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SERVING SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN THE LAKE UNION SINCE 1908WE MADE IT THROUGHR E F L E C T I O N S O N FA I T H , R E S I L I E N C Y A N D H O P EILLIL INLI OIN SIN OIS MESI F MD OC BEEU RSSJ A N UA R Y / F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 1
In This IssueNews OnlineTitus Naftanaila was elected presidentof Wisconsin Conference. He and hiswife, Rozina, served as the pastoral couplefor the Green Bay District. Naftanaila, pictured here with wife and son, Sebastian,begins his presidential responsibilitiesJanuary 1, 2021.Stacey-Ann DePluzer was re-electedto a second two-year term as LakeUnion Youth Department AdventistAssociation of Camping Professionals(AACP) representative. In this capacity,Stacey-Ann serves as the link between thecamps in our Union and the AACP board.“’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” I don’tknow how things are going for you, butI’ve gone through the biggest challenges of my life. First, my wife, MaryAnn,lost her mother in March, then we lostMaryAnn in September, then we lost myfather in October (none were victims ofthe coronavirus). Yet, through it all, Godhas been faithful as a constant and abidingPresence. Yes, there are times when theloss is overwhelming, yet God seems to becloser than ever.After a long period of caution andhesitation because of the pandemic,Indiana's Hammond Church receivedsix additions into its membership. Thebaptism was conducted by Pastor OvidRadulescu; he and the entire HammondChurch joined in welcoming their newmembers.The Lake Union is pushing forwardI assume that life has been differentfor all of us but I trust that some of thestories in this issue of the Herald will be asource of healing and encouragement toour readers.standards detailed in a video, with thegoal of guiding our church’s effortsto protect its members. Project SafeChurch, as the initiative is known, seeksto address reports of sexual abuse withinLake Union churches.Gary BurnsEditor2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021Downloadthe Herald toyour mobiledevice!Get the latestnews to youremail inboxeach week.LAKE UNION HERALD
CONTENTST E L L I N G T H E S T O R I E S O F W H AT G O D I S D O I N G I N T H E L I V E S O F H I S P E O P L EPERSPECTIVESPresident's Perspective4Lest We Forget8Conexiones9Conversations with God44One Voice46On The Edge47EVANGELISMSharing Our Hope10Telling God’s Stories12Partnership With God45FEATURES14How We Made ItThroughLIFESTYLEFamily Focus6Alive & Well724CURRENT MATTERSAdventHealth28Andrews University29News30Survey Results38Calendar of Events40Mileposts41Classifieds42After the Dust SettlesBy Nicholas P. MillerC O V E R P H O T O G R A P H : STEVEN NORMANDave PfledererO N T H E C O V E R : Toson Antwan Knight (back center), with mentees. Front row:Anwau Charles, Robert Merriweather; back row: Eduardo Yarbrough, Earle Kearney,Barry Stewart, Edmen StewartThe Lake Union Herald (ISSN 0194-908X) is published monthly(except for January/February, June/July and November/December) by the Lake Union Conference, P.O. Box 287,Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287. Periodicals postagepaid at Berrien Springs, Michigan, and additional mailingoffices. Yearly subscription price is 12.50. Vol. 113, No. 1.POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to: Lake Union Herald,P. O. Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287.LAKE UNION HERALDADDRESS CORRECTION Only paid subscribers (see below) should contact the Lake Union Herald office withtheir address changes. Members should contact their local church clerks directly for all Lake Union Heraldaddress changes. Contact phone numbers and our mailing address are listed below for your convenience.Online submissions can be made at https://www.lakeunionherald.com/contact.Lake Union Herald office: 269-473-8242Lake Region: 773-846-2661Illinois: 630-856-2860Michigan: 517-316-1552Indiana: 317-844-6201 ext. 241Wisconsin: 920-484-6555Members outside the Lake Union may subscribe by sending a check for 12.50 (per year) toP.O. Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287.Note: If you are a member of a church in the Lake Union but are not receiving the Lake Union Herald,please request it through your church clerk or local conference secretary.JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 3
