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Adventists in Turkmenistan Arrested During Meeting

ix Seventh-day Adventists were arrested while meeting in a private apartment in Turkmenabad, Turkmenistan, November 16, according to church sources in the region. Several hours later the group was released from police custody, but authorities seized all their religious books and audio and video materials.

The owner of the apartment reports that police also confiscated her legal documents proving ownership of the home, and church members fear she may be evicted. During the past year authorities in Turkmenistan have threatened to seize the property of any citizens who hold religious meetings in their homes.

One source in central Asia reports that the recent Adventist arrests were part of a larger crackdown in which 50 people throughout Turkmenistan, both Christians and non-Christians, were arrested in mid-November. According to Keston News Service, members of a Protestant church in the city of Ashgabad were forced to pay large fines and two foreign members were deported.

The developments are the latest in a series of government crackdowns. Authorities have already destroyed an Adventist church in Ashgabad.

Ten Adventists live in Turkmenabad (formerly Chardjou), a mid-sized city near the Uzbek border. In October 2000 the only Adventist pastor working in Turkmenistan, Pavel Fedotov, was arrested and jailed for three days while visiting Turkmenabad.

While Turkmenistan claims to allow freedom of religion, in practice only Sunni Muslims and the Russian Orthodox Church are permitted to worship unhindered. --Adventist News Network.

North American Division Launches New Radio Program
The North American Division has created new radio spots called Lifelines. Ten 90-second public service announcements (PSA) were submitted to 700 U.S.-based Christian and mainstream radio stations to be used as public service spots (non-paid programming).

Vibrant Life magazine, North American Division Communication and Health Ministries departments, and Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC), have formed a partnership to produce the PSAs. The series is designed to provide listeners with practical tips on a variety of topics including disease prevention, physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, and the eight principles of health.

In addition to targeting radio stations, producers plan to make the PSAs available to local church Health Ministries directors and pastors who wish to place the programs on community radio stations.

Adventist Review Experiences Change in Staff
Adventist Review editor and executive publisher William G. Johnsson recently announced several staff transitions at the 152-year old church magazine.

Myrna Tetz, managing editor of the magazine since 1997, will retire as of January 31, 2002.

"Myrna Tetz has given wonderful service to the Review and the Adventist church," says Johnsson. "Her energy, creativity, and skills in interpersonal relations have enhanced the magazine and its ministry."

In addition to coordinating the preparation of the weekly magazine between the editorial offices at the General Conference and the Review and Herald Publishing Association in Hagerstown, Maryland, Tetz has been responsible for the Adventist Review's "Lifestyle," "News Commentary," and "Reflections" features.

When her husband retires from pastoral ministry in Baltimore later in the spring, the couple will settle in Durham, North Carolina.

Steve Chavez, currently assistant editor of the Adventist Review, has been appointed managing editor by the Adventist Review Publishing Board.

A member of the magazine's editorial team since 1994, Chavez is well-known to readers for his features and editorials. Along with his managing editor responsibilities, Chavez will continue to coordinate the monthly North American edition, interface with columnists, and provide faith-building stories.

Bonita Shields, an associate pastor of the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spencerville, Maryland, was appointed as an assistant editor of the Adventist Review by the magazine's publishing board at its November meeting. She will begin her new duties in mid-January.

Shields brings significant experience as both a pastor and writer to her new role. During six years at the Spencerville Church, she authored numerous articles for the Adventist Review and other church periodicals and coordinated a variety of ministries and initiatives for the local congregation, including small group ministry, women's ministry, lay training, discipleship, and children's ministry.

Merle Poirier joined the Adventist Review staff in early November, having previously been an assistant editor and layout and design coordinator for The Literature Evangelist, a monthly publication of the General Conference Publishing Department.

Poirier is serving in a new role as technical projects coordinator for the magazine, drawing on her expertise with computer layout, graphic design, and database management.

She will also edit the "Newsbreak" section of the Adventist Review, assist in the development of advertising, and provide database support for the magazine's New Believer Plan. The project is a joint effort of the magazine and the 57 conferences of the church's North American division to provide a free 12-month subscription to newly baptized members. Hundreds of Adventist Review readers each year contribute to fund this innovative effort to nurture new members of the church.

"One Night of Your Life" Touches Many Lives
Adventists in and around Spokane, Washington joined neighbors and friends at the Spokane Opera House on October 11 for a bridge-building event that offered the community a one-night gospel presentation. Amazing Facts evangelist, Doug Batchelor and soloist, Wintley Phipps, were joined by Loreli Sinco, a talented eight-year old vocalist, at this unique evangelistic event.

More than 3,400 individuals, in two sessions, heard the gospel through the music of Phipps and Sinco. Batchelor presented his compelling personal testimony, followed by an invitation for the audience to make a decision to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. One hundred and seventy persons indicated an interest in taking Bible studies.

Area churches in Spokane plan to follow up this inspiring event with a variety of programs, as well as encouraging church members to be involved in friendship evangelism.

News Notes
Ben Schoun, president of the Atlantic Union Conference, was recently elected Adventist World Radio president. Schoun replaces the retiring Don Jacobsen, and will begin his responsibilities early this year.

Jon Dybdahl, a professor of world mission at Andrews University, recently accepted the invitation to become Walla Walla College president. Dybdahl replaces W.G. Nelson who retired in June 2001. Clifford Sorenson, previously WWC president from 1976 to 1985, is serving as interim through the end of the current school year.

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