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It's worth remembering that Trump has something like 20-30% of registered Republicans, which is something like 6-8% of the American population as a whole. It's tempting to get caught up in the media hype, but he represents a rump of angry, scared people who have chosen, through the media they consume, to be angry and scared. He represents the worst of America, but don't get sucked in to believing that he represents America, a generous country with a great heart. I remain confident that he will wash out early in the actual Primary process, and that he will not be the candidate.

And here is the place you can do that!: Makers of custom Monopoly games

Funny how we make assumptions about people not based on reality then judge them for the fantasy in our own mind! How many times I've seen it! Only certain people show up regularly for "prayer" meeting then condemn those who don't come. God forbid they should spend some time in prayer to see why people aren't coming. Betcha anything God isn't there cause the regulars aren't seeking Him anymore than the Pharisees wanted Christ. Then there is the assumption everyone who steps foot in church has the intimate relationship with Christ the disciples did! People often come looking for Him and are repelled. Real Christlike that! And the assumption that people should endure persecution in the church! I've never seen it in my bible! In fact, the bible is very clear! Very clear! Quote: If they persecute you in one place, GET UP AND LEAVE unquote. Jesus practiced that til it was time for Him to die. Isaac practiced that as told in the OT. I'm sure we'd find more stories if we were inclined to follow scripture rather than traditions. Traditions where we are the ones who look good based on the criteria we invented and can follow. smh Oh, and Jesus was persecuted by the church of His day. The right church keeping the right day, but was also, strangely, in love with the wrong god, the one that loves to judge, condemn and persecute!

yes ..Thank you! The oppressed and the marginalized have always found comfort in JESUS Now many gay people are figuring that out too in droves! Jesus is not found in the laws and rules declared by people lording over others (or trying to), using the Holy Scriptures wrongly against gays. if any soul feels alone or persecuted or misunderstood or rejected- Jesus is there..loving u TeresaQ, I am glad you saw this and told me your appreciation May the Joy of the Lord be your Strength!

someone ought to come up with an "Adventist Monopoly" game... "Go to Jail" could be "Go before the Church Board"... "Park Place and Boardwalk" could be the GC and NAD "Luxury Tax" could be "Tithe and Offerings" There could be Mission Trips and building churches and hospitals.. "Chance" could be "Church Potlucks"... "Community Chest" could be related to SDA education.. and more.....

I know the battle is not over,, but well done Kevin Boonstra. https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/docs/newsroom/TWU-reasons.pdf