President's PerspectiveMission UnstoppableJesus said, Now this is eternal life, that they may know theonly true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent. I haveglorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Meto do. John 17:4E Maurice ValentineJesus started the work of the New Testament church.During the pandemic, if you think the work has groundto a halt, think again. In Mexico, a virtual evangelisticmeeting was held which averaged 190,000 viewers pernight. One night had 242,000 viewers.If you think that was big. . .One of our media ministries had a meeting, originally planned for our region, that went from what wouldhave been maybe 30 churches but instead was broadcast to over 600 churches around the globe.You think that was big. . .Meet Steven. He’s a pastor who had a meeting cancelled after gathering the names of 400 people to inviteto his meeting. His burden for souls wouldn’t allowhim to let those names wither on the vine. He toldhimself, “I’ve got to do something with these names. I can’tlet these individuals go unknowing of Jesus’ soon return,”so he held a virtual meeting.You think that was big. . .Several of our conferences have held meetings withanywhere from 20 to 40 people in attendance, somein-person, some virtually. Pastors and churches together who, like Steven, feel the need to share the message.You think that is big. . .While speaking to someone several weeks ago,she shared that she is giving Bible studies over thetelephone. In a weekly meeting, she is teaching theAmazing Facts series to a group of people, withoutvideo. Moreover, she is already hoping to share theadvanced series once the regular series is completed.Furthermore, she inspired my heart as she told me sheparticipates in an early morning prayer call and is also4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021having a more intimate Bible study with her sister. Shestated that her Bible students see many things thatthey had no idea were in the Word of God, but theyfind it hard to dispute because it is so plain.We are not following Scripture if we believe we willcatch every fish in the pond. No fisherman believes hewill catch the entire lake. Yet, the work goes on justas those who are fisherman keep fishing. The workgoes on, similar to how every spring the farmer keepssowing. The work goes on, the same way every healthcare professional keeps going out the door each day torescue the perishing. The work is not what we do; it iswho we are. When we see Jesus high and lifted up, wecan’t help but tell somebody. It’s like fire shut in ourbones.If you noticed the numbers mentioned here gotsmaller and smaller, then hopefully it is clear when Isay, “You think that was big.” I’m not referring to numbers. I’m referring to faith.We tend to get caught up in numbers. However, asJesus’ three-year evangelistic meeting concluded, Heexperienced a great decline in “numbers” attendinghis meeting. The Book of John asserts, . . .many of Hisdisciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Thensaid Jesus unto the twelve, “Will ye also go away?”Ask God to give you a faith that can move mountains, then wait and see what the Lord does for you.The greatest witness may be when each of us asks Godto show us what He would have us do.I met the Lord for myself as I tuned into the localChristian channel during my drive time back and forthto work every day. During my morning and eveningLAKE UNION HERALD
President's Perspectivecommute, I listened to the radio evangelist and myheart for the lost beat so strong. I said, “Lord, I wouldlike to tell the whole world about Your love and I would liketo do that on the radio.” So, I went to school, majoring inTheology with a minor in Communication.As time went on, I forgot about my dream to be aradio evangelist. Then, suddenly, it fell right into mylap. One of my members came to me and said, “Pastor,I want to put you on the radio.” I told him I would doit even though I was fearful of the cost. He developed anot-for-profit radio ministry board and, for two years,he and other faithful members raised the funds so Icould tell the Denver metropolitan area about His love.Who knows what God has in store for you? Your greatest challenge may be co-workers with whom you interact every day or a brother, sister, child or grandchild.“Mission Unstoppable” is the Lake UnionConference theme for 2021. We are thankful for all youare doing to help finish the work. If thinking about thework gets you excited, think again and ask: “Lord, whatare we not doing that we need to do? Where are we not sowing that we need to sow? What questions are we not askingthat we need to ask? What things should we be consideringthat have not even crossed our minds? What can the HolySpirit do with those who seek to bring Glory to God throughtheir service?” But here’s the most important questionof all. “Lord, what can I do that I’m not currently doing?”Ellen White wrote in the book, Acts of the Apostles:“The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to theLord for the holy unction that was to fit them for thework of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted withthe burden of the salvation of souls. They realized thatthe gospel was to be carried to the world, and theyclaimed the power that Christ had promised.”Whether the crowds are dwindling or increasing, being faithful is all that God asks us to do. If crowds wereall that was important, then Noah was a failure. Haveyou ever considered the fact that when Jesus spokethe words, I finished the work that You gave Me to do, Hiscrowds were probably at their smallest?As much as I love big evangelistic meetings or othermajor initiatives, the church isn’t a building nor anamphitheater or stadium filled with people hearing theWord of God. The church is God in you and God withyou. The church is God in me and God with me. PrayLAKE UNION HERALDfor the harvest in all endeavors, whether big or small.So long as the faith is big, God can work with yourdream to finish the work.The President’s Book of the Year is Patriarchs andProphets. Let’s read it together and let’s grow together.Moreover, let’s read the Bible together. Join me in reading three chapters of the Old Testament every weekdaymorning and two chapters of the New Testament everyweekday evening. PMaurice Valentine is president of the Lake Union Conference.THE PRESIDENT’S BOOK OFTHE YEAR IS PATRIARCHSAND PROPHETS. LET’S READIT TOGETHER AND LET’SGROW TOGETHER.JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 5
