p 13
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK December, 1965 Vol 51, No 12
p 16
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, May, 1967
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK February, 1974
p 5
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK October, 1974
p 12
http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/RH/RH19740711-V151-28.pdfp 12
R&H, JULY 11, 1974
p 15
R&H, OCTOBER 3, 1974
p 27
ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1, 1980
pp 23, 25
ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 8-IS. 1980
pp 28, 29
ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 12, 1981
p 17
ADVENTIST REVIEW, NOVEMBER 26, 1981
p 24
ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 31, 1981
p 23,
Photos courtesy of Dr Witzel
Posted from FB with author's permission
Dr. Segovia stood up, walked slowly to auditorium’s right-hand side, descended steps, speaking as he moved: “You will notice that I left the upper level, and am coming down to your level. It is important that you understand that I left my hat as FED Secretary up there, and I am now down at your level as just a Filipino.” Then turning to face GC President Neal C. Wilson sitting on the opposite side, he continued: “Elder Wilson, why are you discriminating against the Filipinos?”
-- EWW
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| Memorial Service for Dr Agripino C. Segovia, Inland Empire FilAm SDA Church, Redlands, CA - 19 Dec 2015 |
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| Pastor Robert L. Heisler (President, Southeast Asia Union Mission) & Drs. A.C. Segovia, E.W. Witzel & Amos Simorangkir (FED Associate Director of Education--having filled Dr. Segovia's vacated position at 1980 GC Session in Dallas, Texas when Dr. Segovia was elected FED Secretary* |
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| FED Officers: Treasurer, Elder Donald F. Gilbert; President, Elder Winston T. Clark; Secretary, Dr. Agripino C. Segovia FED Midyear Committee Meetings with all Delegates present May 19, 1981 |
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| GC President Neal C. Wilson at the GC Officer’s Worship Presentations in FED Headquarters’ Chapel May 18-19, 1981. |
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| Philippine Union College President, Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, presenting PUC report—including planned School of Medicine! |
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| NPUM President Pastor N.R. Arit & CPUM President Pastor D.M. Niere plus FED Education Director Dr. Ottis C. Edwards. |
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| PUC President (Alfonso P. Roda); & MSH Administrator (David Domondon) |
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| Mrs. JoAn Witzel, Mrs. Elvie Segovia & Mrs. Jean Zachary March 1982. |
Posted on Facebook, 30 Dec 2015
Those of you who knew Dr. Agripino C. Segovia and his wife Elvie will enjoy seeing these historical photos of them plus my wife JoAn, me and three others, standing in Lobby of Far Eastern Division Headquarters office building in Singapore over a third of century ago while telling the Segovia's "Good-bye" in March 1982!
1st pic = Pastor Robert L. Heisler (President, Southeast Asia Union Mission) & Drs. A.C. Segovia, E.W. Witzel & Amos Simorangkir (FED Associate Director of Education--having filled Dr. Segovia's vacated position at 1980 GC Session in Dallas, Texas when Dr. Segovia was elected FED Secretary*).
Note: Look at the large window above the entrance, and one can read in reverse, as printed outside, "General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Far Eastern Division."
2nd pic = Mrs. JoAn Witzel, Mrs. Elvie Segovia & Mrs. Jean Zachary March 1982.
Note: Look at the large window above the entrance, and one can read in reverse, as printed outside, "General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Far Eastern Division."
2nd pic = Mrs. JoAn Witzel, Mrs. Elvie Segovia & Mrs. Jean Zachary March 1982.
*At our next FED Committee Session, after Dr. Segovia left FED to be GC Associate Director of Education, I nominated Dr. Ottis C. Edwards to be our FED Secretary, and three years later in New Orleans at 1985 GC Session which I attended as regular delegate, Dr. Ottis C. Edwards was voted in as FED President despite the fact that Elder Neal C, Wilson, as GC President had recommended someone else for the position, and was not pleased that our FED's GC Session delegates would not accept his recommendation. But many FED delegates for 1985 GC Session remembered the GC President's negative antics at our 1981 FED Midyear Committee, and chose to move Dr. Edwards as FED Secretary to President.
