uganda Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists to secure blankets, food, and shelter for the students. “It was an amazing time together,” says John. “While tribal animosities festered back home, the tribal lines disappeared among the students and we had a common goal of survival until we could return to our home. And thankfully, every one of us made it back to our homes safely.”

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FINDING THE LAWDuring his studies at university, John

enrolled in an international law course. “I had the opportunity to participate in a competition sponsored by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). “Annually, the ICRC hosts the All Africa Moot Court on international humanitarian law,” says John. “I was fortunate to be chosen to participate and during my first competition, I knew that this was the kind of law I was called to practice.”

The purpose of the ICRC’s All Africa Moot Court Competition is to expose law students to international humanitarian law (the law that is applicable during armed conflicts). During the All Africa Moot competition, students attend training courses and then participate in problem-solving scenarios.

After John’s participation and an internship with the ICRC, he was awarded a scholarship to train at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Following his graduation, he joined the ICRC as a legal officer based in Nairobi.

John’s work as a ICRC legal officer

includes his engagement with the governments of Kenya and Tanzania. “I work with them to implement international legal instruments on the law of armed conflict, help them engage bilaterally with other governments, and promote the UN Arms Trade Treaty.”

As legal officer with the ICRC, John found himself back to the Moot Court Competition that helped shape his career. “I have been the coordinator for the All Africa Moot Court Competition on IHL since 2013,” says John. “My work included coordinating the eight days of training with cases focusing on armed international conflicts. Students received instruction in the morning and argued their cases in the afternoon.”

John plans to continue his training at Emory University where he will study to earn a PhD in Law and Religion. For those who have no voice, for those who face inhumane treatment, for those refugees and internally displaced people, John Wamwara, wants to be their voice and presence. This modern day Nehemiah serves his God and his nation through the legal system.

By Caleb Oyugi, Kenya Defence Forces with Deena Bartel-Wagner

When I finished high school, I learned that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were recruiting

new soldiers,” says Caleb Oyugi. “I didn’t have money to continue my education and I needed a job.”

After visiting the district headquarters, Caleb chose to enlist. He completed his basic training and soon the military became his career. In just two years he was promoted to Senior Sergeant. Today, as a missile technician, Caleb leads a crew, as they fulfill their obligations to their nation. “I am accountable for my soldiers,” says Caleb. “This includes their general welfare and morale, but it also includes the welfare of my soldiers’ families.” Most of his soldiers range in ages from 18- 26 years of age. Typically, the soldiers serve a nine-year enlistment.

Caleb also oversees the accessibility of the troops’ equipment and the

serviceability of it. The troops can’t patrol and protect with non-working equipment, which puts their lives and those of fellow Kenyans at risk.

The KDF do serve as peacekeepers in other African nations. Most recently, Caleb served in Southern Sudan in 2010.“One of our primary roles is to protect our country from external forces,” says Caleb. “Outside groups threaten the peace in Kenya.” Kenya is in a volatile region on the continent. As the conflicts have percolated, the threat has spilled across Kenya’s borders. This is evidenced by events that have been increasing since the 1998 United States Embassy attack. The growing threat of from the militant group al-Shabaab has been increasing since 2011. On September 21, 2013 the group staged an attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, killing at least 67 individuals. Kenyans were

Soldiers patrol in Somalia, checking for IEDs.

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WITH HIS WHOLE HEART

devastated two years later by the attack at Garissa University College where 148 individuals died. Most recently, KDF soldiers were overrun at their base in El-Adde in the Gedo region of Somalia.

Caleb has had his own encounter with al-Shabaab. “The morning of June 15, 2015 I was going about my normal duties,” says Caleb. “We were in Baure, located in Lamu County of Kenya.”

The surprise attack on the military camp began at 5:45 am on Sunday morning. “There were some stressful moments during the attack,” says Caleb. “Ultimately, the KDF forces were able to fend off the militants.”

Caleb was severely injured during the attack. “I suffered six gunshot wounds,” says Caleb. “Two were in my left chest, two in my back, one in my right leg and one in my left thigh.” Fortunately, Caleb has recovered from his injuries.

