Adventist Crossroads
May - June 1998

"The Prodigal Daughter"
Editorial

For the first time in my life I heard the story of "The Prodigal Daughter." No, it was not about the sister of the "Prodigal Son."
Together with 37 others I sat enthralled listening to Doctor Carlos Martin. He presented the Bible stories we know so well but in such a vivid manner.
If you have no idea what I am talking about then you have probably missed the most exciting time of your life at the recent family camp held at the Desaru Golden Beach Hotel.
Not only did we enjoy such captivating messages but we also had helpful and practical counsels from Doctor Linda Koh and Pastor Dan Walter. We learned about improving family relationships and communications, disciplining children and handling difficult situations.
Mrs. Dorothy Walter kept the children busy with arts, crafts and discovering the wonders of nature. All too soon it was time to leave for home but not without the final message from Dr. Martin. We were transported, as it were, momentarily into the future to the time of the second coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. What a great day to look forward to with our families!

Better Equipped

The Amazing Facts Campaign is continuing with even greater strength. New bilingual enrolment cards are ready for use. The Chinese lessons are being prepared for distribution soon.
Meanwhile sufficient sets of new canvass materials are available. They come in attractive folders with samples of the lessons and a brief promotional write-up in full colours. See your church pastor soon and be better equipped to share the Good News.
Get involved and your life will never be the same again. Are you ready for the Pentecost?

Music and Your Heart
Milton Cheng
Singapore Seventh-day Adventist Chinese Church

On the invitation of the Singapore Mission, Mrs. Carol Hearn conducted a music workshop at the Southeast Asia Union College Church recently. Mrs. Hearn has been the director of music in different churches in the US. Currently she is working on the music in the Khmer hymnal. Mrs. Hearn was accompanied by her husband, an ophthalmist, who spearheaded a donation drive for some 3,000 pairs of spectacles for the Khmer.
She spoke of how anything that affects our heart rate affects our emotions and behaviour. One of these things is music. Particularly, rock music. It has a rhythm of rest-beat rest-beat. Our heart, however, beats in a rhythm of beat-rest beat-rest. The reverse rhythm of rock music adversely affects the natural beat of our heart.
This also affects our reasoning process and the quality of our life. An increase in our heart rate causes the neurons to fire more frequently and results in lethargy and sleepiness.
She recommends that it will be good at times during church singing to sing without accompaniment so that we can focus on the words. Any music accompaniment should not overpower the voices.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." (Proverbs 17:22)