ust as Net '95 pioneered the Adventist world to satellite evangelism, It Is Written Television recently introduced a new form of global outreach through Mark Finley's dynamic satellite series, A Man for All Time--The Incomparable Christ. The event, co-sponsored by the North American Division, took place March 21-29 at Forest Lake Academy in Florida. It served as the culmination of many Orlando-area evangelistic events sponsored by It Is Written, the Florida Conference and local pastors.

"A Man for All Time has created a new paradigm for Adventist evangelism," says Kermit Netteburg, assistant to the president for communication in the North American Division. "There's no need to set aside prophecy-based evangelism, but this is a terrific new alternative that touches a new demographic."

In today's age of streaming media, It Is Written took into consideration the demanding schedules of those who normally wouldn't have the time to attend a full evangelistic series. Yet turnout was still overwhelming. At least 700 churches in North America--and many additional churches around the globe--tuned in to watch the series via satellite through the Adventist Television Network (ATN) and Adventist Communication Network (ACN).

Hundreds of people pray for the success of the meetings.

In preparation for the series, It Is Written Bible instructors and local pastors worked in the Orlando area for over a year to prepare residents for this event. In early 2003, It Is Written staff members Ernestine Finley, Robert Costa and Tony Moore each held their own successful evangelistic meetings in an effort to capture the interest of the community.

The final major event, A Man for All Time, focused on Jesus' ability to meet the deepest needs of the human heart. On opening night, more than 2,300 church members and visitors packed the Forest Lake Academy auditorium. Throughout the week, those in attendance braved hour-long traffic jams caused by cars exiting the parking lot.

The combination of Christ-centered messages (translated live into Spanish, French and Portuguese) were combined with uplifting music. As the meetings progressed, thousands around the world and in the audience responded to appeals to live the "deeper spiritual life." Program organizers reported that people who hadn't set foot in an Adventist church for over 20 years recommitted their lives, and others who had never heard of an Adventist church before the meetings made decisions for baptism. Many church members confirmed that they had discovered a renewed faith in Christ through the meetings.

Mark Finley, Speaker/Director for It Is Written Television, often expressed appreciation for the hard work of everyone involved--the local pastors, those who appeared onstage, and the many people who worked behind-the-scenes.

Because of their work, word about the series spread quickly. It Is Written received e-mail from a non-Adventist church that read, "I'm sorry we didn't officially register to participate in this series, but we are showing it every day in our church."

Finley offers encouraging words.

In the Orlando area alone, more than 150 people have made decisions for baptism as a direct result of It Is Written initiatives. "We deeply appreciate the spiritual impact these meetings have had on our churches," says Florida Conference President H. Lewis Hendershot.

Churches around the world continue to experience spiritual renewal and baptisms through A Man for All Time. Since its original broadcast, ATN has subsequently aired the series around the world in nine languages.

Kandus Thorp, assistant to the director at ATN, said, "With the widely expanded service of this new channel (ATN), we may never fully know the scope of who is receiving the gospel as It Is Written, ATN, and other ministries unite in satellite evangelism."

For those who missed the series the first time around, 3ABN will feature the programs beginning June 14. Anyone with Internet access may view the series online at www.iiw.org. PowerPoint graphics, videos, DVDs, and audio recordings of the series are also available through the It Is Written Web site.

"The obvious manifestation of the Spirit touched hearts and transformed lives through this series," says Finley. "The format of this short, Christ-centered program was extremely effective in reaching even more people with the gospel, and we will definitely use it again."

Longtime Educator Winton Beaven Dies
Winton Beaven, who served in various educational post in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, died on May 12 in Dayton, Ohio.

Beaven's ministry spanned six decades before his formal retirement from denominational service in 1997. He was best known as president of Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland, and provost of Kettering Medical College (KMC) in Ohio. His last post of service was assistant to the KMC president for special projects.

A speaker in great demand, Beaven had addressed audiences in more than 100 countries. He also served as president of the International Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism.

Beaven is survived by his wife, Lorraine, and six children: Barbara Abrahamian, Barry, Connie Petrie, Eric, Lara, and Marc; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Australia: Murdered Missionary is Buried
as One Arrest is Made
While at least one suspect has been arrested in the killing of Adventist missionary Lance Gersbach, 700 people attended his funeral service in Australia recently. Gersbach, 60, a business manager at Atoifi Adventist Hospital on Malaita, Solomon Islands, at the time of his death, was buried at Palmdale Memorial Park in Ourimbah, New South Wales, May 26, following the service at Avondale College church in Cooranbong.

The killing has led to a review of security policy at the hospital, as well as a temporary cutback in services as traumatized staff members take a brief leave of absence. Barry Oliver, South Pacific Division secretary, said there is no consideration is being given to closing the facility.

One suspect, described as an unemployed man in his 20s, is being held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, by authorities. Police are seeking a second suspect, also male.

In a prepared statement Mrs. Gersbach expressed her appreciation for the support the family had received, singling out the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara, Qantas and Solomon Airlines, as well as church leaders.

"I would like to thank our friends and members of the community for your love, compassion, and prayers," she said. "Lance was a man who always put his best into everything he did. He had a depth of character that isn't often found, and was committed to making a positive contribution to the hospital at Atoifi. I believed he achieved his goal."

A boyhood friend and college classmate of Gersbach, Graeme Loftus, who pastors Gersbach's home church in Charlestown, and presented the homily during the funeral service. Loftus said he knew Gersbach as "a quiet, almost shy person," but "behind the scenes was incredibly helpful. . . . He had a thorough work ethic," he said. Gersbach, an accountant, came to Malaita with his family February 11. He previously served as business manager at the former Sopas Adventist Hospital in Papua New Guinea between 1991 and 1993, and then as director of Administrative Services at the former Auckland Adventist Hospital until 1994. --Adventist News Network

ATN Welcomes Gary Gibbs as Associate Director
Gary Gibbs, senior vice president of Amazing Facts radio and television ministry, will be joining the staff of Adventist Television Network (ATN) as associate director.

Gibbs will be responsible for marketing and development in the newly created post. ATN is growing rapidly and will soon begin a 24-hour-a-day 7-day-a-week broadcast schedule, says director Brad Thorp. Gary will serve on the ATN's programming committee and focus on developing ATN's distribution in North America.

Gibbs has served at Amazing Fact for the past 10 years where he coordinated the ministries 13 evangelists and oversaw the marketing and public relations functions.

News Notes

General Conference (GC) vice president Leo Ranzolin and wife, Lucilla, are the latest recipients of the GC Department of Family Ministries' Arthur and Maud Spaulding Distinguished Service Award.

The presentation was made by Karen and Ron Flowers, co-directors of the department, on May 21, 2003 during a Family Ministries leadership development conference in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The award, medallion engraved with silhouettes of the Spauldings, was established in 1990 to provide special recognition for outstanding service to families.

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