Although life as a soldier places Caleb in dangerous situations, he has peace that God is a part of his life. His faith made him strong as he

recovered from his wounds. Caleb serves as an elder in his home church–Gilgil Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Gilgil, Kenya.

Caleb’s connection with God buoys him as he ministers to his fellow soldiers and their families. In Hebrew, the name Caleb is actually a compound of the words all or whole and heart–or wholehearted. For Caleb Oyugi, he lives up to the meaning of his name as he approaches his daily work and his spiritual life with wholeheartedness.

A squad of Kenyan Defense Forces, trained in peacekeeping operations.

Commons.Wikimedia.org, photograher: Staff Sgt. Shejal Pulivarti 17

ALTHOUGH LIFE AS A SOLDIER

PLACES CALEB IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS, HE

HAS PEACE THAT GOD IS A PART

OF HIS LIFE.

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BEFORE I CALLED By Bob Santini, World

War II veteran, with Deena Bartel-Wagner

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I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go

ahead and answer their prayers!” Bob Santini doesn’t take these words from Isaiah 65:24 lightly. Throughout Bob’s life, God has intervened in ways that were answers to unspoken and spoken prayers.

“I was a student at Madison College, completing my nursing training,” says Bob. “During this stressful and hectic time, I became seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital to convalesce.”

This could have proved to be a serious setback for Bob’s graduation plans, but a fellow student was persistent in helping Bob to study and prepare for the final exams. “One of my classmates came to my room and told me she was impressed that she should help me drill with questions daily to prepare for exam week,” says Bob. “She came faithfully and helped me prepare to sit for the tests.”

Discharged on Sunday, Bob was present and accounted for on Monday as the testing session began. “I was so weak from my illness that my friends had to practically carry me out of the hospital,” says Bob. “I took the nursing exams on Monday and Tuesday, followed by college exams on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I owe my degree to God and that classmate who was determined that I would finish.”

Events moved rapidly with graduation and Bob’s marriage to Dottie. In September 25, 1942, Bob was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. “My friend Orvin Thompson and about a dozen other Adventists were inducted at the same time,” says Bob. “I was inducted as a Registered Nurse. One of my fellow students from college was a

Lieutenant who we reported too.”Bob was relieved during basic

training that he faced no difficulties in obtaining passes to attend church services on Sabbath. “After basic training, Orvin and I were initially assigned to the Barrage Balloon Battalion at Camp Tyson in Tennessee,” says Bob.

BEFORE THEY CALLBob knew that he needed to clarify

his belief about the Sabbath with his sergeant. “I learned before entering the Army that you should say ‘I can’t’ rather than ‘I won’t,’” says Bob. “When we approached the sergeant, Orvin and I told him that we couldn’t perform the required duties because it was our Sabbath. The sergeant took us to the captain and we were told to get to work.”

When Bob again explained their

“When we approached the sergeant Orvin and I told him that we couldn’t perform the required duties because it was our Sabbath,”

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stance, he and Orvin were sent to the chapel and confined there until lights out. “We missed the noon and evening meals because of our confinement, but we had kept the Sabbath,” says Bob.

The next morning the captain questioned them again about their refusal. “I again explained our beliefs,” says Bob. “The captain told us that we would face a court martial for disobeying a direct order. I knew there was Army protocol that had to be followed for this to happen.”

The captain had to give the direct order to the men in front of two witnesses. He called the ranking enlisted soldier and gave the order. The captain then asked if the two men understood the order they had been given. Bob and Orvin affirmed that they understood the order. “The captain then asked if we would obey the order,” says Bob. “Together we stated that we could not obey the order.”

A day or two later Bob remembered that the Adventist church provided assistance for those who were serving in the military and facing Sabbath issues. Bob called the General Conference and was told he should meet with the chaplain who was assigned to his unit.

“We were able to meet with the chaplain,” says Bob. “He told us that he didn’t agree with our theology, but

he did believe in our right to observe our Sabbath.”

I WILL ANSWERAn Adventist-owned hospital in

the town of Greenville, Tennessee became the deciding factor for the outcome to Bob and Orvin’s looming court martial. “The chaplain made an appointment with the general to discuss our situation,” says Bob. “The day of the appointment we went to the office and were instructed to wait outside while the chaplain spoke with the general.”