* * * * *
Early evening of December 19, 2015, it was my privilege to present a Eulogy for my colleague & friend, Dr. Agripino C. Segovia, with whom I served as Health Director 1980-86 of Far Eastern Division (FED) of the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists headquartered in Singapore while Dr. Segovia was FED Secretary 1980-82, prior to his move to USA as a GC Associate Director of Education. We worked together on several FED issues, but our “prime focus” during our first year working together was to establish an Adventist School of Medicine (SM) at Philippine Union College (PUC). We both put forth our best efforts along with others—including Dr. Ottis C. Edwards, FED Education Director & the late Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, PUC President.
A couple years earlier an 8-member PUC-SM “Charter Committee”—including Drs. O.C. Edwards, A.P. Roda & A.C. Segovia (as FED Associate Director of Education), plus 3 non-committee members holding Doctoral degrees,(i.e., 1 DrHS degree, 1 MD degree & 1 with MD, MPH degrees) prepared in 1978 a 141-page PUC-SM “Feasibility Study,” being aided in this endeavor via Loma Linda University (LLU) consultations in 1977 by LLU-SM Dean, Dr. G. Gordon Hadley, & in 1978 by LLU President, Dr. V. Norskov Olsen! On January 9, 1979 a “go-signal” was issued by Philippine Ministry of Education for PUC to proceed with a Medical School’s “first year medicine for 1982-83 school year.”
2015 is 35 years after Dr. Segovia & I first met in Singapore during 1980 with our anticipation of assisting PUC-SM’s soon establishment, and hopefully meet the governmental “go-signal’s” time constraints, and:
1. During August 7-9, 2015 I attended the Adventist University of the Philippines College of Medicine Inaugural Program sessions, and on August 26th presented the 7-8 AM lecture, entitled “Physician, Heal Thyself” to 16 students.
2. On October 25, 2015 during my visit with Dr. Segovia, wife Elvie & daughter May Ann in their daughter Nellie’s Loma Linda, CA home, following his extensive medical evaluations and interventions for cancer at Loma Linda University Medical Center, I gave Dr. Segovia a copy of a 58-page pictorial “souvenir” booklet entitled “Adventist University of the Philippines COLLEGE OF MEDICINE A Fulfilled Vision INAUGURAL PROGRAM August 7-9, 2015.”
3. On December 7, 2015 during my last visit with Dr. Segovia, wife Elvie & daughter Nellie in Loma Linda, he was very frail, in pain, and required total-care even to change positions in bed. But he recognized me, smiled, and I thanked him for many things—including his willingness to “confront the GC President” which in turn opened a new door for his family’s move to the USA as GC Associate Director of Education—being 1st Filipino to occupy that General Conference administrative position in USA!
4. On December 12, 2015 Dr. Segovia breathed his last breath as his from pain and suffering were put to rest with him awaiting Our Lord Jesus Christ’s “shout “ and “the trumpet sounds” in the Eastern sky with Heavenly Clouds of Angels assisting Our Saviour’s call for both the dead & living righteous to join Him for a journey to Heaven for a thousand-years sojourn prior to returning to Earth-made-new again shortly after the “Space Ship” New Jerusalem makes a soft landing, and the final “Conflict of the Ages” between Christ and Satan will ensue with guaranteed victory on the side of “Love, Forgiveness & Compassion”!
5. On December 19, 2015 Dr. Agripino C. Segovia’s Memorial Service was held in the Inland Empire SDA FilAm Church, 604 E. State St., Redlands, California. My Eulogy plus many, many additional memories were shared in a packed auditorium! Another Filipino colleague & friend of mine who lives in Connecticut, Eastern USA, Samuel Villanueva shot a few photos as I spoke, and three of these plus me by the open casket will be attached.
