RepoRtsSummer 2013 • Vol. 15, No. 2

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At-risk young men find a new direction at Advent Home Learning Center| 10

Workersfor God’s Kingdom

Latest News From: Albania, Honduras, Thailand, and More...

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expanding HopeThe Hope of Survivors, based in

Nebraska, works with victims of sexual abuse all over the world. The ministry has had an office in Romania for some time and recently gained its nonprofit status there. The directors, Steve and Samantha Nelson, will visit Romania in November to conduct several conferences for the community, as well as for pastors and church leadership.

Brick by BrickVIDA Internacional in Honduras

made approximately 3,000 adobe bricks in preparation for the OCI mission trip at the end of May. Volunteers used this traditional, Colonial-era form of Honduran construction to build a health retreat, which will be used to accommodate guests interested in developing a healthier lifestyle.

NEWSFLASHNews From OCI Ministries Around the World

Amazon pioneers

As the first Bible worker training program at Amazon Lifesavers Ministry in Brazil wraps up, students are excited to begin their pioneer work. They have studied health, evangelism, church planting, and jungle living during the last four months. Next they will be divided into pairs and assigned to unreached areas of the Amazon River Basin. They appreciate your prayers and support!

over the MountainsMission Projects Inc. (MPI), based in

Washington state, sponsors lay workers around the world. In April representatives from this ministry visited a MPI project in Thailand. In a remote region, two Filipino missionaries, one a teacher and one a nurse, are working with the Mien mountain tribe. Through their efforts, God is moving hearts, and people are making decisions for baptism.

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seniors serveOklahoma Academy’s 2013 senior

class traveled to Kiev, Ukraine, to hold two simultaneous evangelistic meetings. In the mornings they also held corresponding English as a Second Language courses and vacation Bible school programs. Oklahoma Academy’s bell choir, chorale, and string ensemble joined the seniors for the third week. The group was able to distribute many donated items to local orphanages and needy families as well.

Breaking Down Barriers

In an environment where personal faith is lacking and skepticism toward religion dominates, English language classes at Fondacioni Almise are one avenue of breaking down barriers in Albania. Instruction is not directly Biblical, but assignments and exercises are chosen to frequently stimulate interest in spiritual matters. One teenage girl is preparing for baptism, and two couples have recently joined Sabbath worship services.

oCI Reports Videos onlineThe OCI Reports video series featuring various OCI ministries is drawing to a close on Hope Channel. However, if you missed seeing any of the 30-minute episodes, they are available on the OCI website at www.outpostcenters.org/ocivideos.

Scan this QR code to go directly to the OCI Reports videos.

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Sara was searching for a Christian-based health retreat where she

could address her moderate depression. She explored the Internet for options, hoping to find a place with a holistic and spiritual approach. That is when she discovered Cedarvale Health & Lifestyle retreat, an OCI ministry in Australia.

When Sara called the ministry for more information, she was timid and guarded. However, she decided to give the depression recovery program a chance. On her arrival, she received consultations with a doctor and dietician and began participating in activities. These included cooking classes, massage, hydrotherapy, exercise, outings, and more. As the team helped her address her depression, her physical and mental health improved!

Though already familiar with the Seventh-day Adventist faith and health message before her arrival at Cedarvale, she was deeply touched by the kindness and generosity that she experienced as a lifestyle guest. Sara wanted to

by Adrian Dorman

prolong her stay, and even though the guest accommodation was full, the director and his wife opened up their home to her. Sara also attended church for several Sabbaths and was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and thought-provoking sermons.

For more than 22 years, Cedarvale has been helping people like Sara to improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health by catering to their specific needs. The ministry is located south of Sydney on 150 acres of pristine rainforest. It hosts up to 10 guests at a time and is often fully booked for a month in advance. The team members ask for your prayers as they continue to restore the health in guests’ lives not just for now, but also for eternity.

DitchingDepression

top: Cedarvale offers a peaceful setting.Inset: Sara’s new joy is contagious.

touching Lives

Adrian Dorman is the general manager at Cedarvale Health & Lifestyle Retreat in Australia. To find out more, visit www.cedarvaleretreat.com.au.

