April 2009
IWM Newsletter
Global Connections
God’s Mission Partners,
I don’t know how it is where you are, but about the only news we hear around
here is “recession” oriented. Everyone talks about the banks, the housing crash,
the unemployment figures. Even the General Conference has reduced all GC
travel budgets by 20% and has frozen salaries for next year. It is bad and many
people are affected, I know; but I can’t help but be amused at how “bad times”
look in the United States! It means that many are cutting back on how much
they buy with their credit cards. Good! Families have actually started saving
more. Finally! People who have lost their homes in California because they
can’t pay the high mortgage payments anymore are living in their $70,000 motor
homes! Many of you are serving where people are happy if they can only have
the basic necessities of life, while too many in the world have lived a life style
beyond their income. The day of reckoning had to come. Unfortunately, the
financial crunch in the West will affect even the poor in other parts of the world
and the church’s work.
Aren’t you glad we are in partnership with God! Our Employer will never go
bankrupt! Let us never forget that our income and benefits come
from the Tithe that God’s faithful are giving around the world. Let
us use what God has provided carefully and prayerfully in our
partnership with Him. Stewardship is not just a theory for missionaries. We truly are using His money as we take care of our
families and help with His mission. We pray for God’s continued
blessings for you as you minister in His Name.
June 23-28, 2009
Andrews Family Re-entry
June 23-28, 2009
Andrews Teen Re-entry
July 13-August 1, 2009
Mission Institute-Andrews
January 11-30, 2010
Mission Institute-Africa
April 12-May 1, 2010
Mission Institute-Asia
June 15-20, 2010
Andrews Family Re-entry
June 15-20, 2010
Andrews Teen Re-entry
Lester Merklin
INSIDE. . .
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Sometimes the evening news broadcast isn’t worth listening to. These
days it often seems that way as “gloom and doom” in the financial markets is the
constant message. A new language has entered our vocabulary—credit default swaps,
government bailouts, deflation. What does the global financial crisis mean for our families, our church, our mission? How have consumerism and easy credit and our personal spending habits contributed to the current financial instability?
Of course, questions like these cannot easily be answered in a newsletter—even if
we were certain we had the answers! In reality, no one seems to know for sure how to
address the massive economic problems facing the global economy. But
the Christian perspective does make a difference in how we view money
and handle resources. Several articles in this issue address different
aspects of missionary finances. We hope you find them helpful. And, I
pray that we all will be able to say with Paul, “Not that I complain of want;
for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11
Cheryl Doss
RSV).
2 News from IWM
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
April 2009
SPD Institute Participants (Left to right: Standing at Back): Pr Jerry Puni, Jeremiah Puni, Sam Tolai-Fuamatu, Dale Stuart,
Brad Dawson, Vicki Cole; (Next Row): Ray Coombe, Donovan Tanabose,John De Mesa, Jenny Wigglesworth, David Potter,
Mac De Mesa, Scott Charlesworth, Gloria Stuart, Amy Charlesworth, Pr Lawrence Tanabose, Loimata Fuamatu, Alicia Cole;
(Middle Row): Pr Graeme Humble, Pr Damien Rice, Jessie Fuamatu, James Charlesworth & Ryan Wigglesworth, Deborah
Charlesworth & Kristan Wigglesworth, Dr Chester Kuma, Junalyn Tanabose, Enid Harris; (Sitting on steps): Maria Albert,
Cheryl Doss, Kriselle Dawson, Lanie De Mesa with Eric De Mesa, Lagi Puni, Denim Rice, Leisha Rice, Javas Rice, Rosina
Tanabose, (Sitting in front): Damian Wigglesworth, Michelle De Mesa. (Not Pictured: Vaine Kuma, Rheeanna Kuma, Analitta
Fuamatu.)