* * * * *
Posted on 30 December 2015
For those of you who either heard or read my Eulogy for Dr. Agripino C. Segovia's Memorial Service on December 19th, and especially if you also read items 13-20 of my "20 Reasons Justifying a Public Confrontation," I believe you will enjoy seeing the following photos I shot in Singapore at time of our 1981 FED Midyear Committee Meetings May 18-19 plus Pre-Session May 17 regarding an Adventist School of Medicine (PUC-SM) planned with split campus: Basic Sciences at Philippine Union College in Silang, Cavite and Clinical studies at Manila Sanitarium & Hospital in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Note: “If my memory serves me correctly, pix 2-5 were at May 17, 1981 Pre-Session Meeting regarding planned Philippine Union College School of Medicine as held in FED President’s Office around the large conference table with the following attendees: GC President (Elder Neal C. Wilson) & Treasurer (Elder Lance L. Butler); FED President (Elder Winston T. Clark), Secretary (Dr. Agripino C. Segovia), Treasurer (Elder Donald F. Gilbert), Director of Education (Dr. Ottis C. Edwards) and Director of Health (Dr. Everet W. Witzel); Philippine Union Presidents (N. R. Arit, NPUM; D.M. Niere, CPUM; & P.M. Diaz, SPUM); PUC President (Alfonso P. Roda); & MSH Administrator (David Domondon).” EWW
1st pic = Mrs. JoAn Witzel & Elder Neal C. Wilson conversing! 2nd pic = Elders Win T. Clark, Lance L. Butler & Neal C. Wilson. 3rd pic = Drs. D. Domondon & A.P. Roda. 4th pic = Elders W.T Clark, L.L Butler, N.C. Wilson & Dr. A.C Segovia. 5th pic = Pastors N.R. Arit & D.M. Niere plus Dr. Ottis C. Edwards.
Photos during GC Officer’s Worship Presentations in FED Headquarters’ Chapel May 18-19, 1981. 6th pic = Treasurers: Elders Donald F. Gilbert, FED & Lance L. Butler, GC – May 18, 1981. 7th pic = Presidents: Elders Winston T. Clark, FED & Neal C. Wilson, GC - May 19, 1981.
Photos during FED Midyear Committee Meetings with all Delegates present May 19, 1981. 8th pic = FED Officers: Treasurer, Elder Donald F. Gilbert; President, Elder Winston T. Clark; Secretary, Dr. Agripino C. Segovia. 9th pic = Philippine Union College President, Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, presenting PUC report—including planned School of Medicine! 10th pic = Manila Sanitarium & Hospital Administrator, Dr. David Domondon, is presenting MSH’s planned relationship to the Philippine Union College School of Medicine. Government’s “go-signal” allowed MSH to serve as the clinical campus for this planned Adventist medical school with its basic sciences taught on the new Silang, Cavite PUC campus. Note: Dr. Domondon is standing on right-hand side of platform as elevated by a few steps, and on front row of auditorium directly in front of him the two General Conference officers are sitting, left to right, as Elders Lance L. Butler, Treasurer & Neal C. Wilson, President.
Photos during GC Officer’s Worship Presentations in FED Headquarters’ Chapel May 18-19, 1981. 6th pic = Treasurers: Elders Donald F. Gilbert, FED & Lance L. Butler, GC – May 18, 1981. 7th pic = Presidents: Elders Winston T. Clark, FED & Neal C. Wilson, GC - May 19, 1981.
Photos during FED Midyear Committee Meetings with all Delegates present May 19, 1981. 8th pic = FED Officers: Treasurer, Elder Donald F. Gilbert; President, Elder Winston T. Clark; Secretary, Dr. Agripino C. Segovia. 9th pic = Philippine Union College President, Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, presenting PUC report—including planned School of Medicine! 10th pic = Manila Sanitarium & Hospital Administrator, Dr. David Domondon, is presenting MSH’s planned relationship to the Philippine Union College School of Medicine. Government’s “go-signal” allowed MSH to serve as the clinical campus for this planned Adventist medical school with its basic sciences taught on the new Silang, Cavite PUC campus. Note: Dr. Domondon is standing on right-hand side of platform as elevated by a few steps, and on front row of auditorium directly in front of him the two General Conference officers are sitting, left to right, as Elders Lance L. Butler, Treasurer & Neal C. Wilson, President.