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steven Grabiner Executive Editor Janell Hullquist Editor, Layout & DesignHannah Kuntz Content EditorDebbie Hicks Copy Editorprinted By College Press, LLC

OCI Reports magazine is published quarterly by Outpost Centers International. Send address changes to ocireports@outpostcenters.org, and please include both the old and new addresses. You may also use the OCI contact information below.

Outpost Centers International is a nonprofit organization working in cooperation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church to network and nurture supporting ministries worldwide. OCI operates through the generosity of people like you and issues tax-deductible receipts to U.S. donors. One-hundred percent of all donations go to the designated ministry. Please direct correspondence to: Outpost Centers International 5132 Layton Lane Apison, TN 37302 Tel: 423-236-5600 Fax: 423-236-5650 Email: info@outpostcenters.org For further information, please visit us on the web at www.outpostcenters.org.

About the Cover: Graduation at Advent Home Learning Center is a joyous occasion.

photo by: Janell Hullquist

Copyright © 2013 Outpost Centers International

Editorjanell@outpostcenters.org

president’s perspective

There is an interesting story about a Jewish innkeeper named Berel who lived in russia during

the 1800s. One night a guest at the inn began crying so loudly that Berel’s wife was concerned, so he went to investigate. The guest (a famous rabbi in disguise) wept over the desolation of Jerusalem and pled for the return of the messiah. He told Berel that when the messiah came, He would take them to the Promised Land. Berel asked the guest to be quieter and went back to his wife. A few moments later, Berel returned and asked, “Will my wife and I be able to bring our chickens to the Promised Land?” The rabbi was astonished at this question and told Berel that they would have to leave their chickens behind.

Berel left again, but soon he reappeared. “Please stop praying for the messiah,” he said. “We’re fine here with

our chickens.” The guest replied, “Fine? Persecution can arise at any moment. Our enemies can come and take away everything. We are better off in the Promised Land.” Once again Berel left, but he wasn’t gone long. “Please pray that the messiah would take our enemies to the Promised Land,” he cried, “so we can stay here with our chickens.”

This story should inspire us to ask ourselves some important questions. Are we sincerely focused on the messiah’s coming, or are we more interested in the things around us? Are our possessions more important to us than being in the presence of the messiah? God is calling each of us to a deeper consecration of our time, talents, and possessions. At this point in earth’s history, may our eyes be focused on the Promised Land.

Berel’sChickens

RepoRtssummer 2013 • Vol. 15, No. 2

Steven GrabinerPresident

How has the ministry’s outreach evolved since its beginning?

For 15 years, young people from all over France came to our farm to find hope and healing.

As society changed, so did our farm. The number of visitors with drug addictions decreased; however, we continued to open our doors to anyone needing encouragement and support. Because many people stayed with us for free, we looked for ways to sustain ourselves. We offered NEWSTART®

programs once or twice a year and accommodated more paying

guests. But Le Mas Perdu was never a hospital; we

are a family! Everyone works on the farm together. Those

Monique Garcia’s father was a pastor. He wanted his family to live in the country and hoped that their home would be a safe haven for people who were going through difficult circumstances. Like her father, Monique had a desire to minister to the needs of those around her. She started Le Mas Perdu (Lost Farm) in 1979 as a ministry to help young people struggling with addictions.

suffering from addictions work alongside guests who are here to learn French or to study organic farming. That is how we accomplish our mission.

What role do agriculture and gardening play at Le Mas perdu?

The laws of nature help us to understand life better. For example, if you do not water a plant, you will have a poor harvest. Growing your own food teaches you to be less wasteful as well as to value hard work. Farming brings people together and teaches them to be respectful and less judgmental of their peers. Agriculture has allowed us to be self-supporting and to get by with a little. We try to be wise stewards of our resources, and thanks to word of mouth, guests continue to come and be blessed at our ministry.

Interview by Huguette Jaudas

the Fruitof Love

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Face to Face

For more information about Le Mas Perdu in France, visit www.outpostcenters.org.

How is Le Mas perdu active in the community?

We sell baskets of organic produce, which enables us to meet people and to tell them about the farm. People often contact us if they are looking for a place for someone to stay, whether for a homeless person in need of shelter or someone needing to recover from an illness. Many community members have established a close bond with our ministry. They know they can call me when they are in trouble or need help. But that does not happen in one day. Relationships are cultivated over time. An example is the neighbors’ festival, which is an area tradition. The reception generally takes place at a different family’s house each year, but Le Mas Perdu has hosted it three years in a row.

