| Author | Message | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1429 Registered: 3-2005 |
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor to my Dad as he turns 90 years old this week. Some of you are familiar with this story as it was in Proclamation last summer. He was born of a German immigrant in Los Angeles, and his parents converted to Adventism when my dad was a child. They zealously catechized my Dad into the SDA system. Of the nine children in that family, all except my dad have died as SDAs. My Dad was the most zealous of all his siblings for the SDA church. He was as zealous for Adventism as Saul was for Judaism prior to conversion. He became a missionary doctor in the truest SDA sense. He raised me in the strictest form of traditional Adventism. We were made to memorize Ellen verses. If we told a lie, then we were made to write out that statement from Messages to Young People where it says "The greatest want of the world is the want of men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole." Well, that statement describes my Dad. Always of the highest moral character and honesty. My Dad was very zealous for the Sabbath. He used to say that "those Sunday keepers can't even count to seven!" He thought everything Ellen White wrote was sent directly from God. Even statements about "heaven forbidding chess and checkers" was strictly enforced, as one time he caught my brother and I playing this little plastic chess game in the car while we were on a long trip. A very stern lecture followed, that playing chess would lead us to hell. He gave me the best education possible. He made me practice my trumpet diligently. He supported me getting into Ham Radio at a young age--anything to keep us away from a television--and it was great discipline! I was blessed to get into medical school at Loma Linda, but while there, totally continued my open rebellion not only against Adventism, but against God. In 1982, while partying on a cruise ship, God chose to save me by drawing me irresistibly to a Gideon Bible in a drawer, and I went on from there to study myself out of Adventism. This surprised my Dad, and at the same time caused great distress, but it allowed me to plant a seed as he was willing to listen to Desmond Ford's tapes on 1844. But one year later, my older sister followed me out of Adventism, and I was regarded as the black sheep for a long time. But because of Dad's honesty, he was forced to study for himself. It was a long and painful process to watch my dad as he struggled with his conscience and his pride, as he had staked his professional reputation on the credibility of EGW and the SDA church. However, the sovereign grace of God was much stronger, and gradually over a ten year period of time, he came to realize that the entire SDA system was a fraud. He publically stood up at an Adventist forum meeting in 1994 and proclaimed this fact quite forcefully. In 2006, he is happily and proudly attending (with my still SDA Mom) a non-denominational solid Bible teaching church in one of the poorest areas of Colton, Calif. This church has former drug dealers, and ex-convicts, and recovering alcoholics. Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. He has purchased an Organ and piano for that church which he plays both. He loves that church so much, that he recently took out an advertisement in the Loma Linda trading post proclaiming to Adventists that "now you can attend a church where the Bible is really preached, and exclusively preached." On a recent Sunday morning I was privileged to attend that church with both my parents. When it was my Dad's turn to play the piano, the overhead projector zoomed in on him while he was playing one of his favorite hymns, and zoomed in on his gray head of hair. I put my arm around my mom, and had a difficult time fighting back the tears as I reflected on my Dad's life. I thought to myself, "God has been so good!" I also thought That is my Dad--I am so proud! Happy Birthday Dad and to God alone be the glory! Stan | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3560 Registered: 12-2003  |
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ermshar! Thank you for sharing your tribute, Stan. Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2387 Registered: 3-2004  |
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. ERMSHAR. Stan, That is a very stirring tribute to your Dad. Tears came to my eyes as I read it. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us. Diana | ||
| Wooliee Registered user Username: Wooliee Post Number: 66 Registered: 6-2005 |
Thank you for sharing that Stan. I was very touched! Tears are in my eyes too. Julie | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 179 Registered: 6-2005 |
What a moving story Stan. It leave me with hope. Happy Birthday Dr. Ermshar.  . | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 646 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thank you Stan - today is my father's 75th birthday. Your story gives me comfort and peace regarding my dad's staunch SDAism. I pray he will someday find the true rest in Jesus that your dad has. Happy Birthday to "Dads"! Denise | ||