Posted on Facebook
Whereas my Eulogy last weekend for my colleague & friend, Dr. Agripino C. Segovia's Memorial Service focused primarily on our 1981 activities toward the establishment of an Adventist School of Medicine on the Philippine Union College's new Silang, Cavite campus, and questions have arisen as to why the fulfillment of that important "Filipino Dream" has just now over a third of a century later on August 7-9, 2015 been fulfilled, I shall provide a few answers to that question by sharing a copy of my script as carefully planned for an exact limited 5-minute Eulogy, as follows:
My colleague and friend, Dr. Segovia, was ten years my senior when in 1980 we first met in Singapore. He was truly a “man of God” who like the Great Bible Characters in both the Old & New Testaments illustrated their “strength of character” via “dynamic moments”; such as when “Jesus wept” (John 11:35, KJV) in Bethany, and also in Jerusalem while driving the cattle and money changers out of the Temple—said: “It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Luke 19:36, KJV)
As if it were yesterday, I still in my mind’s eye, see Dr. Segovia’s “dynamic moment”—taking place late afternoon on May 19, 1981 in Singapore during the 2nd and final day of Far Eastern Division (FED) Midyear Committee Meetings. We were in FED Headquarters’ Chapel, packed full of delegates with General Conference (GC) President, Elder Neal C. Wilson sitting on left side at end of front row with FED Officers up front on elevated platform by a few steps sitting behind centrally located table. From left to right, they were Elder Donald F. Gilbert, Treasurer; Elder Winston T. Clark, President as presiding Chairman; & Dr. Agripino C. Segovia, Secretary.
Dr. Segovia stood up, walked slowly to auditorium’s right-hand side, descended steps, speaking as he moved: “You will notice that I left the upper level, and am coming down to your level. It is important that you understand that I left my hat as FED Secretary up there, and I am now down at your level as just a Filipino.” Then turning to face GC President Neal C. Wilson sitting on the opposite side, he continued: “Elder Wilson, why are you discriminating against the Filipinos?”
Dr. Segovia stood up, walked slowly to auditorium’s right-hand side, descended steps, speaking as he moved: “You will notice that I left the upper level, and am coming down to your level. It is important that you understand that I left my hat as FED Secretary up there, and I am now down at your level as just a Filipino.” Then turning to face GC President Neal C. Wilson sitting on the opposite side, he continued: “Elder Wilson, why are you discriminating against the Filipinos?”
Neal Wilson jumped out of his seat and turning toward Dr. Segovia, pointed his index finger on an outstretched arm toward him, and spoke in an angry tone of voice: “I am NOT discriminating against Filipinos…” It was a tense moment. Elder Clark as Chairman, picked up the broken pieces, so to speak, asking Neal Wilson what we needed to do to satisfy him prior to gaining GC permission to establish a medical school at Philippine Union College?
Many of you may wonder, “What could have precipitated Dr. Segovia’s ‘dynamic moment’?!” Yes, we knew him as a “compassionate, kind, thoughtful and truly a gentleman!” Therefore during my last visit with Dr. Segovia on December 7th in his frail, painful, total-care condition, I thanked him for many things—including his willingness to “confront the GC President” which in turn opened a new door for his family’s move to the USA as GC Associate Director of Education—being 1st Filipino to occupy that General Conference administrative position in USA!
At an earlier visit on October 25th with Dr. Segovia, wife Elvie & daughter May Ann in their daughter Nellie’s Loma Linda, CA home, following his extensive medical evaluations and interventions for cancer at Loma Linda University Medical Center, I gave him a copy of a 58-page pictorial “souvenir” booklet entitled “Adventist University of the Philippines COLLEGE OF MEDICINE A Fulfilled Vision INAUGURAL PROGRAM August 7-9, 2015” (which I attended!) as proof that our 1981 dreams for an Adventist Filipino medical school were fulfilled 34 years later (or 35 years after Dr. Segovia was elected FED Secretary as 1st Asian holding a FED administrative, executive position and I became FED Health Director). We had a similar SDA heritage as “poor farm boys” —financing as “working students” our whole way for a Christian education in Adventist high school academies and colleges! PTL!