 Do Not Be Afraid The time and culture of Jesus' birth was not unlike the world in which we live today. For that matter, it was just like any generation or era in history. The specific people, land and culture to which Jesus came was a world permeated with fear at almost every level. The Jews were an occupied people. They suffered under grinding poverty and heavy taxation. There was a huge gap between the rich and the poor. Life expectancy, particularly among the poor, is estimated to have been in the mid-30s to early-40s. Fear is a part of what it means to be human. It's a common and normal emotional reaction. • We have fears that we will live so long that our money will expire before we do. • We have fears that we will die and be unable to take care of our family. • We have fears that we will be unemployed and our family will suffer. • We have fears that we, or someone we love, will be a victim of crime. • We fear this world, with its hatred and terrorism, with its warfare and violence. • We fear diseases—we fear the announcement of a terminal disease in our lives and that of our loved ones. • We fear that those we love will not love us in return. • We fear getting old and lonely. • We fear the dark places of this world—and there are many of them. • And of course we fear death—the final enemy. As Luke begins the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus we are told not to be afraid. Do Not Be Afraid begins as a comforting message before Jesus' birth and continues with the events surrounding his birth. As Matthew records, the Gospels end with an angel saying to the women at the tomb, after Jesus was raised, Do Not Be Afraid…he is not here, he is risen (Matthew 28:5-6, my emphasis). In Luke 1:13 Zechariah, who would become the father of John the Baptist, is told not to be afraid. In effect the angel said: "You and your wife Elizabeth are past it—you are old, but so were Abraham and Sarah. Even though you are humanly incapable of birthing a child, by his grace, God will give you a child. Do Not Be Afraid. Nothing is impossible with God." In Luke 1:30 Mary, a young teenage girl, one of the most unlikely candidates to be the mother of the Son of God, is told not to be afraid. In effect the angel said: "Mary—you have found favor with God. God is giving you his grace in the midst of your fear. He is changing your life forever. He is rearranging your priorities, so that new life will miraculously be given to you. Do Not Be Afraid. Nothing is impossible with God." In Luke 2:10 the shepherds were told not to be afraid, as they watched a staggering display of the glory of God. In Luke 2:14 we read that a great company of the heavenly host sang, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." In effect, the angel said to the shepherds: "I'm bringing you incredible news! Your lives are going to be changed, so Do Not Be Afraid. No one would ever think that you deserve to hear this news, and no one would ever imagine that you deserve exclusive, front row, VIP tickets to this heavenly choir singing about this earthshaking event of Jesus' birth—but that's the way God has chosen to orchestrate all of this. You don't deserve it, and that's just the point. God is giving you his peace, and his favor—his grace—rests on you. It's all completely undeserved." Why did God choose to make this announcement to these shepherds? Shepherds were among the lowest of the low in that society and culture. Because they continuously moved their sheep and therefore lived for months at a time apart from any human contact, with no supervision, shepherds were often accused of stealing. Religious Jews didn't buy milk, wool or sheep directly from shepherds because they assumed it could be stolen property. Shepherds were not allowed, by Jewish law, to hold a judicial office or to give testimony in a court of law. Society at that time felt that shepherds could not be trusted. Shepherds at that time ere viewed omewhat like our society might view a homeless person—or an illegal alien, felon or ex-convict. Shepherds were the lowest of the low and the poorest of the poor. Needless to say, no one would have thought that the very first people (outside of Joseph and Mary) who would receive the announcement of the birth of Jesus would be shepherds. How did they deserve such an honor? Well, of course they didn't. And that's just the point. The message to Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds was Do Not Be Afraid. Do Not Be Afraid is a part of the central proclamation of the birth of Jesus, because the birth of Jesus changed everything. The birth of Jesus (and his life, teachings, death and resurrection) turned society and religion upside down. So in the context of the massive upheaval that Jesus' birth introduced, the message was Do Not Be Afraid. And that's still the message for you and me today. Christmas is a reminder that God made peace for us by making waves in the world into which he was born. God favors us with his peace, but Christmas reminds us that his peace disturbs our culture's status quo. The birth of Jesus changes everything! Christmas is a symbol of our lives being turned upside down, so that they can be right-side-up. Births change lives, don't they? When a couple is first married, they typically begin their married lives alone, without a child. If and when they are blessed to be able to bring a child into their home, they often say "what did we do with our time and our lives before this child? What were our interests? What did we think about and talk about?" A birth has a way of completely re-orienting, re-ordering and transforming our lives. Births signify an upheaval of the status quo. But even though Jesus' birth is a life-changing event for us, we are told not to be afraid. We are told not to be afraid because Jesus will change our lives for the better—forever—he will take us from this earthly world of fear and frustration to God's heavenly eternity of grace and peace. So, Do Not Be Afraid, for, as the shepherds were told in Luke 2:11: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Do Not Be Afraid. Jesus was born so that we might be spiritually reborn. Because of him our lives can be completely transformed. This birth we celebrate was the time when heaven touched our earth in the person of Jesus—the Savior—the healer. Do Not Be Afraid. Christmas means that in one bold cosmic stroke, one breathtaking act of love, God blessed this earth with his presence. In the incredible miracle of the incarnation, God in the person of Jesus becoming one of us, God brought his heaven and his earth together, welding them together in the person of Jesus. Do Not Be Afraid. God has determined not to remain safe and secure in the heavens, but to descend to his creation, out of his love, becoming a human being. God is stepping out of his own safety and security to bring us his rest and peace. Do Not Be Afraid. God has come, in the person of Jesus, to exalt you. God has come not so that we might serve him, but so that he might serve us. In the person of Jesus God has come, becoming poor so that we might become rich. Do Not Be Afraid. In the person of Jesus God has come to you, filling this world with his love, so that humans might see and know of his love, so that in Jesus his love might be fully revealed and known and so that humans in turn might be drawn to him. Do Not Be Afraid. "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born…" —Luke 2:11 Today. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Right now! Do Not Be Afraid. Help is not just on the way in the person of Jesus—help is here. Jesus has arrived. He is here —NOW. He will never leave. As Jesus told his disciples, in the last words recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"—Matthew 28:20 Do Not Be Afraid of your earthly circumstances. God's grace, exemplified by the birth of Jesus is not simply a one-time heavenly bail-out. God's grace is not merely a temporary spiritual loan to help us get on our feet. The birth of Jesus is not a one-time stimulus package. Jesus brought an entirely different kind of spiritual economy—an economy based on God's grace. We have found favor with God. God's peace rests on us, because of his everlasting love. We have not earned his favor. We do not deserve his grace. God's favor is the ultimate no-strings-attached gift—a gift which, like any other, must be accepted and opened—a gift which may also, by our choice, be rejected and ignored. Do Not Be Afraid if the world around you is crumbling. Do Not Be Afraid because of consumerism and greed. Do Not Be Afraid even though you face uncertain human conditions—having to do with your welfare, your health, and your family and loved ones. Do Not Be Afraid. When we live in fear we can be manipulated—by government and by religion. We can make huge mistakes because of fear. We can completely misunderstand who God is as we hear the pronouncements of fear religion. Fear leads to injustice and pain. Fear leads to spiritual slavery and bondage. As we read in 1 John 4:18, there is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear… God's love has come to this world and is still here— NOW—in this world in the person of our risen Lord and Savior. God's love and his grace is here NOW—and gives you freedom in Christ. That's the Christmas message for us—today—right NOW! Do Not Be Afraid. http://www.ptm.org/