A colonel who was a friend of the general happened to be visiting that day. “When the chaplain went into the office, I could hear the conversation because the door had been left open,” says Bob. “The general asked what he could do for the chaplain. The chaplain then told him that there were two Seventh-day Adventists who would rather face a court-martial than violate their conscience,” says Bob.

Then the unexpected happened. “General, I know something about Adventists,” said the colonel. “I was invited to one of their hospitals in Greenville where they have a Medical Cadets Corps.” The colonel continued to describe the program and gave high praise for the Adventists whom he had met. Once he was finished, the general turned to the chaplain and said, “I’ll take care of it, padre.”

The next morning Bob and Orvin were ordered to report to the captain’s office. “Your court-martial has been cancelled,” the captain angrily informed the men. “You two are never going to amount to anything. I’m going to get rid of you as soon as I can.”

One problem had been solved, but there were others that would follow. “When the arms drill was scheduled,

A day or two later Bob remembered that the Adventist Church provided assistance for those who were serving in the military and facing Sabbath issues.

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the sergeant reminded the captain that Orvin and I were conscientious objectors and that we didn’t carry weapons,” says Bob. “We were immediately assigned KP duty. When we arrived at the mess, the sergeant was grumpy and told us that 250 men ate in there. He wanted the dishes squeaky clean.”

What the sergeant didn’t know was that Bob and Orvin had worked in the Madison Hospital kitchen while they were in school. They knew the drill and were good at it. “Within two to three days the mess sergeant was complimenting us. At the end of two weeks, he wanted to know if we would like to be assigned to KP duty permanently,” says Bob. “I thought that was a pretty good deal. I would be on duty 24 hours and off duty 24 hours. This would be enough time for me to get leave to go and visit Dottie. When the mess sergeant went to the captain, he was told, ‘I gave these two to KP duty as punishment. Now you want to promote them?’”

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CONTINUED DISCRIMINATIONWith a transfer to Camp Polk,

Bob faced increased discrimination. “As conscientious objectors, we were unwelcomed,” says Bob. “Even though I was a registered nurse I was assigned to scrub floors. I was refused permission to attend church, and only received it when a sympathetic captain intervened with a comment.”

Bob was finally assigned to a dental unit and was advised by one of the dentists that he needed to get out of Camp Polk. “Write anyone you know, just don’t write anyone in the government,” he told Bob.

Bob knew that the president of the American Nurses Association had made a speech about the 1,000+ male nurses who were serving in the military, but most weren’t doing medical care. In spite of this fact, appeals were constantly being made for additional nurses. “I decided that I would write to her,” says Bob. “My heart sunk when I read her return letter. She wrote, ‘I took the liberty of sending a copy of your letter to a

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personal friend of mine–the Director of the Army Nurses Corps.” What would this mean for Bob?

Two weeks later, the dispensary phone rang. “Santini, the general wants to talk to you.” Bob held the phone to is ear. “Santini, who are you? Why should I be getting orders to transfer you to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Colorado?”

Little did Bob know that the office staff continued to create problems for him. “When I arrived at Fitzsimmons, I was asked where I’d been for the past two weeks. The MPs were looking for me,” says Bob. “Someone had give a different arrival date to Fitzsimmons than what was entered on my travel orders. I also learned that promotions had been withheld. I went from being a private to a corporal in a heartbeat.”

A NEW SURGERYBob always made it a point to learn

where all surgical supplies were stored. “This enabled me be able to respond quickly when a need arose,” says Bob. “During the first surgery I observed at Fitzsimmons, I immediately recognized the procedure. As I looked at the surgical tray I realized the

necessary instruments were missing. I immediately went to get the sterile package that would be needed.”

The surgeon wasn’t expecting such efficiency. “Two days later the head nurse told me I was to be put in charge of Unit 4,” says Bob. “The doctor who oversaw that unit was a pleasure to work with. He was also friends with the colonel. One day the colonel told me that he’d heard good reports about my work and that I’d be up for a promotion.”