| Loneviking Registered user Username: Loneviking Post Number: 446 Registered: 7-2000 |
What a great story Stan! He also passed on the gift of music to you. Now, if you can just find a praise and worship team to play trumpet with.... | ||
| Jackob Registered user Username: Jackob Post Number: 136 Registered: 7-2005  |
I never knew my dad, he died before I was born, because of an accident, gas explosion. My mom also died in 2000, after a difficult surgical intervention. When I read about those who endured the displeasure of their parents, I appreciate very much their patience and courage, to suffer to as black sheeps. Thanks Stan for sharing your experience and joy with us. From a point a view, having both my parents in their grave is easier than to see them turning against you, being ashamed of you. But this also prevents the experience of joy which Stan described here. It's much better to have both parents alive. I have a message for all formers who have troubles with their parents, who, like Stan, are considered black sheeps: As long as your parents are alive, you have hope because their day of of salvation is today. After their death comes the judgment when nothing could be done. Until their last breath, until their deathbed, you can through your prayers, your testimony, and the gospel, prepare them for the judgment day. No matter how they think today, the situation can change dramatically. You have a tremendous advantage, use it. Don't look at what they do to you today, the most important thing is that they are physically alive. Keep this in focus, and don't loose your heart. Don't forget that you are in a good position than Jacob who has both parents in their grave and can do nothing to change this situation. Basing on God's sovereing grace and on His unlimited power of salvation YOU CAN CHANGE the situation praying for them, putting them in God's arms, and loving them with all your hearts. | ||
| Cathy2 Registered user Username: Cathy2 Post Number: 69 Registered: 2-2006 |
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ermshar! What a wonderful story and witness to the power of Christ and his scripture. I am awed by your dad's honesty, integrity and courage. Standing up in front and publically prclaiming it all to be a "fraud"... WOW! Thank you, Stan, for sharing this. Your father's story gives hope and encouragement. My father just turned 86...who knows what might miraculously happen? I do believe that these drastic changes are true, awesome miracles, which Christ does within. Your own bits in the story are wonderful, too; as to how Christ worked and sought to find you. God bless him, you and your family, always. CAthy | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1142 Registered: 10-2004  |
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ermshar. May God bless you richly! Thanks for that wonderful post, Stan. That is a great tribute to your dad. Jeremy (Message edited by Jeremy on March 17, 2006) | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 252 Registered: 2-2005 |
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ermshar! Stan, your beautiful rendering of your father's story is an inspiration to those of us whose closest loved ones are still deeply enmeshed in Adventism. Thanks for reminding me that God is sovereign and nothing is impossible for Him, even removing the scales from the eyes of the most militant legalist. May God continue to richly bless you and your family. Heretic | ||
| Benevento Registered user Username: Benevento Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2005 |
What a lovely tribute to your father, Stan. I'll add my Happy Birthday and thanks for your honesty and integrity Dr. Ermshaw. It encourages all of us!! Peggy | ||
| Leigh Registered user Username: Leigh Post Number: 72 Registered: 2-2003 |
Happy Birthday, Dr. Ermshar! Stan, thank you for sharing your father's inspiring story. My father went from saying that I might as well be an athiest if I didn't believe EGW and the SDA church(three years ago) to actually entertaining the thought of going to church on Sunday with us when they visit. Mom has gone with us, but he hasn't gone yet. Still, just that fact that he's considering it is a HUGE leap! May the Lord bless you and your family! Leigh | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 624 Registered: 4-2000  |
Happy 90th Birthday, Dr. Ermshar! Stan, you are richly blessed with having such a wonderful father. Dennis Fischer | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 75 Registered: 7-2000 |