What are some of the challenges you have faced during the past, and how has God provided?

The biggest challenge is finances, but God always provides. Our duty is to be faithful, to do our job properly, and not to be careless. Working with people is another challenge. As a leader I have to be truthful and say what I should say and let God do the rest. We must hold the line in love and firmness. It is necessary to lead and to show the way, even if we have to be (a little) strict.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

It’s the family. My parents, of course, but also the young people who have stayed on our farm and become part of our extended family. Even after they leave, they call and visit. What a privilege to be part of God’s family and to have family members everywhere in the world. In addition to these close bonds, the greatest reward is to meet someone who you didn’t think would make a recovery or lifestyle change, and to see that they are doing well!

Above: Agriculture plays a big role at Le Mas Perdu.Left: Like family, everyone shares work on the farm.previous page: Monique is dedicated to providing a home for young people struggling with addictions.

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For Uruguayan businessman manuel Borjas, life was a hectic

whirlwind of appointments. manuel’s wife, Yaqueline, and his children were worried about his health. With so much to do, he became anxious, and his anxiety turned into depression. In desperation he begged God to help him find a cure for his stress and discontentment.

One day he felt impressed to contact Carlos Corzo, the director of Naturalia SrL, an OCI ministry with health

by Blanca Molina

Medicinefor the Soul

Above: Manuel and Yaqueline came to Christ through contact with Naturalia SRL.Middle: The Naturalia team teach Biblical truths.Left: Vacation Bible school meetings are one community outreach.

touching Lives

Blanca Molina works at Naturalia SRL. To learn more about this OCI ministry, visit www.outpostcenters.org.

centers in uruguay and Argentina. manuel asked Carlos to recommend products to help him regain his health. However, Carlos also invited manuel to study the Bible with him.

As they studied the Bible together, a physical and spiritual vitality flooded manuel’s soul. He learned Biblical truths about keeping the Sabbath and returning tithe. His wife and neighbors noticed manuel’s new energy and wanted to know more about what he was learning.

Despite the difficulties his new beliefs posed to his business, manuel decided to be faithful to God and put his trust in Him. He and his wife were baptized, and they hope their three children will also be baptized soon.

The team at Naturalia is grateful for opportunities that God provides for them to connect with people in the community like manuel. While seeking to promote healthy living, their greatest goal is to offer people God’s healing medicine, His Word.

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Felicity Kaisuva grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home and

attended church regularly; however, as she grew older, she struggled to see God’s purpose for her life. But as Felicity questioned, God orchestrated.

For some time, Felicity had been interested in leaving Australia to live in the united States. When her uncle returned from a visit there, he told Felicity and her family about Harbert Hills Academy, an OCI ministry in Tennessee. They excitedly watched a

promotional video and decided that the school was an ideal place for Felicity to continue her education.

In march 2012 Felicity arrived at Harbert Hills. Soon afterward she participated in the school’s week of prayer and was deeply touched by the meetings. Last summer she took part in the ASI Youth for Jesus program in Texas. Being involved in witnessing and outreach continued to draw Felicity closer to Jesus and increase her desire to serve Him.

by Brenda Dickman

DivineOrchestration

This school year Felicity decided to be baptized. Now finishing her junior year, she finds joy in sharing her testimony with others.

“It wasn’t until I came to Harbert Hills Academy that I accepted the Adventist faith for myself,” Felicity says. “The worships, weeks of prayer, Bible and medical missionary classes have brought me closer to the Lord. Now I have an appreciation for God’s Word and desire to put it into practice in my life.”

The ministry’s goal is for other students like Felicity to experience a personal relationship with Jesus. Please pray for the staff and students at Harbert Hills, where the Holy Spirit is working to transform the lives of young people from around the world.

Above: Students share their faith through music.Right: Felicity practices giving massage.

touching Lives

Brenda Dickman is the English and choir teacher at Harbert Hills Academy. For more information, visit www.harberthills.org.

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God’sKingdom

Workers for

Blondel Senior was distressed. He had received a phone call from a

desperate mother, begging him to help her son who was in juvenile detention.