WE’RE SHIPPING OUTBob knew that it would just be a

matter of time before he would be sent overseas. When he boarded the Queen Elizabeth troop transport ship, he proudly wore the stripes of a staff sergeant. “During our transit across the Atlantic Ocean, the ship had to change it’s course by 90 degrees every seven minutes,” says Bob. “This was to avoid the threat of the German submarines and their torpedoes.”

Although home port for the Queen Elizabeth was Southampton, England, it was too dangerous to dock there. “We docked in Scotland and boarded troop trains. Our train was diverted to the 55th Field Hospital at RAF Burtonwood,” says Bob. “It was also known as Base Air Depot 1 (BAD1) and was the largest airfield in Europe during the war. There were 18,000 men stationed there. During the Berlin Airlift, the supplies were flown out of this airbase.”

The months flew by as Bob served

“One day the colonel told me that he’d heard good reports about my work and that I’d be up for a promotion.”

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at Burtonwood. One day he received a dreadful message. Bob, if you want to see your wife alive, you better come now. “The Battle of the Bulge was in full swing when I requested leave,” says Bob. “The request went up the line all the way to General Eisenhower’s office and was denied.”

Bob didn’t know what to do next. “My sergeant recommended that put I request a dependency discharge,” says Bob. “I did that and received orders to report to Stone, England. If your received orders to Stone, you knew you were going home. I was discharged on May 28, 1945. The field hospital staff wasn’t sent home until one and a half to two years later.”

MISSION SERVICE  AND BEYOND

Bob’s service for others didn’t end with his time in the military. “While I in the Army, the General Conference inquired whether Dottie and I would consider a mission call,” says Bob.

Although their first call to Alaska didn’t materialize, Bob and Dottie eventually served at the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria from 1947-1953. In primitive conditions, Bob labored

alongside the surgeon to treat the people of the region.

One of the most memorable surgeries was on a middle-aged man who had 18 inches of gangrenous bowel. “The surgeon said to me, ‘Bob, if I cut on this man, he will die. If I don’t cut on this man, he will die,” recalls Bob. “As he said that, I remembered a casual conversation about hydrotherapy that I’d had with someone a week earlier. I asked the surgeon, ‘What would some hydrotherapy do for this man?’”

The two men decided to apply hot pack on the gangrenous section of the bowel. “After four minutes, little specks began to appear among the black of the gangrene,” says Bob. “We continued with the hot packs for fours hours. At the end of that time, the man was saved and the bowel was restored to complete health.”

Bob Santini has witnessed God’s faithfulness in his life. A court-martial avoided, promotions given in spite of opposition, letters redirected, diseased tissue restored to full health. In spite of the hardships and ridicule that he experienced, Bob would steer the same course and stand firm on matters of faith and conscience.

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N A D U P D A T E S

This is my first time writing in For God and Country as the Director of the National Service

Organization 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 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.

Greetings FRIENDS,

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KEEP DREAMING.

My friend, Wintley Phipps, recorded a song called 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.

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N A D U P D A T E S

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 as 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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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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N A D U P D A T E S

The HUG LADY of FT. HOOD

By William CorkAssistant Director, Great Plains Region

Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries

She was the best-loved woman at Fort Hood, known by most simply as “The Hug Lady.” Elizabeth

Laird started hugging soldiers in 2003, and hugged at least a half million soldiers before she died on December 24, 2015, at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen, Texas.

I met her in the Spring of 2013, when one of the Apache companies in my National Guard Combat Aviation Brigade deployed to Afghanistan. I had heard about her from soldiers who looked forward to seeing her. Their deployments were counted in the number of hugs she had given them.

Though I was not deploying, Elizabeth gave me a hug anyway. That’s when I noticed something familiar underneath the well-worn Bible she always carried—some Adventist tracts. I asked, “Are you an Adventist?” She looked a little

surprised, and acknowledged she was. I identified myself, and pointed to the familiar titles. And then we sat and got acquainted.

She was born Elizabeth Waldron on January 15, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama. After high school, Elizabeth served in the U.S. Air Force as a cook. She married a Marine, Harry Dewees, and had four children: Richard, Linda, David, and Susan. She was trained in computer programming, and was one of the first female programmers in the Department of Defense.