Family FocusMemory and the Pursuit of JesusWe want our children to “stay in the Church.” Discussionsarise that it is more than just membership, that it is aboutrelationship with Jesus, and on to what might be ways by whichwe can encourage this growth.E Ingrid Weiss SlikkersWe schedule family worship, Sabbath School,Pathfinders, summer camp, and many other homeor organizational spiritual formation activities whichsupport development in hopes that what they learnwill become integrated into their being.In reading about the brain and memory in recentmonths, I find myself pondering the connection. I’mlearning that semantic memory remembers rote piecesof information with no necessary emotional response.An example commonly given is multiplication tables.This kind of memory has no real personal experienceconnected to it and is comprised of basic facts orknowledge about the world while absent of context.In applying this to religious education, I find it easy toquickly list examples of semantic pieces of memorywith facts such as the books of the Bible in order or thetwelve tribes of Israel.Procedural memory, on the other hand, is how todo something. Connected to motor skills, it requiresmovement or action. Early in child development arisewalking and talking. This procedural memory eventually builds into tying shoes or riding a bike. As processesare mastered, they can be done on “auto-pilot.” As Ihad previously done, I thought about it in terms ofspiritual formation and wondered if repeating John3:16, the Lord’s Prayer, praying over meals or daily worship had become procedural, something that was beingdone without thinking for many of us?Episodic memory includes events or experiences.It involves conscious thought, not just rote memory.Knowledge of it comes from experiencing inside context. Within this form of remembrance, we are able to6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021not only recall, but actually “re-experience” the memory with images, feelings, and the meaning it broughtto our life. It is highly personal. It is lived experienceand encompasses the senses. Experiences like beingat the rim of the Grand Canyon where every sense wasstimulated, or simply remembering grandma’s voice,laughter and the smells of her kitchen although she haspassed away. You are able to “see” it and “re-experience” it.My parallels then gave me pause. Could it be that weare overly concentrating on semantic and procedural memory with our children? Clearly, both are vitalfoundations. Semantic memory of Psalm 23 is significant and should be pursued. Procedural memory ofchurch attendance is important. My pause came whenI considered that episodic memory is more than justreading or hearing and comes as we experience it. Howmuch effort is going into this area of growth? How canI encourage knowing our Savior this year? How can wesee, feel, hear and experience Jesus?What is God guiding us to do so that, at the endof 2021, we will be able to use our episodic memorybecause being with Jesus is as real and present as whenwe recall sitting around a campfire with close friendslast weekend? PIngrid Weiss Slikkers, assistant professor and director, InternationalCenter for Trauma Education & Care, School of Social Work, AndrewsUniversityLAKE UNION HERALD
Alive & WellPeace Through the StormThe storms of life. We all have them — you know, thestorms of stress, sorrow, setbacks and sickness. Jesus said:These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I haveovercome the world.Eternity without pain is on the horizon but, in themeantime, God has a special four-part “peace plan” toguide, strengthen and empower you, filling your lifewith peace, purpose and joy. Daily applying these fourprinciples will help you flourish instead of flounderas you face the inevitable challenges and demands ofthese last days. They are:1. A Lifestyle that Promotes Peace. Lifestyle is amajor factor that affects mental, physical, social andspiritual health. Lifestyle choices matter, especially theones we repeat every day. They have a profound affecton brain function which is the seat of your thinking,emotions and decisions. “Many of the fundamentaltools for the care and feeding of the brain are everydaymatters. Physical and mental exercise, proper nutritionand adequate sleep will help anyone gain cognitiveclarity and emotional stability.” Healthy food choices,rest and daily exercise are powerful mental, physicaland spiritual health promoters.2. Attitudes that Produce Peace. Your thoughtsand attitudes have a powerful effect on the rest of yourbody, especially your immune, nervous and digestivesystems. We can literally think ourselves into a frenzy,but God promises His peace, perfect peace, to the onewhose mind is centered upon Him (Isaiah 26:3). Heinvites us to trust Him with every circumstance of ourlife. “A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health tothe body and strength to the soul.” This is an attitudinal discipline that focuses on God’s truth andLAKE UNION HERALDsolutions rather than fear, circumstances and unreliable emotions.3. Spiritual Principles that Secure Peace.