Jim Wallis Christian leader for social change; President and Founder @Sojourners America's Flirtation With Fascism Posted: 12/08/2015 4:25 pm EST Updated: 12/08/2015 6:59 pm EST http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/americas-flirtation-with_b_8752802.html Our country is in growing danger, and not just from the real threat of terrorist attacks. We are in jeopardy now from the internal fear that capitalizes on America's worst instincts. Caution can be a positive thing in response to serious dangers, but panic and fear can be very dangerous impulses, especially when they are used to incite the hatred of others by false leaders who proclaim their own "strength" -- people like Donald Trump. Hatred of "the other" because of fear has created some of the most dangerous movements in human history. Donald Trump is appealing to racial and religious fear and hate in order to advance his own success. But an even greater danger than Trump is the growing popular response to him, the standing ovations to his most vicious attacks on racial minorities, immigrants, and now all the members of a world religion. Because of his notoriety and the ratings it garners, the media grants Trump credibility and constant coverage of his continued falsehoods and ugly assaults against those whom he has named as enemies -- who are mostly people of color. For many years Trump has sought to portray the first black president of the United States as a foreigner and not "one of us." Trump's demonization of immigrants, in sharp contrast to the facts, has changed the conversation in America. After lying about Muslim reactions to 9/11, Trump is now calling America to "completely shut down" all Muslims from entering the country. In other words, he is calling for an unprecedented, unconstitutional, and un-American test targeting people based on their faith. Donald Trump is strategically stoking the racial fears and hate of a solid segment of white America that fundamentally rejects a diverse American future. The real meaning of his famous "Make America Great Again" motto is "Make America White Again." And with their fears trumped up, his following is itself a dangerous threat to America. Since 9/11, more Americans in the United States have been killed by white extremists than by militant jihadists. Stopping this hateful spread of Islamophobia and racism must become a bipartisan and trans-partisan issue -- because it is now a moral question. Leaders from both political parties must denounce Donald Trump's statements and distance themselves from his dangerous ideology. Journalism must return to the values of truthfulness, freedom, integrity, equality under the law, and religious liberty in its coverage. His toxic message is becoming a dangerous threat to our most basic American values, and it should be treated accordingly. From a religious perspective, Trump's "strength" is a falsehood. Arrogance, lies, greed, the will to power, and the manipulation of racial prejudice and xenophobia are not strengths to us, but are contrary to all of our faith traditions. As faith leaders, it is time to call upon our constituencies to reject these false idols of power and division. It's time to name Trump's dangerous rhetoric for what it is. It is not only racist, but also fascist, with all the dangers that ideology implies. And it's time for American political leaders, and also for American religious leaders, to denounce Donald Trump's appeal to our worst instincts of fear and hate. We must act before his movement grows to become even more dangerous. The truth is that we have seen this before. And it's time to tell the truth.

