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Phkrause & Aubrey, Sorry. Not the answer. "Robert, not the answer. Pam, I went to my local grocery store and purchased dry ice. That worked fine. No mess. The Carbon dioxide simply evaporated and went wherever it wanted to go into the atmosphere. When we finally unpacked them many hours later, there was a small sliver of dry ice still present in one container. In all everything was still cold.

The birth mother stated that before she handed the child over to the adoptive mother, she wanted to have a private conversation with the adoptive mother. So, we left them alone and exited the chapel. After a period of time, the two women walked out. The adoptive mother was holding the infant child. The process was over. Resolution had been achieved.

I would treat a member of the Shepherd’s Rod the same way I would treat a catholic, baptist, a Jehovah’s witness or an adventist; with respect and kindness. It is easy to discover if a person truly is receptive to the truth, and you will also soon learn if a person merely wants a platform for his own ideas. In my experience outsiders tend to rapidly destroy their own influence if they are unwilling to listen to others.

Some of the blame lies with our own members, and it makes relations hard all the way around. When people bulldoze others with a spirit of "rightness" and dogmatism, that is not generally well-accepted. When members focus on outward behaviours of others and try to correct them or fix them or complain about them- tell me, how long would you endure such treatment? As far as EGW goes, the early membership was far less dependent on her work and better Bible students. I understand that changed about the 1920s, where leaders and membership dubbed her work with inerrancy and infallibility, and she was no longer around to defend herself. In doing that they in essence created a pope. I am sorry that in these modern times we are left with more prejudice that we need to fight. But we need to fight the battle with the weapons of God's warfare which are not carnal but mighty. And before them all comes love. That is how God deals with us. Love, freedom of conscience, and time to allow the Holy Spirit to do its work.

God is infinite in power and kindness both... He is superior to to anyone one in all creation, fully trustworthy and gracious. God is more intimate than a life long mate. He perfectly knows every things about me, every dream i have ever dreamed, every expression of my DNA, every thought, every breath, moment of my life , and every experience and all those of my ancestors, every influence that has contributed to who i am. His will is that i should have life and have life more abundantly. He empowers every right thought every right action... knows every need, every weakness every deficiency... He is my all in all....

Frankly, before the six (6) of us met in the hospital chapel, I had reached an agreement with all of the parties. Or, so I thought. After talking to all of them, in the chapel, for a moment, I had a prayer. In that prayer I thanked God for the birth mother that had placed the interests of her newborn above her own interests. I thanked God for her courage in going ahead with the adoption. I asked the Lord to guide her in her future, to give her the strength to get her life together and the wisdom to deal with the nuture and training of the children that remained with her. Then I asked the Lord to be with the new adoptive parents. I thanked God for their commitment to provide for the spiritual nuture of this new born child. I asked God to lead them in this effort and to give them the wisdom and strength to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives and that of the child. At that time, the birth mother threw an unexpected wrench into the process. To be continued.

The current print issue of ADVENTIST TODAY is focused on evangelism. It has some articles that are quite revelant to this discussion. In short: Public evangelism, as cited here. attracts a sub-set of people and should be used. However, it does not reach other sectors of society. If we are to reach everyone, we must use other methods.

Our church is currently holding a Revelation evangelism series. It is being well attended even on a Saturday night. In our church with a well lit sign visible at the street identify it as an Adventist Church. No subterfuge. Not even for the initial meetings or promotions. Everyone walking in can't miss that this is an Adventist Church, including the 40 or so registered regular attendees that are not Adventists.