“Spiritual well-being is at the center of a healthy lifestyle.” To meet our deepest longings, God has providedspiritual principles that bring true life satisfaction.This does not come with wealth, fame, popularity oreven perfect health. It comes through making peacewith God — in entering into a surrendered, savingrelationship with Him. God’s love is the foundation ofa relationship with Him and healthy relationships witheach other.E Vicki Griffin4. Faith that Preserves Peace. Faith is more thanpositive thinking. It is connecting with the living Godwho seeks to restore what sin has broken and takenaway. Jesus never promised an absence of problems.Faith is the conviction that God will guide you and giveyou power through both good times and bad. Faithsays, “Either make the problem smaller, or me bigger!”God has a plan and He cares for you in a very personalway. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,purposes of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and ahope” (Jeremiah 29:11).Especially now, in these troubled times, Jesus invitesyou to enter His peace plan. He will help you thrive,not just survive, the storms of life.Visit LifestyleMatters.com for more resources. PVicki Griffin is the director of Lifestyle Matters and director of HealthMinistries for the Michigan Conference.JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 7
Lest We Forget / Following the Lamb wherever He goesRetrospect on MinneapolisThou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save Hispeople from their sins. Matthew 1:21E George R. KnightThe 1888 General Conference session was one of thegreat turning points in Seventh-day Adventist history.We cannot have the slightest doubt about its accomplishments. It directed the church back to the Bibleas the only source of authority in both doctrine andpractice; it uplifted Jesus and placed salvation by gracethrough faith at the center of Adventist theology; itcontested the proper role of the law within the gospelof grace; and it led to a restudying of the topics of theTrinity, the full divinity of Christ, and the personhoodof the Holy Spirit.Perhaps most important, it gave Adventism afuller understanding of the third angel’s messagein Revelation 14:12 — the central text in Seventhday Adventist self-understanding. Not only did thatpassage identify the Adventists as they patiently waited for their Lord while keeping all of God’s commandments, but it also set before them the gospel messagein the fact that God’s last message to the world beforethe Second Advent (verses 14‒20) would center onhaving faith in Jesus.In short, the 1888 message transformed the wayAdventists thought about their message. That’s thegood news.The bad news is that the devil is always out to makesure that we forget or neglect the good news. Thus it isthat some Adventists in the 1890s and beyond continued to focus on the law rather than the gospel, whileothers used the message of Jones and Waggoner as anew gate into the old legalism and human perfectionism that they had been raised up to stand against.The whole story of the Minneapolis saga brings tomind two of the greatest facts on earth. First, the utterperversity of human beings. Second, the unbounded grace of God. Looking back on the history of thechurch in the Minneapolis era, what comes to my mindare the works of John Newton’s great hymn: “Amazinggrace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch likeme!”“Amazing grace” is the only kind there is. Those twowords sum up the message and meaning of the 1888event. PGeorge R. Knight is a retired professor of Church History at theAdventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. This article isfrom his book, Lest We Forget, a daily devotional, published by theReview and Herald Publishing Association, page 300, reprinted withpermission.8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021LAKE UNION HERALD