Because many of you desire additional information, I prepared a 4-page document listing “20 reasons Justifying a Public Confrontation,” and I will email it to anyone who wishes to understand how serious the situation was at that time regarding our planned PUC School of Medicine project. My email address is professoreww@yahoo.com where “eww” are initials for Everet Wayne Witzel. Again, my email address is professoreww@yahoo.com and if you forget, you may ask Dr. May Ann Segovia-Lao for this email address.
Thank you and May God bless each one of us, plus AUP College of Medicine!
* * * * *
At the last minute, as we say, Dr. Segovia's daughter May Ann told me that I could take longer than 5 minutes for her Dad's Eulogy regarding our work toward establishing an Adventist medical school at Philippine Union College. Therefore what I actually added without notes can only be verified by either listening to an audio or seeing a video-taping of the Memorial Service during my presentation. However, I did share several of these following points:
"20 reasons Justifying a Public Confrontation"
Note: “These are just a fraction of prior events over a quarter of a century leading up to that day’s anticipated final FED Committee’s voted actions in favor of an Adventist School of Medicine being established at Philippine Union College.” EWW
1. 7th-Day Sabbath classes and examinations were serious problems in most medical schools, as was total absence of our important SDA “healthy lifestyle” information.
2. Following World War II, foreign Missionary Dr. William C. Richli, 1938 graduate of College of Medical Evangelists (1905-61, & Loma Linda University since 1962), was medical director of Manila Sanitarium & Hospital (MSH). A special committee was appointed to consider feasibility of an Adventist medical school in the Philippines with Dr. Richli as a key member. They planned on 24 new medical students every 2 years, and the plan was approved by the Philippine Union Executive Committee.
3. In 1951 Dr. Richli tendered his resignation from MSH, and worked in private practice—preparing for an Adventist medical school via these three ways: a) He embarked upon several projects which were needed in a medical school—including his opening a commercial blood bank at the Richli Surgery Clinic on Taft Avenue, a main road leading north into Manila; b) He worked closely with Adventist students enrolled in medical schools of Manila—taking them under his wing, so to speak; & c) He developed a portable hospital that he could take into the boondocks.
4. Jump forward over a quarter of century later to Dr. Agripino C. Segovia’s involvement. As an FED Associate Director of Education (and previously in 1967, he was 1st Filipino president of Mountain View College), he was a valuable member of the “Charter Committee” for the proposed School of Medicine at Philippine Union College (PUC-SM). There were three additional FED members—including Dr. Ottis C. Edwards, FED Director of Education; and four from the Philippines—including Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, PUC President.
5. In 1977, Dr. G. Gordon Hadley, LLU-SM Dean visited the Philippines—rendering a valuable consultation toward this goal, and recommended 25 students per class.
6. In 1978, Dr. V. Norskov Olsen, LLU President provided consultation—giving distinct assistance to Charter Committee’s proposed PUC School of Medicine. A 141-page “Feasibility Study” for PUC-SM was prepared in 1978 by members of the “Charter Committee” plus three additional members (1 Filipino & 2 American educators).
7. On January 9, 1979, a “go-signal” was issued by the Ministry of Education, Republic of the Philippines for PUC to proceed with “first year medicine for 1982-83 school year.”
8. The 1980 General Conference Session held in Dallas, Texas, voted Dr. Segovia as Secretary of the Far Eastern Division (as 1st Asian holding a FED administrative, executive position!). On 2nd weekend as my wife JoAn and I attended the meetings, Dr. Samuel L. DeShay, 1959 CME/LLU-SM graduate as GC Health Director, invited me to accept position as FED Director of Health. Why? He said, “Because the Filipinos want to establish a medical school, and with your past experiences, ‘you’re the man’!” Dr. Segovia and I shared a common heritage—being “poor farm boys” who as “working students” financed in full our Adventist Christian education!
9. Before leaving the USA, I discussed the potential PUC-SM with retiring FED Health Director, Dr. Dunbar W. Smith and LLU-SM Dean, Dr. G. Gordon Hadley.