During family worship, Blondel discussed the call with his family. His oldest daughter suggested starting a Christian group home for troubled teenagers, much like the ones he developed for the government. The Holy Spirit impressed Blondel and his wife, Gloria, to pursue the idea.

In 1985 the Seniors rented a small home in Florida, providing residential care, counseling, and schooling for four teenage boys dealing with behavioral

problems, ADHD, substance abuse, and difficulties in school. Shortly afterward, the Blondels moved to a country home on 42 acres. However, the new location was still not ideal. Faced with zone restrictions and neighborhood hostility toward troubled teens, Blondel searched for a permanent location. In 1989 the ministry moved to Tennessee. But it was not until 2007 that the ministry received its current name, Advent Home Learning Center Inc.

Today Advent Home helps at-risk boys overcome challenges and negative behaviors in a minimum-distraction environment. Through its maturation

by Barbara Graham

Young men arrive at Advent Home Learning Center struggling; they graduate with the skills to succeed.

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Mission snapshot

Therapy® Program, which is based on principles from the Bible and the counsel of ellen White, students receive physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual healing.

The ministry also offers the Second Chance education Program, which is designed to help young men ages 18 to 23 to finish high school and earn a GeD® diploma while preparing for college or employment. Through apprenticeship training, students learn practical life skills in agriculture, food services, education, and youth leadership.

michael came to Advent Home as an explosive 19-year-old and has been a farm apprentice for nearly a year. In march he passed his GeD® tests. His mother, Diane, has noticed positive changes in his behavior, including being able to control his anger better. She believes the farm apprenticeship is helping her son and will help other students too. michael is also encouraged by his experience at Advent Home. Being in nature has given him more respect for himself and others and helped draw him closer to God.

Advent Home’s academic program plays a key role in helping students to catch up to their peers and graduate from high school. In addition to traditional classroom instruction and online courses, students receive one-

on-one tutoring. For those who learn best outside the classroom, Advent Home organizes field trips and creative activities; some students have made things for their family, built a weather station, and utilized art therapy to paint a mural. Other special events like Family Forum, Fun Day, Week of Prayer, and singing with the Advent Home choir provide a comprehensive approach to learning, happiness, and healing.

Lance graduated from Advent Home and now attends Southern Adventist university. He credits his current scholastic success to the dedication he learned from Advent Home’s staff and students. However, the most important lesson he gleaned from his time at Advent Home was practicing constant prayer, which has helped him to stay calm under pressure.

The team members at Advent Home face many challenges as they work with at-risk teen boys; however, they are grateful for God’s strength and wisdom. It is their greatest desire that these young men become eager and dedicated workers for God’s kingdom.

Barbara Graham serves as development director at Advent Home Learning Center Inc. To learn more about this ministry in Tennessee, visit www.adventhome.org.

Above: Students catch up academically.Below: Important lessons are learned while working on Advent Home’s farm.previous page: Graduating students leave with the skills to succeed in life.

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Compiled by Hannah Kuntz

Take the PlungeThe Atwood Family

Wayne and Isabelle Atwood serve full time at Better Living ministry (mieux Vivre), an OCI member in Canada. They have always loved mission trips, and before they had children, they visited a number of countries and made many rich memories.

The Atwoods wanted their three children, Samuel (10), Sarah (8), and Caleb (3), to experience missions

firsthand and decided to take them on a nine-week trip to VIDA Internacional, an OCI ministry in Honduras. They were excited to return to the foreign mission field.

When they arrived in Honduras, the Atwood children were surprised and profoundly impacted by the humble living conditions of the locals. All three kids helped with various projects at VIDA: Samuel laid tile in the new elementary school building, Caleb enthusiastically

For students of all ages, the start of summer break represents exciting prospects of fun and freedom. many families vacation together during the summer months.

These holidays are bonding experiences, but the impact they have on anyone outside the family is minimal. However, there are ways to make memories with your family and serve others at the same time. OCI caught up with two families who volunteered at ministries in Honduras and Zambia.

SummerVocation

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mixed cement with his small shovel, and Sarah and the boys picked up building materials scattered around the construction site to prepare for the grand opening of the new building. The family also planted and watered flowers, weeded the gardens, helped with programs for local disabled children, and sang for an evangelistic campaign. In the process they learned some Spanish.