A very Happy 90th Birthday to you, Dr Ermshar. What a blessing to be able to live in joyful freedom even on this side of heaven. A thousand pardons for even attempting to use words from EGW. However, I want to say, Bless you, sir. I am thankful you lived by those words you drilled into your sons' head. You're one of those... ...Men who are true as the needle to the pole, and will stand for truth though the heavens fall... Praise God! Your life is a testimony of God's grace. There's is always hope for our friends -the honest-hearted SDAs. With God, all things are possible. Stan, thanks for allowing us to share in paying tribute to your Dad on the special occasion. Erma | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 443 Registered: 1-2003  |
Happy birthday Dr. Ermshar on your 90th. My dad's birthday was just this past week as well and he turned 86 on the 13th. In Christ, Richard rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1431 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks everyone for your wonderful responses. I will pass them on to my Dad tomorrow, when we have our celebration at a local restaurant tomorrow (Sabbath afternoon!) All of you are so kind to join me in wishing my Dad a happy 90th birthday. He is still quite healthy, and climbs up a big hill everyday, and practices the organ and piano. Denise, Happy birthday to your dad as well, and to all other dads. Leigh, Thanks for sharing about your father. He clearly is responding to the transforming grace of God. And I am believing that for many former SDAs who post on this site, that you will see the grace of God manifested in a special way. Most of the time, it doesn't happen overnight. Wait on the Lord, and pray. If they are receptive to any doctrinal discussion, don't start with the Sabbath. Start with 1844 and the sanctuary. It is easy to prove this doctrine to be unbiblical. If you can just show that this basic fundamental doctrine that the church's existence is based on, is untrue, then it is a matter of time before people will usually see that the whole system is flawed. My Dad was actually very sypathetic to listening to Des Ford, because he was basically an SDA. But still, it took Dad about 2 years to be convinced that 1844 and the IJ was unbiblical. But, it was another eight years before he became convinced on the Sabbath. There is a very helpful document on presenting to interested friends or relatives about the sanctuary doctrine. It is written by the late Ray Cottrell, former editor of the SDA Bible commentary, and former missionary. You can download this document called "Sanctuary Doctrine--Asset or Liability" at www.jesusinstituteforum.org/AssetOrLiability.html This is very helpful in at least trying to get someone's attention that the basic doctrine of SDA is seriously flawed. Stan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1432 Registered: 3-2005 |
Richard, I just now saw your post. Happy Birthday to your dad! I knew him a little bit when I was in Modesto. Stan | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 989 Registered: 7-2004 |
Dear Stan, Please add my birthday wishes to your list. I'm so happy that you are seeing this change in both of your parents, and that you can all celebrate together the wonderfulness of our Savior. Many good wishes for tomorrow and for this year to come. How is your wife? I hope her recovery is taking place as hoped for and that you will soon be letting us know that she can hear once again. Modern medicine is certainly loaded with miracles that have become every day in our lives. Belva | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1433 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thank you Belva, I hope your ankle bone transplant is doing well. We will find out on Mar. 30 if this cochlear implant will work for Marti. Thanks for asking. Stan | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 393 Registered: 7-2004  |
Happy Birthday to your dad, Stan! Thank you for sharing such a moving story! It's wonderful to hear how God works in such miraculous ways on a person's heart. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2390 Registered: 3-2004 |
For all of you whose parents are still alive, be happy and pray for them and love them, which I am sure you do. Unfortunately my parents died. My father in 1979 of colon cancer and my Mom in 2002 of metastatic pancreatic cancer. I cannot pray for them, but I can pray for my brothers and sisters, which I do every day. I want to see all of them have a relationship with Jesus that will carry them all the way into heaven. I just know that God is awesome. Diana | ||
| Gmatt Registered user Username: Gmatt Post Number: 22 Registered: 3-2005 |
Stan, He should move the organ and piano into the house so he doesn't have to climb the hill everyday to practice. HAR! HAR! HAR! | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 444 Registered: 1-2003 |
Stan, what church does your dad attend Colton? Richard | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1435 Registered: 3-2005 |
Richard, It is Colton Christian Church on Mt. Vernon just off the 10 Fwy--fairly close to where you live. Their services start at 10:45 A.M if you want to check it out. Stan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1436 Registered: 3-2005 |
Good point Gmatt! Stan |