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. The "Help I'm a Parent" program designed by NAD Family Ministries DirectorsPamela and Claudio Consuegra has been selected for the 2015 Best of Silver Spring Award in the Religious Organization category by the Silver Spring Award Program. MORE Brookings Institution recently released a study that used earnings data to rank colleges: a value-added approach. Kettering College was listed 16th out of 1,666 four-year colleges that were ranked nation-wide and was the highest ranked college in the state of Ohio. MORE The Blackberry, Minn. church invited local musicians from the churches and schools in their area for a “Grand Collaboration” to raise awareness and donations for the growing Syrian refugee crisis. Because of the success of the concert, church pastor Doug Hardt was inspired to organize another benefit concert, and the end result was approximately $5,500. MORE SonBridge Community Center celebrates 10-year anniversary Faith-Based Leaders And Youth March Against HIV/AIDS Four Adventist Health System Hospitals Earn 2015 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award Selma’s Adventist Health Center to build, expand Victims of Lynn fire remembered by community Congregant says she is uplifted at Grass Valley Church takes visitors back in time for Journey to Bethlehem outing Tulsa Seventh-day Adventists explain their faith Holocaust survivor shares escape story Bergherm named CEO of Fla. Hospital Heartland Division 'I Can't Find Them': Heartbreaking Scenes Outside San Bernardino Massacre as Families Wait to be Reunited with Loved Ones Former Hinsdale woman hurt in California mass shooting AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center, La Grange Earns 2015 Leapfrog Top Hospital Award Offices at the North American Division will be closed on Monday, Dec. 14 for the day off following our Christmas Brunch. Adventist Community Services (ACS) is to receive the offering collected this Sabbath, Dec. 12. You can download a special video to assist in explaining what ACS does can be downloaded from Vimeo. Poster and bulletin inserts are also available here. The NAD Day of Prayer will be Jan. 2. Why not plan a prayer event weekend that is truly transformational for your family, group or congregation? Sermons on prayer by Pastor Pavel Goia are available on the NAD Prayer Ministries website. Pastor Goia will also deliver the Jan. 2, Day of Prayer sermon, "Getting Personal with God, which will be aired on HOPE Channel-Church at 11 a.m. ET/PT. The 2016 Tour de Youth "The Big Easy" bicycling tour, a youth and adult obesity awareness cycling event, sponsored by the Southwest Region Conference, will take place, Apr. 3-8. It will take 20-25 cyclists on a six-day, 533-mile scenic journey from Houston, Texas to New Orleans, La. Register before Dec. 31, and get $350 off with code TDY350. MORE. Like Tour de Youth on Facebook. Treat yourself in January to a trip to Orlando, Fla. Attend the Emotional Wellness Summit, Jan. 13-17. Learn how help yourself and/or others in the area of the often neglected mental and emotional needs. Mental health professionals, general health professionals, researchers, pastors, health ministry leaders or anyone interested in integrating ministry with the mental health needs of people will want to be part of this discussion. Register here. Watch the video. The NAD Calendar of Special Days for 2016, as approved by the 2015 Year-end Meeting, are now posted online. The NAD website page for the Calendar of Special Days, with links to suggested websites and resources has also been updated in terms of dates. Updated resources and helpful links for 2016 will be added as they become available from the respective sponsoring departments. The 2016 Calendar of Offerings will be posted soon. Churches and groups are advised by Adventist Risk Management not to use 15-passenger vans. "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies the 15-passenger van as a particularly dangerous vehicle. Multiple deaths within our church organizations occurred due to the use of 15-passenger vans. The NHTSA reports that 653 occupants of 15-passenger vans were killed during 2004-2013 alone." To keep up with other safety recommendations, subscribe to ARM's SolutionsNewsletter. MORE Get the 2016 NAD Prayer Calendar. Provide a link to it in your church or conference newsletter and church bulletin. Download it and print it out for your church members. It is to serve as a guide for special prayer emphasis every week, listing every conference in NAD. It also gives a Daily Prayer Guide to pray for the areas of the NAD listed. Learn about the 2016 Prayer Initiatives, "Project HOPE," and "Hope Heals." Let's cover our church, our communities and our countries with prayer! Get it at http://www.nadprayerministries.org/?p=1835 You can still download all seven of the 2015 NAD Year-end Meeting Devotionalswhich will be available for a limited time, FREE on the Hope Channel website. To Care for Refugees "To close the door to refugees cannot be an option. "To 'welcome' them by marking them with shame and suspicion is unacceptable. "To incite fear based on prejudice is irresponsible. "As followers of Jesus Christ, we are compelled to welcome ALL who are seeking refuge." — NAD President Daniel R. Jackson in "The Blog" of the Religion section of Huffington Post, published today. Read the entire piece. For Sharing! Did you know God wants us to take care of all that He has given us? We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. MORE Watch the 90: second video on Vimeo. People want to know what Seventh-day Adventists believe. Each topic on the My Way to Jesus website links to a video, an invitation to study the Bible, the Find-a-Church Directory, a link for kids to My Place with Jesus, a place to send prayer requests, and more. You can easily post the videos and information on your church website and/or share the updates from the My Way to Jesus Facebook page. Learn how. December 9, 2015 Special Days December Focus: Christian Hospitality Dec. 5, Bible Sabbath January Focus: Friendship Evangelism Jan. 2, Day of Prayer Jan. 17-23, Religious Liberty Week Offerings December Offerings Dec. 12, Adventist Community Services January Offerings Jan. 23, Religious Liberty Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) 2016: Jan 2, NAD Day of Prayer, via Hope Channel Church Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit Feb. 12, Marriage Vows: Living the Commitment Feb. 17-20, Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conference Feb. 19-20, Making Love Last - Married Couples' Retreat Feb. 24-28, GAiN - Global Adventist Internet Network Conference Mar. 26, Safety Sabbath Apr. 2-9, La Voz de la Esperanza NETviaEsperanza TV (in Spanish) Apr. 3-8, Tour deYouth "The Big Easy" Apr. 16, 17, Day of Hope and Compassion Apr. 18-21, Nonprofit Leadership Convention, Session 1 Apr. 24-27, HR Conference & Secretariat Council, Minneapolis, Minn. Apr. 27-30, Your Best Pathway to Health/Los Angeles Apr. 29 - May 1, Oregon Men's Summit May13-16, World Congress for Deaf & Deaf-Blind July 21-23, Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice Aug. 3-6, ASI 2016 Convention Sept. 7-10, Adventist Community Services Convention, Gladstone, Ore. Sept. 28-Oct., Health Summit Canada Oct. 10-13, Nonprofit Leadership Convention, Session 2 Oct. 13-15, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Nov. 18-19, HE SAID GO Missions Conference 2017: Jan. 8-11, 2017 - Adventist Ministries Convention, Tucson, AZ Adventist World/ NAD Edition December, 2015 NAD Feature: Washing Dirty Feet; p. 30 NAD News: Church Leaders Meet to Worship and Plan; Baptists Use Adventist Bible Lessons; Adventists in North American Make Prayer a Priority, p. 11 NAD Update: NAD Year-end Meeting Accepts Report about Human Sexuality; NAD Launches Website for General Public, p. 14; A Turning Point in North America, p. 35 NAD Perspective: When the President Prayed, p.17 Daily Prayer Guide Dec. 13-19 – This coming week, please pray for the Texas Conference with 223 churches and 52,006 members. Share This Newsletter Bible plus Spirit of Prophecy Reading Plan 4th Quarter, 2015Southern-Africa Indian Ocean Division Watch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV

Interesting that none of the original disciples complained or stopped following Jesus to the death, despite the persecution. God is Love! Jesus saves!