ConexionesLa oración que produce un temblorCuando terminaron de orar, el lugar en que estabancongregados tembló; y todos fueron llenos del Espíritu Santo yhablaban con valentía la palabra de Dios (Hechos 4:31).El libro Hechos de los Apóstoles me encanta porque nosenseña que a pesar de los muchos desafíos que existíanen el tiempo la iglesia primitiva, ésta creció y se multiplicó. Por ejemplo, en los capítulos tres y cuatro dellibro se relata la historia de lo que ocurrió cuando Pedrosanó a un paralítico en el templo. Pedro y Juan fueronarrestados inmediatamente y al día siguiente interrogados por los líderes religiosos del templo. La situaciónparece haber sido peligrosa para Pedro y Juan. Pero aunasí ellos no contestaron con temor; más bien, respondieron diciendo que Jesús era la fuente de la salvación.Los líderes, al ver que no tenían una razón legal paraarrestarlos, se limitaron a amenazarlos e instarlos a queno siguieran predicando acerca de Jesús, y los pusieronen libertad.Lo que me maravilla de esta historia es la oraciónde los creyentes cuando oyeron el testimonio de estosdiscípulos. Al leer Hechos 4:23-31, uno se da cuenta deciertos datos que indican cuán fervientes eran en susoraciones. Notemos la manera en que oraron: Estaban unánimes. Oraban con alabanza. Citaban de memoria su Palabra (Salmo 2:2). Pedían valor para predicar. Pedían que en el nombre de Jesús se hicieran sanidades y señales.“Cuando terminaron de orar”, Dios respondió, huboun temblor e inmediatamente todos fueron llenos delEspíritu Santo y pudieron predicar “con valentía lapalabra de Dios”.Un año extraordinario ha pasado ya a la historia yhemos comenzado uno nuevo. Para muchos de nosotrosel año 2020 fue difícil. Por un tiempo fue necesariocerrar nuestros templos. Los pastores tuvieron queadaptarse a una nueva tecnología para poder continuarLAKE UNION HERALDsu ministerio. Personas que conocíamos y amábamosenfermaron, algunos inclusive fallecieron debido a lapandemia. Las finanzas fueron seriamente afectadasy nuestros hijos tuvieron que tomar clases virtuales.Además, en nuestro país se agudizó la división en asuntos políticos y raciales. Sin duda alguna, el año 2020 hasido uno de muchos desafíos.A pesar de las circunstancias difíciles por las cualeshemos tenido que pasar el año pasado, hay una notamuy positiva. Es ver a nuestro pueblo hispano uniéndose en oración. Ha sido muy alentador para mí ver alos hermanos llamándose y usando los medios socialespara mantenerse en contacto con Dios y con su prójimo.Muchos han aprovechado y usado el recurso “NuestroÚnico Clamor” para orar por cuarenta días pidiendo elbautismo del Espíritu Santo.Es mi deseo animar a nuestro pueblo hispano a queen este nuevo año nos comprometamos a orar aun máspor un bautismo diario del Espíritu Santo. En base alo que hemos visto y sentido no tengo duda de que lasprofecías del fin se están cumpliendo. Creo que éste esel momento en el cual debemos obtener la valentía quenos ofrece el Espíritu. Es mi oración que durante esteaño disfrutemos de una mayor consagración, y así podamos ver cómo hará Dios temblar la tierra con su poder. PE Carmelo MercadoCarmelo Mercado es el vicepresidente de la Unión del Lago.JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 9
Sharing Our HopeChicago areaUrban Centerof Influenceexpandsministry,honors slainpregnant teenIN APRIL OF 2019, MARLEN OCHOAURIOSTEGUI, A SOUTH SHORE SPANISHCHURCH MEMBER, WAS MURDERED INCHICAGO WHILE TRYING TO OBTAINCLOTHES AND ITEMS FOR HER THENUNBORN BABY. At a community-wide memorialservice, her father, Arnulfo, called for thecommunity to supply the needs of poor and tohelp struggling moms-to-be with clothes, supplies,emotional care and other necessities.The Adelante Community Health Center in Berwyn,Illinois, one of the first Urban Centers of Influencein the Lake Union, has been able to help do just thatthrough the ACS Treasure Hunt Thrift Store, established in memory of Ochoa-Uriostegui.Since opening its doors in May 2017, Manuel Alva, agastroenterologist and vice president of the AdelanteCommunity Health Center, explains that, in additionto the thrift store, they educate and serve the community through health education, cooking classes,psychological support and a medical clinic. The Centerhosts weekly worship programs and nutrition classesas well as monthly cooking classes. Massage therapysessions are offered during the week and the medicalclinic treats patients four days a week. As a result ofthese services and activities, three of their communitymembers were baptized this June.10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021Photos by Sandra MendezBy Kathleen MorrissyE Manuel Alva, a gastroenterologist and vice president of the Adelante Community Health Center, explains that, in addition to the thriftstore, they educate and serve the community through health education, cooking classes, psychological support and a medical clinic.Erecting New Signage Brings Challenges andOpportunitiesThe store is located along a busy stretch of the historic U.S. Route 66 thoroughfare and it was hoped thata street sign would help draw in additional people. Aportion of the 2019 Lake Union ASI offering helped topurchase an electric street sign prepared by a neighboring business owner.When it came time to put it up, the sign-makercould not obtain a permit from the city for installation.The Adelante community started praying. While thesign-maker tried several more times to obtain a permit,the Adventist Community Services (ACS) ministryremained active.When the pandemic hit, the store was forced toclose but the city began to allow previously deniedLAKE UNION HERALD