10. During first week of October 1980, in route to Singapore my wife JoAn, our two elementary school children and I spent five days in Manila. I went to new Silang, Cavite campus of PUC—riding in an old army-surplus Jeep driven by Dr. Alfonso P. Roda as we passed through sugar cane fields, and then I walked upon a selected site for the planned PUC-SM. That was 35 years before inauguration of the long-awaited, prayed for AUP College of Medicine which I attended August 7-9, 2015.
11. I learned during my first Manila visit that I had the “best last name for assuring confidence” with the Filipino Brethren in key leadership positions relative to the PUC-SM project. My Uncle Clifford L. Witzel and his wife Aunt Ausil were Missionaries in the Philippines prior to WWII. Uncle Cliff was not only a PUC math & science teacher, but he also was in charge of furniture factory for student labor—making folding chairs, as an example. Aunt Ausil was a PUC music teacher. In 1980 the three officers of North Philippine Union Mission, as students of Uncle Cliff, had fond memories of him. PUC President, Dr. Roda worked for them as their “house boy” during those pre-war years, and also regarded them highly!
12. As FED Health Director, I dedicated January 1981 to the Philippines—visiting all three Unions, 6 of 7 Hospitals and PUC. By the end of January I was convinced that we could indeed establish an Adventist Filipino medical school because all Adventist Healthcare Facilities were highly regarded in their communities even making possible fund-raising from nonSDAs! I truly enjoyed that month, & helped arrange an historical Philippine Tri-Union Committee meeting concerning PUC-SM project.
13. January 28, 1981, Dr. Segovia as FED Secretary chaired that meeting as held in a conference room at Manila Sanitarium & Hospital. Twenty-seven of us met that day, and accomplished much! Also FED Treasurer, Elder Don Gilbert stopped by long enough to assist us develop a workable PUC-SM budget with a goal of 50 students per class. It was voted to request respective organizations (PUC Board & FED Committee) to authorize paid trips for both Dr. Roda & me to travel to USA during March 1981 for fund-raising and to locate potential volunteer teachers.
14. Toward end of March 1981 [while in USA, Dr. Roda travelling in a borrowed car from a PUC Alumnus in Southern California; and my travels via a 30-day United Airlines Pass to travel to as many places as would fit into my schedule while visiting our two Adventist medical schools (my Alma Mater LLU-SM & Montemorelos University School of Medicine established ~1973 in Mexico) plus several of our major U.S. Adventist Hospitals with medical educational programs.], Dr. Roda and I arrived “providentially” the same morning (unplanned by us!) in the Washington, DC area at our SDA Church’s General Conference Headquarters. Wow! We soon learned that GC President, Elder Neal C. Wilson had scheduled a 7 PM meeting that very evening with his Vice Presidents to discuss our PUC-SM project; however, only individuals whom he personally invited were allowed to attend “his meetings”! Sadly, neither one of us could obtain permission to attend even though we were the most knowledgeable regarding the PUC-SM project! He would not even step out of his office to greet us while we stood talking with his secretary in her office space!
15. But as we were leaving GC building just prior to closing time we met Elder Clark, our FED President entering. He said he would try to get permission for us to attend, and thus by 9:30 PM we were allowed to enter “to answer questions; no speeches”!
16. Elder Wilson was unable to “kill” our project that night, and his VPs voted that he as GC President plus the newly installed GC Treasurer, Elder Lance L. Butler should attend our 1981 FED Midyear Committee Meetings in Singapore on May 18-19.
17. Elder Clark later asked me when I, as FED Health Director, wanted to present my “PUC-SM promotional speech” during these meetings. I said, “I want the nationals to speak their minds during the 1st day, so schedule my presentation first thing 2nd day following Elder Wilson’s devotional thoughts.” That schedule was voted.
