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Adventist Woman Made Homeless by Turkmenistan Authorities

arina Ismakaeva, a Seventh-day Adventist church member living in Turkmenabad, Turkmenistan, was made homeless by city authorities on December 21. In a court judgment she was found guilty of "illegally organizing a religious community" by holding a Friday night prayer meeting in her apartment on November 16, 2001.

Police broke up the meeting and six participants were detained and their identity documents confiscated. In addition the legal title documents of the apartment were taken by the police. All religious books and audio-visual materials were also seized.

The December 21 eviction order states that Marina Ismakaeva "has illegally drawn people into a religious society by organizing a group" Citizen M.K. Ismakaeva is to be evicted from her flat; no alternative flat is offered to her," according to a report by Keston News Service.

It is not known what happened after the eviction order, or where Ismakaeva is living now. The Turkmenistan government continues to persecute protestant Christians, and destroyed the only Adventist church building in Turkmenistan during November 1999.

"We all need to remember those who are denied the freedom to worship and to practice their beliefs," said General Conference president Jan Paulsen, "We are deeply concerned over the continuing situation in Turkmenistan. Such reports are very distressing and as yet our communications with the authorities have not brought any response."

Paulsen spoke of "our grave concern and our wish for a rapid resolution to the ongoing tragedy," and appealed "to our international church family to continue to pray for the persecuted around the world, and most specifically for our fellow-believers in Turkmenistan."

The Public Affairs and Religious Liberty department of the General Conference has issued an official statement entitled "Persecution of Christians in Turkmenistan," which is available at parl.gc.adventist.org/turkmenstat.html.

Anthrax Scare Highlights Adventist
Role in Germ Warfare Research
While the anthrax scare in the U.S. has heightened awareness among civilians concerning the possibility of germ warfare, the battle against bioterrorism has long been waged by U.S. armed forces in preparation for just such a situation. The recent events have brought Operation Whitecoat, a unique partnership between the U.S. Army and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to the forefront in the American media.

USA Today and the Los Angeles Times have both published articles about the Whitecoats. In December 2001, ABC News broadcast a program with this focus. The media's interest has once again highlighted the participation of 2,500 Seventh-day Adventists who, between 1954 and 1973, fulfilled their military obligation by electing to serve their country as medical research volunteers for the U.S. Army. Participation included research to develop medical countermeasures against biological threats, including anthrax. In total, about 150 studies of the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many diseases were completed during Operation Whitecoat.

"Here's a group of people who volunteered to prevent the very thing that Americans are fearing right now. Because of their bravery and commitment to their country, we are all safer today," says Dick Stenbakken, Director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries. "This research resulted in the development of vaccinations, safety procedures, preventative treatments, and even safety suits and masks that are currently being used."

The Whitecoats' valued service has been recognized by the U.S. government and the Adventist Church with medals of honor and a memorial in Frederick, Maryland.

Sligo Adventist Church Celebrates Caring Hearts
As part of its annual Festival of Praise activities, Sligo Adventist Church, in Takoma Park, Maryland, once again presented the Caring Heart Award.

"This award is given to persons from the community who have demonstrated a ministry of caring and compassion for their neighbors--an expression of appreciation to those who give so others may live in anticipation of a better society with more opportunities for all," says Rebecca Brillhart, pastor for discipleship.

Two awards were presented, one to Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and the other to Sligo member and community activist, Erwin Mack. Lt. Gov. Townsend was recognized for her many initiatives to make Maryland's communities work together to meet the specific needs of families, to increase economic opportunities for citizens, and to initiate dialogue and partnership with faith-based communities. Unable to appear in person, Townsend sent a letter to be read to the congregation: "Over the years, Sligo Church has stood out not only as the largest faith community in Montgomery County, but also as a body that represents and personifies the best of our culture--activism, leadership and a dedication to community and public service . . . With deepest gratitude I thank you for being such a positive and uplifting force."

The award given to Erwin Mack, executive director of the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Development Authority, recognized his outstanding public service. Mack, 70, has been working for nearly 20 years to promote revitalization, improvement and expansion of local communities so that they are better places to shop, work and live. "Erwin doesn't just talk about a life of service, he lives it," says Peter Bath, Sligo senior pastor.

Maryland State Senator Arthur Dorman and Takoma Park Mayor Kathy Porter joined Mack and his wife, Sylvia, during the presentation and thanked Mack for his initiatives.

Anniversary Celebration for Adventist Review
On Sabbath, December 15, 2001, the Middletown-Portland Church in Portland, Connecticut celebrated the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Adventist Review, first printed as The Present Truth in Middletown, Connecticut in 1849. Bill Knott, associate editor of the Adventist Review, spoke at the morning worship service and at an afternoon celebration.

Pastor Luther Raposo organized an afternoon tour of historical sites including the eight-mile route taken on foot by James White to deliver the first edition to the printer. A visit was made to the Belden Farm, the site of the first Seventh-day Adventist publication where a marker commemorates the historic event.

Spirit of Prophecy Books Now Available for Palm Pilots
The Ellen G. White Estate recently announced the availability of five of Ellen White's best-known books including Steps to Christ, Desire of Ages, and The Great Controversy in formats compatible for Palm Pilots, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and E-book readers. They may be downloaded free of charge at the Ellen G. White Web site: www.WhiteEstate.org. It is expected that further volumes from the Spirit of Prophecy will be added in the future.

This additional feature augments resources already available online in the form of special publications, study guides, photographs, archival databases, and materials on issues relating to Ellen White's life and writings. An online book section includes the entire text of Messenger of the Lord by Herbert Douglass--the most comprehensive treatment of Ellen G. White's prophetic ministry.

News Notes

Two members of the Florida Conference, Earl Davis and Michael Harrell, carried the Olympic torch in early December 2001 as part of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Torch Relay. Four Seventh-day Adventists have been honored for their service to the community and personal achievements.

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