Oakwood University Church Welcomes Pastors, Evangelists More than 1,000 ministers, Bible instructors, conference leaders, and lay members were in Huntsville earlier this week, for the 2015 Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council (PELC), December 6-9, at the Oakwood University Church. "This yearly conference represents the largest annual gathering of Adventist clergy leaders in the world church of Seventh-day Adventists," said Jesse Wilson, D.Min., PELC director and OU religion professor. In addition to "boot camp" training sessions, and nightly inspiration and preaching services, Distinguished Service Awards were given to Fred Crowe, Benjamin Jones, T.A. McNealy, Earl Moore, Phyllis Ware-Lee, T.A. McNealy, Gerald Pennick, E.E. Rogers, Helvius Thompson, and Henry Wright, for their contributions to the Seventh-day Adventist gospel ministry. Oakwood Celebrates 21 Years of Educating the Adult Professional On December 8, alumni, supporters, and current and prospective students of the Oakwood's LEAP program gathered for a 21st anniversary celebration. Founded by Sandra Price, the Adult Degree Completion Program (LEAP) is a compressed or independent format designed for the individual who wishes to earn a bachelor's degree while continuing to work. Pictured here are LEAP past and present leadership (who were honored during the celebration): Marcia Burnette, Dr. Trevor Fraser, Sonia Paul, Dr. Leslie Pollard, Dr. Tim McDonald, Cheri Wilson, and Ellengold Goodridge. Not pictured is Dr. Rachel Williams-Smith. (Photo by Anthony Chornes, II.) Oakwood Offers New Scholarship Opportunities for Students Oakwood University has announced two new scholarship programs to support students who receive church subsidy and those who have attended Oakwood in the past and are still in need of completing their degree. The two new scholarship programs, the Debt Amnesty Program and the Church Subsidy Scholarship are just two of the many ways that Oakwood University is implementing to assist every student who wants to attend and complete a degree the tools and finances to succeed. Many students have exited the University for various reasons and subsequently did not complete their bachelor's degree. Throughout the years, former students have expressed a desire to return and complete their undergraduate degree, but in some cases aged account balances present a formidable obstacle. Oakwood University will offer financial amnesty or "debt forgiveness" to former students who have not attended Oakwood University in the past five years, and who desire to complete their bachelor's degree at Oakwood University. The Amnesty program is set to start in the spring of 2016. "When students come to Oakwood University and are unable to complete their degree we all lose. We want all those who still need to complete their degrees to know that we see you, you are important to us and above all, we want you to finish," states Tricia Penniecook, MD, vice president for Academic Administration. For the Church Subsidy Scholarship, Oakwood University will match up to 30% of tuition and matriculation fees ONLY for students receiving 70% subsidies from church- related employers. Thus students could receive a total of 100% free tuition and matriculation fees. Students must have at least one parent who receives NAD tuition assistance (per NAD Working Policy) at 70% Oakwood University's tuition cost to be eligible. This program is set to begin in the fall of 2016. "These scholarships represent not just an opportunity for former or future Oakwoodites to earn undergraduate degrees, they also provide our Adventist system employees with greater tuition assistance for their young people who attend or will attend Oakwood," said Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., president of Oakwood University. "The best long-term strategy in the midst of this global economic recession is to make yourself more competitive by getting your education," said President Pollard. For more information on these scholarships or to apply to attend Oakwood University, please contact Malcolm Taylor, director of Admissions & Recruitment at (256) 726-7356 or email at admissions@oakwood.edu. Oakwood Staff Inform Local Parents about Financial Aid Processes Janet Poles and LaTanja Banks from the Oakwood University Office of Financial Aid were listed as experts for a series of Parent Support Sessions hosted recently by the Huntsville City School (HCS) District, in Huntsville. They participated in a series of panel discussion and presented information on "Preparing for Financial Aid" to help parents of local high school seniors. The event, coordinated by Sheri Crigger and Cedric Delbridge, HCS College and Career Counselors, was held December 1 to 3 at Columbia High School and Lee High School. Other experts included representatives from the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence (NACEE). Information was shared with approximately 75 parents from the community. Back row (L-R): Sheri Crigger (HCS); James Thomas (NACEE); Cedric Delbridge (HCS); Sean Rivers (NACEE); Audrey Ransom (NACEE); Michael Wilson (NACEE); Donna Clark (HCS). Front row (L-R): Nicole Ricketts (Calhoun Financial Aid); Libby Netherton (UAH Admissions): Janet Poles and LaTanja Banks (Oakwood Financial Aid). Oakwood University Represented at Long Beach Health Fair On November 17, two Oakwood University dietetic interns participated in the annual Boeing Long Beach Fitness Center's "Got Health" Health Fair. The event is hosted yearly as a health promotion initiative by the facility, which provides fitness and wellness services for approximately 250 Boeing employees and their families. Both Rachael Joseph and Elizabeth Fujimaki are students in the Oakwood University Distance Dietetic Internship Program. This program is chaired by Joycelyn Peterson DrPH, RD, and facilitates students residing in various parts of the country in completing the required competencies to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Representing Fountain Valley Regional Hospital in Fountain Valley, California, under the supervision of Registered Dietitian Debra Tindle, interns assisted the Fountain Valley marketing team in promoting the hospital's Outpatient Nutrition Counseling Services. Interns assembled and presented a storyboard on healthy eating with information from ChooseMyPlate.gov and HealthyDiningFinder.com, and distributed handouts to attendees on making healthier food choices just in time for the holidays. This event provided interns with the opportunity to practice their skills in nutrition education and health promotion in a community setting. "Participating in the health fair allowed me to share my knowledge on nutrition-related topics, and also helped me gain more confidence in pursuit of my career," said one of the interns. Oakwood Students Attend Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students by Naomi Coggs, student writer Last month, 18 Oakwood University students from the departments of biochemistry, biology and psychology attended the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Seattle, Washington. Several of those students are a part of Increasing Minority Admissions into Research Institutions (IMARI) this semester. From November 11 to 14, the students experienced a variety of activities, ranging from seminars to presentations. The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) is one of the largest professional conferences for underrepresented minority students, military veterans, and persons with disabilities. Oakwood students participated in poster and oral presentations along with 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students. The oral and poster presentations were centered on 12 disciplines in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, including mathematics. Alumni Notes Regine Valcin, '08, is successfully operating her own business, Salon Prive, in Huntsville. She attributes her success to Oakwood and the love and discipline she received at "the Oaks." We're told that she worked hard as a student, and is now giving back to this community. Nominations for the 58th Annual Grammy Awards® have been announced and Committed's "Do You Hear What I Hear?" track received a 2016 Grammy Award nomination in the "Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella" category. The track was arranged by first-time Grammy Award® nominee and Oakwoodite Armand Hutton, and is on Committed's Home for Christmas album. Members of Committed are: Dennis Baptiste, Jr., '10, Geston Pierre, '09, Robbie Pressley, '10, Maurice Staple, and Therry Thomas, '10. "The process of getting nominated for a Grammy without the support of a record label, is a very tedious one. So to actually get nominated is an incredible blessing from God, and to share it with my brothers in Committed makes it even more special," states Hutton. Several Oakwood students and employees either know, or are related to, someone who was in the San Bernardino, California, building last week on December 2. One of the many stories of people's live that were spared is that of Trina White Boyce, '00, who was in the building at the time of the shooting. She made it out of the building safely. Would you like to share Alumni news with us? Please send to pr@oakwood.edu. Pollard's Places Prudence and I are looking forward to returning to our old stomping grounds in Southern California this coming weekend, for two "meet and greet networking events" that are being planned by the Oakwood University Alumni Association. Alumni and friends from the greater Riverside area are planning to gather on Saturday evening, December 12, at 5:30 p.m., at the Business Office for Riverside I/O. At 11:00 a.m. on December 13, a similar networking event will be held at the home of Dr. Leroy Pascal. We plan to update attendees about the latest news at Oakwood. For more information, please contact Danette Batiste at dbatiste@ouaasocal.org or (951) 830-1569. Picture of the Week Duo ribbon cutting events: The dedication ceremony of H.E. Ford Hall (left) and the Leroy and Lois Peters Media Center (right) was held this past Sunday, December 6. Ford Hall is the home of the Communication Department. Both the Communication Department and Oakwood University Broadcasting Network share space in the Lois and Leroy Peters Media Center to help educate students studying communication as well as produce programming for and from Oakwood University. More pictures of the event can be found here. About Oakwood The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity. In This Issue - 12/09/15 Oakwood University Church Welcomes Pastors, Evangelists Oakwood Celebrates 21 Years of Educating the Adult Professional Oakwood Offers New Scholarship Opportunities for Students Oakwood Staff Inform Local Parents About Financial Aid Processes Oakwood University Represented at Long Beach Health Fair Oakwood Students Attend Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students Alumni Notes Pollard's Places Picture of the Week (256) 726-7418 1-844-FRUIT OU STORE #819 5000 Whitesburg Dr. S, #148 Huntsville, AL 35802 (256) 881-7575 STORE #759 6290 University Blvd. Huntsville, AL 35806 (256) 721-7999 Share Love, Support Students Click here to see the Fall 2015 issue of Oakwood Magazine, or visit www.oakwoodmagazine.com Join Our Mailing List insideOakwood is published by the Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations Editor: George Johnson Jr. | Managing Editor: Debbe Millet | Student Writer: Naomi Coggs | Student Photographer: Teymi Townsend www.oakwood.edu