Elizabeth later married Ray Laird, and they moved to Copperas Cove, Texas. Ray had two children, Rhonda and David Laird. After her retirement from the government, Elizabeth and Ray ran a tax preparation business together. They were members of the Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church in Temple, Texas, where Richard Harbour, a retired Navy chaplain, was their pastor.

When Operation Iraqi Freedom began, Elizabeth was volunteering with the Salvation Army, greeting soldiers as they left and when they returned. After a meeting with III Corps Command Sergeant Major William Gainey, the handshakes

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turned to hugs, and she had verbal orders (and a written Memorandum of Agreement) to hug every service member passing through the deployment center at Robert Gray Army Airfield.

A week after the first hug, I was back. This time I was deploying, and my soldiers and I went through her receiving line, each bending over to get her hug, and a kind word. Nine months later, when we returned from Kuwait, Elizabeth was there. Just as she was for every flight, no matter the time, day or night. When she could no longer drive, she had a friend take her. When no friend could take her, she took a cab. She had to be there for one person only—to show her love for every soldier.

And the soldiers felt it. Soldiers of all faiths and of none welcomed her embrace, and experienced her unconditional love. Last fall, I was at Metroplex Hospital to visit the chaplains, and I visited her. I was one in a long stream of visitors. There was a sign at the door that said to check at the nurse’s station first, that she was too tired. But Elizabeth, and a friend who was with her, said they paid no attention

to it. Elizabeth added, “But they have to take a tract with them!” And she directed me to the windowsill where, between the flowers, were tracts on the Sabbath and the Second Coming.

I saw Elizabeth, a few weeks later, in a nursing home, where I met her son, Rick Dewees, and some of her grandchildren. I gave her our National Service Organization challenge coin, in appreciation for her work. Her voice was weak, but she insisted that I stay. And when, a half hour later I prayed for her and turned to go, she reached out her arms and said, “Don’t you want a hug?”

Pastor Harbour preached at her funeral, which was attended by Texas’ First Lady, Cecilia Abbott, and by civic leaders of the Killeen community and garrison and III Corps leaders from Fort Hood. Her casket was covered in a U.S. flag, because of her veteran status, and adorned with the bow that she wore in her hair. Beneath it, the fur topped boots that she wore throughout the year. The soldiers present knew only her unconditional love—Pastor Harbour made explicit the hope in the return of Jesus that burned with in her heart.

Survivors include her sons, Richard Curtis Dewees and his wife, Karen, of Copperas Cove, David Randall Dewees and his wife, Cindy, of Lake Charles, La.; daughter, Susan Marie Dewees Taylor and her husband, Steve, of Heflin, Ala.; stepson, David Allen Laird of Canyonville, Ore.; stepdaughter, Rhonda Radine Schweinbold of Jacksonville, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

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on’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each

other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. – ROMANS 12:9-10 NLT

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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 Directormarius.munteanu@eud.org

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

North American Division (NAD)Paul S. Anderson, ACM Directorpaulanderson@nadadventist.org

Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) Ron Clouzet, ACM Director rclouzet@nsdadventist.org

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 Director khumalob@sid.adventist.org | Skype: handybusi

Southern Asia Division (SUD)Mohan Bhatti, ACM Directormmbhatti@rediffmail.com

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

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

West-Central Africa Division (WAD) N. John Enang, ACM Director njenang@wad-adventist.org or njenang2000@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

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tist Chaplaincy M

inistries

MEDICAL CADET CORPSSeventh-day Adventist SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

ADVENTIST SERVICE CORPS

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY is published by the World Service Organization (WSO), a chapter of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM). It is mailed free of charge to Seventh-day Adventists who are involved in military and public service. Digital copies can be downloaded from AdventistsInUniform.org.

To be added to the mailing list, e-mail the editor or call 301-680-6785. Comments and/or articles are welcome and should be sent to 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 World Headquarters National Service Organization/ACM, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. Phone: 301-680-6785; e-mail acm@gc.adventist.org; URL: http://AdventistsInUniform.org.

The National Service Organization is the official military-relations office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its primary mission is to provide pastoral care and religious resources to support the spiritual well-being of Seventh-day Adventist military-related personnel.

Unless otherwise credited, all photos © BigStock 2015. 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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