Teaching Children
About Money
children how to count money. Practice
playing simple games that children will
enjoy. For example, place a nickel on the
Everyone needs to understand about left side of the table, and on the right
side, place five pennies. Children are
money: where it comes from, how to
very quick to learn new games, and if
spend it wisely, and how to save and
you continue this strategy using dimes,
invest for the future. Too many parents
quarters, half dollars, etc., before you
don't take time to teach their children
know it, they will have mastered the art
about the value of money, and unfortunately, many of those children grow up to of not only counting money, but underbe adults who struggle with money man- standing its value as well.
Next, you can teach the value of savagement skills.
ing. Once they learn that saving is a
What age should parents begin edugood idea and that it is something they
cating their children about money? Financial experts agree that it's never too should always do, their financial future
will be brighter. Let's say your child
early. The more children learn about
wants a new bicycle. You can teach
money, the more they will be able to
them to save part of their allowance for
make wise financial decisions as they
that bike, while still keeping some money
grow older.
available for ice cream, or for going to
Parents can begin teaching young
the movies with their friends. That way
they will begin to understand the value of
both short-term saving and long-term
saving.
It's never too early, also, to teach your
child different ways to make money. For
example, they can mow lawns, rake
leaves, shovel snow, clean out the garage or basement, etc. Sit down with
your child and brainstorm with them on
some ways they would like to earn
money. You'll be surprised and delighted
at the effort they will begin making.
Help your children chart
their financial course in life.
Teach them basic money
management skills and
their future will be brighter.
From http://www.pbs.org/
wnet/moneyshow/makeover/article6.html
3 News from IWM
Facing the Financial Crisis
World leaders are very much concerned, as are economists
and market analysts. They are alarmed because they don’t
see the light at the end of the tunnel. They don’t have a road
map for this crisis. However we know better! The Bible tell us
that we’ll face dangerous times and economic hardship (II Tim.
3; James 5; Rev. 18).
This is the time, more than ever before, we need to trust in
our Lord and not panic. He surely has a plan for each one of
us and He indeed has a road map for us to follow. Let us be
faithful to what He has outlined in His Word…”now set your
sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits
beside God in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill
your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things
down here” (Colossians 3:1, 2. LB).
Following is some practical advice that has helped me and
others and can assist you in facing the financial crisis that is
affecting all of us in one way or another. Additionally, there
are available professional advisors in the area of finance/
investment, etc. that can assist you in your own personal situation.
1.
2.
April 2009
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Don’t put your trust in money, but put your money in trust.
Seek the Lord in prayer for guidance and advice.
If you are in debt, make a commitment with the Lord to
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
use His blessings to assist you to liquidate your debts.
Preserve your job by showing a good attitude, being more
efficient, and doing your tasks with excellence.
Decrease the level of your personal expenses. Tighten
the belt and avoid spending on things that are not of first
priority.
Save as much as you can. It is very important in the midst
of the uncertainty in which we live.
“Sit down and count the cost” (Luke 14:28). Reduce the
level of your debts as much as you can. Start with those
debts that are of high interest or variable interest, the
sooner the better, since interest rate will increase.
Understand the difference between using a credit card
and using it to get in debt. Pay off the balance at each
billing period.
Live within your income; don’t live on “OPM”-Other People’s Money. Make a balanced budget and
live by it.
This is the time not to get discouraged; we
need to put our trust in God and faithfully follow
His Word. Our hope is in His ability because He
holds the future in His capable hands.
Jose Lizardo
GC TRIPS
Costa Rica Institute Participants in alphabetical order (Mission Field): Hannah Akyiano (Costa Rica); Fernando, Sonia,
Martin, & Michelle Aranda Fraga (Mexico); Victor Armenteros & Esther Sanchez (Argentina); Héctor, Gabriela, & Nicol Belvedere (Mexico); Alfred & Nilda De la Torre (Argentina); Antolín Diestre & Janet Ribera (Costa Rica); Federico Estrella & Cora
Diaz (Mexico); Melchor, Meriviana, & Stephanie Ferreyra (Costa Rica); Cesar, Noelia, & Mark Galvez (Philippines); Pedro,
Keila, Franco, & Estefania Gonzales (Mexico); Samuel, Darling, Darysa, & Sahomy Molyneux (Guam); Franz & Maria Rios
(Dominican Republic); Edual, Jenny, & Edjenn Santos (Costa Rica); Raul & Nilda Schneider (Honduras); Aneury, Ana, Abdiel,
& Cindy Vargas (Egypt); Leonard & Linda Westermeyer (Chile).