Amen, Rachel. Jesus died for the redemption of all humanity - including Islam. God loves Muslims as much as He loves Christians and Jews. I do pray for Jews AND Muslims (and Christians, for that matter) - that God and His Son would reveal Themselves to them in a powerful undeniable way; and that their eyes would be open to "see" it when They do reveal Themselves.

It's NOT just Muslims, who fight violently for possession of "the promised land". In his book "The Struggle for the Birthright" Stephen Jones points out that Zionists used violence, and even terrorism, against the Palestinian people, in taking back "the land" for the Jewish people. The LORD made it very clear, thru Jeremiah the prophet, that presence with blessing, in "the land" was conditional, and was based upon obedience with heart submission towards God. Zionists fought their way into "the land" and sought to regain possession, WITHOUT the requisite submission. Today some 80% of Jews, in the nation called "Israel", are secular - having no belief. I personally do not believe GOD is on either side in that conflict. The US sided with Israel because (initially) we felt sorry for persecuted Jews. Then for many years she sided with Israel because it served her national interests to do so. More recently, presidents have tried a balancing act. Terrorism by Jihads has tipped the balance in Israel's favor once again. The conflict between Jews and Muslims has reached critical mass, with the acquisition of nuclear weapons. This WAR will not end until Christ returns. We know that! The question concerns how - individually - we Christians relate to those caught up in the war, because of their beliefs. Some in the Hebrew Roots or Messianic movements, repeat the admonition to "Bless Israel" and "Pray for Israel". I cannot personally focus such a prayer on the current nation called "Israel" any more than I could pray for the Palestinians to the exclusion of Jews. When I pray for "peace in Jerusalem", I'm praying for the return of Jesus, and the final END of all war. I'm NOT praying that the current nation called "Israel" will "triumph over her enemies". "Thy Kingdom come."