“A family mission trip is a very exciting and rewarding experience,” Wayne says. “Our children greatly benefited by interacting with the students from VIDA Internacional, and we were all touched by the kindness of the Hondurans. Now back at home, we feel rejuvenated and refreshed, as well as a stronger connection to our sister ministry in Honduras. We would encourage any families who are considering going on a mission trip to take the plunge. The experience is well worth it.”

Give Them a HandThe Shank Family

When Steve and Donna Shank first met Hein and melissa myburgh in 2011, they were intrigued at the couple’s idea of providing medical care by boat on the Zambezi river. This

year the Shanks left their West Virginia home to spend two weeks volunteering at the myburgh’s ministry, mukuyu Outreach, in Zambia.

Traveling on the ministry’s medical launch, Steve and Donna treated villagers who have minimal or non-existent access to medical care. With a small generator, video projector, and portable gazebo, they also presented a short health talk and a movie about Christ’s life in the Tonga language. The first day they treated more than 100 people, and 150 were captivated as they watched and heard the story of Jesus in their own language, many for the first time. mukuyu Outreach’s Bible workers will follow up interests.

“What a joy to join a committed young couple in relieving physical suffering and introducing people to the best Friend they will ever have,” Steve says. “These missionaries and others like them are involved in true gospel work. Why not give them a hand? You will be blessed!”

Mission snapshot

Above: Crowds gather to hear the Shanks’ health talk.Below: Steve uses his medical skills to help a young man. previous page: Wayne and Samuel Atwood lay tiles at VIDA Internacional.Bottom left: The Atwood family enjoys serving together.

For more information about these OCI ministries and how you can get involved in missions, visit www.outpostcenters.org.

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Craig Harding, a licensed real estate agent, currently serves as vice president of Outpost Centers International. For more information about OCI, visit www.outpostcenters.org.

by Craig Harding

As I headed out the door, I prayed for the chance to share

Christ with someone that day. I was meeting a client who wanted to sell his home. When I arrived at the house, a retired drill sergeant greeted me coolly. We walked around the property, and I offered pointers for making a quick sale. However, as the man revealed more details about why he was moving and his wife’s drinking problem, I began to feel sorry for him.

We prepared to sign the papers, and I felt the unmistakable impression to pray with him. Yet at the same time, I didn’t want to look foolish in front of this hardened soldier and compromise my “professional” image. I said goodbye and left. I ignored God’s prompting to uplift this man to Jesus because I was afraid to lose a sale.

That night I had trouble sleeping. I wondered what would have happened

if I had offered to pray with my client. I felt guilty that I had missed an opportunity to share Jesus with him, especially after I had specifically asked God that morning to work through me.

A few days later I returned to take photos. The sergeant was there, and this

time I answered the Lord’s call. As I finished the prayer, the man tearfully thanked me for taking the time to pray with him.

How often do we casually deny Christ? So often we seek to do a grand work for Him at the expense of being faithful in the little things first. I believe

that the success or failure of our efforts is determined by our willingness to fulfill Christ’s calling, no matter the task. It isn’t always a large public conquest for Christ that changes the world; sometimes the collective power of small deeds is what makes the difference!

Food for thought

The Powerof Small Deeds

It isn’t always a large public conquest for Christ that changes the world

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Service Opportunities

If you have a desire to serve God, prayerfully consider one of the

following ways to get involved.

Advent Home Learning Center, USALicensed Clinical Social Worker

Amazon Lifesavers Ministry, Brazil Agricultural DirectorBilingual Secretary (English/Portuguese) Portuguese-speaking Bible Workers

Fondacioni Almise, AlbaniaEnglish Teacher

Kibidula Farm Institute, TanzaniaAccountantAdministrative Assistant Avocado Farm ManagerCommunication SpecialistPilot/Aircraft Mechanic Swahili Translator/Editor

Oklahoma Academy, USABoys’ & Girls’ DeansCafeteria DirectorCountry Store Manager Farmer/Gardener

The Hope of Survivors, USAVolunteer: Victim Support ServicesVolunteer: Development Director

Get Involved

service openings

View the complete list atwww.outpostcenters.org.

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Lina Mills uses her dental hygiene training to connect

with remote people along the Amazon River.

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