4 News from IWM
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Resources on Finance
From the Adventist Book Center
It’s Your Money! (Isn’t it?) by G. Edward Reid—paperback book
The author brings an end-time urgency to the ways we handle money.
He says it’s time to abandon worldly attitudes toward borrowing, planning for retirement, investing, and estate planning. With 1,600 references to money and possessions, the Bible shows us a better way.
Seminar video and workbook also available. US $9.99
Faith and Finance by NAD Stewardship Department, edited by G. Edward Reid—spiral-bound book
Faith and Finance is a unique combination of the biblical principles of
money management, the practical lessons of life, and proven academic
information on this topic. It is designed for personal or small group study
and contains helpful forms and Bible study application sheets at the end
of each of the 12 lessons. Leader’s guide also available. US $12.99
April 2009
Christ. In its pages are clearly stated principles for managing money
and using it wisely. Personal Finance will help you understand these
time-tested principles and show you how to control the “powerful gentleman, Mr. Money.” Also available in Spanish and Portuguese. US $4.99
Taking Charge of Your Money by Henry Edward Felder—paperback
booklet
Based on biblical principles this booklet will help you manage your family
finances in accordance with God’s will. US $1.29
Online
http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/index.cfm?FuseAction=dspConte
nt&intContentID=135
Free budgeting tools from Christian financial speaker and writer Dave
Ramsey.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/moneyshow/makeover
Articles on a wide variety of financial issues
Personal Finance by C. Griffen—paperback booklet
If, as the Apostle Paul says, the love of money is the root of all evil, how from the Public Broadcasting Network’s “That
Money Show.”
then should Christians relate to it? You may be surprised to learn that
the Bible has more to say about money than the second coming of
MK Corner
You Know You’re an MK When. . .
You wondered about exchange rates before most
kids knew that the dollar wasn’t the only currency.
From “You Know You’re an MK When” by Andy & Deborah Kerr, 1997.
Looking for coins?
Once when Jesus
needed some money, He
gave Peter special
instructions on how to
find it. Below is the
story found in
Matthew. As you read
the story remember
that we can always
trust God to provide
for what we need.
See if you can find your
way through the maze
by starting from the
left side and ending on
the right side.
"After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and
asked, 'Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?' 'Yes, he does,' he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. 'What do you think, Simon?' he asked. 'From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty
and taxes -- from their own sons or from others?' 'From others,' Peter answered. 'Then the sons are exempt,' Jesus
said to him. 'But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch;
open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.'"
Matthew 17:24-27.
Kid Explorers activities, www.KidExplorers.com -- Copyright Eden Communications.
Editor
Cheryl Doss
Layout Editor
Vernieta Porras
Contributing Editors
Rosa Banks
Enid Harris
Rick Kajiura
Wagner Kuhn
Jose Lizardo
Published by
Institute of
World Mission
Phone: 269-471-2522
Fax: 269-471-6252
[email protected]
iwm.adventistmission.org
Money, the Media, and God’s Mission
By Wagner Kuhn
s it legitimate for people to ask questions in times of crisis? Certainly! Oftentimes in tones of
desperation, we do ask why. A financial crisis is affecting people in most parts of the world today. It is
difficult to provide the reasons for its causes or even to speculate on who is responsible for it. Moreover,
coming up with a concrete plan on how to overcome this financial crisis is in itself a major challenge. But
that is not the goal of this article. Rather, as one concerned with missionaries and those to whom they are
sent, I would like to comment on this world condition and try to provide words of hope amidst what is
happening.