"I was a stranger and you invited me in" - Matthew 25:35

Not only is God willing to forgive but His tomb is empty, something no other pretender to the throne can duplicate. God is Love! Jesus saves!

December 3, 2015 Statement on San Bernardino Mass Shooting The President of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church in North America, Daniel R. Jackson, issued the following statement on December 3, 2015 in response to the deadly shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California: “The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America is heartbroken that we must once again mourn the loss of innocent lives as the result of gun violence. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the families of the 14 people killed, the 21 wounded, and their friends and colleagues. We also pray for the community of San Bernardino and Redlands and the heartache and anxiety they are experiencing as a result of this tragedy. “We also are praying for the young six-month old child of the alleged gunmen. As heinous as this massacre is, this small innocent child has also had her life altered by evil. We pray for the family members who must now step in and raise this child of God. "This tragedy hit close to home for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Just a few miles away, the Loma Linda University Medical Center, a flagship Adventist healthcare institution, opened its doors to provide medical assistance for many of those wounded in this tragedy. Along with thousands of young people in the area, students at several local Adventist schools experienced the anxiety of being on precautionary lockdown. “This type of senseless violence has no place in this country or in this world. It is tragic that once again we mourn the lives of 14 innocent people who did not need to die. This is the highest number of people killed in a mass shooting since the Sandy Hook massacre, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults. Both tragedies were carried out with assault weapons. “Along with our heartfelt prayers, it is time that something is done to address the pandemic of gun violence. It is time that we say No to these tragic massacres that have become commonplace in the United States. It is time that we do something to find solutions to put an end to this pervasive problem. “We pray for the day when children and adults can live their lives without fear." “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