Sharing Our HopeE The Adelante Community Health Center has expanded its community outreach through an Adventist Community Services (ACS) Treasure HuntThrift Store. Adelante (the Spanish version of NEWSTART) promotes agua (water), descanso (rest), ejercicio (exercise), luz solar (sunlight), airepuro (clean air), nutricion (nutrition), temperancia (temperance), and esperanza en Dios (hope in God).work to be done on the property. In hopes of moving the project along, the sign-maker was contacted.However, even after multiple attempts, he could not bereached. Finally, one day, his wife answered the phoneand delivered the news. The sign-maker had passedaway just two months before the pandemic began.But, as providence would have it, he had finished thesign and stored it in a nearby warehouse. His widowhad to wait to obtain permission from the warehouseowner to rescue and identify the Adelante sign. Shetransferred the installation work to another sign-maker. He became friends with the Adelante staff and isnow using their lifestyle education materials. Both thewidow and the owner of the second company recognized the motive and the One behind the concept ofAdelante.LAKE UNION HERALDIn October, authorization to erect the sign wasfinally received. One staff member noted, “Our signhas been up for less than three weeks and has broughtnew friends and multiple questions about whatAdelante is all about.” When questions arise, they aremore than happy to explain the eight natural remediesthat Adelante (the Spanish version of NEWSTART)promotes—agua (water), descanso (rest), ejercicio(exercise), luz solar (sunlight), aire puro (clean air),nutricion (nutrition), temperancia (temperance), andesperanza en Dios (hope in God). PKathleen Morrissy, Lake Union Adventist-laymen’s Services andIndustries (ASI) Communication directorJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 11
Telling God's StoriesTHE FIGHTFOR MY LIFEWhat I Discovered asI Triumphed ThroughTragedyBy Tricia Wynn PayneBEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!My heart raced, pounding as if it would jump rightI sensed the panic in the room, swelling by thesecond. The expression on their faces, all directedout of my body. Pain gripped me mercilessly, holdingat me, confirmed my worst nightmare — “It’s a fatalme prisoner, powerless. “What in the world is happeningemergency.” Fright overwhelmed me, and I looked atto me?” I thought as the room swarmed with whiteShawn. Appearing just as alarmed, Shawn gazed atcoats and green scrubs. “What is all of the fuss about?”me, seemingly helpless to change the unfolding scene.Feeling confused, I watched them scurry like deter-Something was terribly wrong. Sweeping in the roommined ants. “Wait a minute. This is about me!”with haste, the doctor explained, “We have to reset12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021LAKE UNION HERALD
Telling God's Storiesher heart. Where’s the husband?” Like a student inclass, Shawn raised his hand, “Right here!” With hisattention directed at Shawn, the doctor urged, “Okay,it’s your job to keep her here.”Holding my hand with intense tenderness andstrength, Shawn fixed his eyes on mine and startedtalking. I can’t remember what he said, but our conversation rose above the dread-filled air in the room. Inthat moment, it was just me and my husband of onlyone-and-a-half years. Still newlyweds, still in love. Myroom buzzed with what seemed like the entire stafffrom the floor. This was my ground zero.I had seen reactions like this before, about 15 yearsearlier. Filled with new graduate excitement andyouthful vigor, I embarked upon my first full-timeprofessional physical therapy career working on acutecare and in intensive care units. It wouldn’t be longbefore what I read about in my textbooks, would beobserved and, in some cases, acted out by me as aphysical therapist. An alarm would sound from thepatient monitor and in dashes the nurse. Then anotheralarm pings and an announcement blares overhead.Like college sprinters, an entire team runs together toa patient’s room, with one mission in mind — save life.Now I was the patient. Turning his attention towardme, the physician explained, “Tricia, this will probably hurt; it won’t feel good.” The doctor was about toreset my heart’s rhythm, and they had to act quickly.Unbeknownst to me, my heart threatened to race meright out of existence.Shawn continued his conversation with me, seemingto ignore the crowd of worried medical professionals.Like lovers in the park, we kept talking, but for a moment he stood alone, and I was gone. Shawn describesit as the single most frightening moment of his life.The moment that his wife’s life seemed to slip out ofhis hands. For me, I felt nothing. I heard nothing, Isensed nothing, and I said nothing. There was absolutely nothing, as my heart slowed to a near halt andwas then slowly brought back
Lake Region: 773-846-2661 Illinois: 630-856-2860 Michigan: 517-316-1552 Indiana: 317-844-6201 ext. 241 Wisconsin: 920-484-6555 ADDRESS CORRECTION Only paid subscribers (see below) should contact the Lake Union Herald office with their address changes. Members should contact their local church clerks directly for all Lake Union Herald address .