Oftentimes, our continuous search for satisfaction, meaning and achievement—a search to satisfy
the desires created by ourselves, the world, the media, and those who want to sell us something—turns us
into slaves. The more we try to satisfy ourselves with things produced by human inventions, whose
objective is only profit and where the ultimate goal is making us addicted, the emptier we will feel. The
emptier we feel the greater will be the need to continue buying, acquiring things, doing this or that, going to
this place, that position, or toward that other ‘promise’.
In the end, we continue to be thirsty, empty, and miserable. We continue to feel alone, living without
any real satisfaction, enslaved by various circumstances. Slaves, indeed, we are when we buy more than
we can afford, own more than we need, and do not free ourselves from the desire to want more things, to
buy more of those things that in fact we do not need, more of what does not satisfy. In the process of
searching for those things we think will fulfill the emptiness inside us, we become slaves of those who sell
to us, slaves of disillusionment and unhappiness, slaves of the author of emptiness himself.
Why do we believe the fabulous promises of the media, the fantastic commercials and
advertisements? Why do we voluntarily give ourselves to this kind of slavery? Why do we spend so much
time reading books or magazines that are just trash, watch so much television, and browse the internet
endlessly? Why are we always checking and waiting for an e-mail message as if it will bring us the remedy
for these problems? Who will end up paying the price? Will it be us, our children, our grandchildren?
The prophet Isaiah announced a message of hope to all of us ‘slaves of this world.’ To those who fall
victim to ever-demanding consumerism, those who are empty and enslaved by the desire to buy more,
enslaved by the wish to be satisfied with the world’s offers—to these the prophet proclaims, “Come, all you
who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and
milk without money and without cost” (Isaiah 55:1). This invitation is given not only to those who are
hungry and thirsty, those who have desires and wishes, or those who are empty and in need. The
invitation is given to all who are imprisoned by circumstances, enslaved by their desires, trapped by
commercials, addicted to buying, those who have no power to decide for what is right. The invitation is
given to the indebted, those without money, those who are exhausted of paying, without ever getting
Global Connections For Your Files April 2009 satisfied with the “promised merchandise.” To all of us who are thirsty, empty, with debts and without
money, the invitation is given. It is free.
The question that Isaiah asks in verse 2 indicates the reason for this emptiness, thirst, and hunger.
He says: “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to
me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:2). Doesn’t the
enslavement created by commercials, the dependency and addiction generated by the media, make us
spend “our money” on what is not water or bread, on what does not satisfy? What then is the answer, the
antidote to addiction to the media and to the worldly things that so cruelly enslaves us? What is the answer
to the desperate emptiness and meaningless that many (even missionaries) constantly feel?
The answer is found in the Word of God. “…Jesus stood and said [to the multitudes] in a loud
voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has
said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’" (John 7:37-38)
Multitudes in this world are empty, thirsty, and enslaved. Indicators of the moral and economic
chaos today show this reality. Unfortunately some of us may be taking part in it. Why do we have to buy on
credit, with credit cards, or in installments, or start paying only in a couple of years? And, on top of that,
why do we believe the ‘promises’ of complete and guaranteed product satisfaction? Why is this illusion of
quality of life and better social status so strong that we end up believing promises that cannot be fulfilled?
Why despite all our efforts, are we not fulfilled? Why do we continue spending our money, time, and energy
in what does not satisfy?
It seems that we run after a ‘promise.’ Shouldn’t we rather consider the promise of Jesus? “…To
him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life’” (Revelation 21:6).
Only the Lord Jesus can freely give of the water of life. He is the living water that truly satisfies. And this
water of life, the only thing that can really fulfill us is totally free—but it is not cheap. It cost a very unique
and high price. It cost the life of Jesus. That is the reason we can accept it without money and without
price.
The answer to our moral and economic crisis is not found in buying or acquiring more, in having
more, or in satisfying our desires and needs with things or promises produced by this world. The answer is
found in the invitation extended to you and me by Jesus Himself: “…‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him
come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). After having
been filled up with this free gift of the water of life, wouldn’t you want to share His invitation to everyone
around you? Remember, what we do not give, we lose. So, go forward sharing Jesus, because He is the
gift that satisfies!
Global Connections For Your Files April 2009