WAU Adjunct Professor Colin Wellenkamp will be directing a delegation of Mississippi River Mayors who are attending the United Nation’s climate change conference that started this week in Paris. They will be initiating talks with officials from other major food-exporting river basins around the world in an effort to secure food and water security in the face of climate change. MORE Several Adventist facilities were damaged by the stormthat tore through the Northwest the week before Thanksgiving. The storm caused building damage to Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, Wash., and some property damage and downed power-lines at the Upper Columbia Conference office in Spokane, Wash. The South Hill Adventist Church in Spokane discovered that their annual nativity village, which they had been building since mid-October, suffered significant damage from the storm. MORE Representatives from the Home Depot's Retool Your School competition were on Oakwood University’s campus for a tour as well as to help install exercise equipment purchased from the winning $50,000 Tier 1 grant which OU won in May of this year. OU also won the Tier 1 grant in 2013, and last year won the Campus Pride grant. MORE. Photos. Louisville gets a glimpse of new urgent-care facility 'Journey to Bethlehem' canceled this year while church members figure out a way to rebuild after fire A refugee's story: Current crisis hits close to home for Ooltewah family Time is now to nominate Extreme Home Repair recipient in the Langleys or Aldergrove Churches create Bethlehem village Construction nears on Selma hospital renovation Glendale Adventist doctors, nurses travel to Armenia on a mission of health Churches offer holiday gift for the season Local churches attend to hunger on the holiday Adventist pastor veers from rock's road to perdition to stairway to heaven Vegan diet linked to lower prostate cancer risk Seventh-Day Adventist Church Donates Smoke Alarms Hospital improvements will save more lives Students in Niles pack gifts for children in 100 countries Don't forget Prayer Call, Dec. 3/4 - Join the North American Division Prayer Ministry team anytime, for as long or briefly as you wish, during the December all-night prayer call which runs at 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. ET. Dial 404-891-6338; use access code 772937#. Email your prayer requests. They will be prayed over by a team of prayer warriors each week. Martin Doblmeier, the award-winning film maker and producer of The Adventists, The Adventists 2, and The Blueprint, has reached an agreement with PBS to rebroadcast these films. The Adventists will air on: Dec 19 at 8:00 pm; Dec 20 at 12:00 am; Dec 21 at 9:00 am; Dec 21 at 3:00 pm.; The Blueprint will air on: Dec 19 at 9:00 pm; Dec 20 at 1:00 am; Dec 21 at 10:00 am; Dec 21 at 4:00 pm. (All times are EST) In addition, The Adventists and The Adventists 2 will be re-transmitted to every PBS station nationwide on Jan. 7. Pacific Press® distributes the three films as The Adventists Trilogy online and in Adventist Book Centers around the country. Watch a preview of The Adventists Trilogy. Emotional Wellness Summit in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 13-17. Learn how we can equip ourselves to extend the healing ministry of Christ for the whole person, focusing especially on the often neglected mental and emotional needs of people. If you are a mental health professional, general health professional, researcher, pastor, health ministry leader or a member of a congregation in interested in integrating ministry with the mental health needs of people you will want to be part of this discussion. Register here. Watch the video. Save the date for "Safety Sabbath," March 26. It is sponsored by Adventist Risk Management (ARM), Inc. to encourage every church throughout NAD to hold a safety drill that Sabbath during the church service. Churches can choose from three drills based on their congregation¹s needs. ARM will offer free, downloadable training resources for fire, missing child and active shooter drills on the website currently being constructed. Christian Hospitality is the "Focus of the Month" for December on the NAD Calendar of Special Days. This is a season when many people are lonely but surrounded by seemingly oblivious people who are busy with their own lives, families and activities. Be aware of strangers visiting your church. (Download "Christian Hospitality" ministry description.) You might also receive some inspiration by reading this article, "Can You Come to Dinner," as published in the August, 2012, Lake Union Herald. Several other resources on hospitality are available at AdventSource and on the NAD Website under the December sectionof the NAD Calendar of Special Days and the November section about "Welcome Home Sabbath." To be peacemakers in a world where there is no peace "When we become refugees it's not because we want or choose to, but because we are forced, broken in pieces, so we leave. Imagine these pieces are our souls, our hearts, the love which we have to protect. And when we arrived to a safe place, we are perceived as deficient, incomplete, naked, and we have nothing to give... only our tears and grief." This email came a couple of days after I had a conversation in which I asked a Muslim couple what they saw as the solution to the crisis in the Middle East. There was a long pause which was broken when one of them said, “We (Muslim) are in a dark place right now, and we read in the Qur’an that Allah has a people, ‘the true people of the book’, who will come to our side and help us. We need them.” Sent by Gabriella Phillips, Adventist-Muslim Relations Read the entire letter. For Sharing! Did you know that God will bring an end to suffering and death? This troubled world is not our real home. It's not always going to be like this! One day God will say "Enough!" And He will put an end to all the evil, all the suffering and death on this Earth. He will wipe all the tears from our eyes, and there will be no more crying, no more death, no more pain. One day, everyone will have enough to eat. No one will need to live in fear, or flee their homes, or lose loved ones! MORE Watch the 90: second video on Vimeo. People want to know what Seventh-day Adventists believe. Each topic on the My Way to Jesus website links to a video, an invitation to study the Bible, the Find-a-Church Directory, a link for kids to My Place with Jesus, a place to send prayer requests, and more. You can easily post the videos and information on your church website and/or share the updates from the My Way to Jesus Facebook page. Learn how. December 3, 2015 Special Days December Focus: Christian Hospitality Dec. 5, Bible Sabbath Offerings December Offerings Dec. 12, Adventist Community Services Helpful Special Day Websites and Resources Sample Offertory Readings (in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French) Dec. 3/4, Prayer Call Dec. 20, Christmas for a Single Parent 2016: Jan 2, NAD Day of Prayer, via Hope Channel Church Jan. 13-17, Emotional Wellness Summit Feb. 12, Marriage Vows: Living the Commitment Feb. 17-20, Just Claim It Youth Prayer Conference Feb. 19-20, Making Love Last - Married Couples' Retreat Feb. 24-28, GAiN - Global Adventist Internet Network Conference Mar. 26, Safety Sabbath Apr. 2-9, La Voz de la Esperanza NET via Esperanza TV (in Spanish) Apr. 18-21, Nonprofit Leadership Convention, Session 1 Apr. 24-27, HR Conference & Secretariat Council, Minneapolis, Minn. Apr. 27-30, Your Best Pathway to Health/Los Angeles Apr. 29 - May 1, Oregon Men's Summit July 21-23, Adventist Conference on Family Research and Practice Aug. 3-6, ASI 2016 Convention Sept. 7-10, Adventist Community Services Convention Sept. 28-Oct., Health Summit Canada Oct. 10-13, Nonprofit Leadership Convention, Session 2 Oct. 13-15, Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Nov. 18-19, HE SAID GO Missions Conference 2017: Jan. 8-11, 2017 - Adventist Ministries Convention, Tucson, AZ Adventist World/ NAD Edition December, 2015 NAD Feature: Washing Dirty Feet; p. 30 NAD News: Church Leaders Meet to Worship and Plan; Baptists Use Adventist Bible Lessons; Adventists in North American Make Prayer a Priority, p. 11 NAD Update: NAD Year-end Meeting Accepts Report about Human Sexuality; NAD Launches Website for General Public, p. 14; A Turning Point in North America, p. 35 NAD Perspective: When the President Prayed, p.17 Daily Prayer Guide Dec. 6-12 – This coming week, please pray for the Southwest Region Conference with 104 churches and 25,009 members. Share This Newsletter Bible plus Spirit of Prophecy Reading Plan 4th Quarter, 2015Southern-Africa Indian Ocean Division Watch DVDYouth & Adult Mission QuarterlyChildren's Magazine Hope Channel DIRECTV ch. 368 Glorystar ch. 104 Hope Church Channel Esperanza TV follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend © 2015 North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 Dan Weber, communication director, Julio Muñoz, associate director Lynetta Murdoch, sr. editorial assistant Email: newspoints@nad.adventist.org | Website: www.nadadventist.org/newspoints