18. I knew that the “kings of the North” (so to speak, of leaders in China, Japan, Korea) may well have some reservations, but the Philippines is the only so called “Christian Nation” in Asia with the most SDAs per capita, and had 3 Unions, 7 Hospitals & the Far East SDA Seminary located on new PUC campus plus PUC graduate programs galore—including a Health Science program. Also English was PUC’s official language! By the time of 1st day’s lunch break, we had satisfied most concerns as posed by delegates regarding an Adventist medical school located in the Philippines, and remaining ones basically were answered by end of the 1st day. Elder Clark then said: “We are going to recess the Midyear Committee now until tomorrow morning when we return at 8 o’clock. Elder Wilson will present devotional thoughts, and then Dr. Witzel will make his presentation concerning proposed School of Medicine at Philippine Union College.” I went home happy, reporting to my wife JoAn: “This morning when the session began we didn’t have the necessary votes to authorize PUC SM project; by noon it was 50:50, but by closing time tonight we have the vast majority in agreement. Therefore I will make my presentation first thing in the morning—comparing historical beginnings of Loma Linda University and our current beginnings of a medical school in the Philippines. Then it is just a matter of answering a few more questions, the vote will be taken, and we will be establishing a PUC medical school.”
19. However that did not happen! As I returned the next morning, happy and ready to present my special message with confidence and enthusiasm, Elder Clark motioned me aside, saying: “There has been a change of plans. Last night Elders Butler and Wilson met in my home with the three officers of the Division, and Elder Wilson has requested that he and Elder Butler meet with the Filipino delegates in my office this morning while the remaining FED delegates do routine Midyear Committee business. Therefore, you will not be making your presentation as originally planned. Instead, Elder Wilson is requesting that you as FED Health Director and Dr. Edwards as FED Director of Education be present with them as ‘observers.’ Notice carefully what I said, you are not there as participants, but only as ‘observers’!
20. It was “very painful” for me personally to sit by and watch! Can you imagine how most, if not all, Filipino delegates, especially Drs. Roda and Segovia were feeling? There were times that I could not hold my peace, and I felt duty-bound to clarify and/or challenge certain of Elder Wilson’s ‘facts’! Therefore I may well have spoken more than even the Australian GC Treasurer, Elder Butler! This heart-wrenching “Filipino session as conducted by Neal Wilson” lasted all morning, through much of the noon hour, and after a quick lunch, most of the afternoon! It was definitely “too many hours” that we observed our GC President Neal Wilson as he unrelentingly used unacceptable methods in trying to get the Filipino delegation to withdraw their request for a School of Medicine. His tactics included half-truths, misrepresentation of facts, muzzling two of us as “observers,” over-zealous statements, threats of exposure, etc.! Bless their hearts, Filipino delegation would not recant! One of the Union Mission presidents responded to Neal Wilson’s final statement, “Do I have to tell your friends from other countries when we join them again in the auditorium that you in the Philippines do not know how to manage your money?” As I recall it was Pastor D.M. Niere, CPUM President, who said: “We have been praying and waiting a long time for a medical school. If it is voted down by the Far Eastern Division delegates, we can accept that, but we will never withdraw our request for it!” PTL!
2. Following World War II, foreign Missionary Dr. William C. Richli, 1938 graduate of College of Medical Evangelists (1905-61, & Loma Linda University since 1962), was medical director of Manila Sanitarium & Hospital (MSH). A special committee was appointed to consider feasibility of an Adventist medical school in the Philippines with Dr. Richli as a key member. They planned on 24 new medical students every 2 years, and the plan was approved by the Philippine Union Executive Committee.
3. In 1951 Dr. Richli tendered his resignation from MSH, and worked in private practice—preparing for an Adventist medical school via these three ways: a) He embarked upon several projects which were needed in a medical school—including his opening a commercial blood bank at the Richli Surgery Clinic on Taft Avenue, a main road leading north into Manila; b) He worked closely with Adventist students enrolled in medical schools of Manila—taking them under his wing, so to speak; & c) He developed a portable hospital that he could take into the boondocks.
4. Jump forward over a quarter of century later to Dr. Agripino C. Segovia’s involvement. As an FED Associate Director of Education (and previously in 1967, he was 1st Filipino president of Mountain View College), he was a valuable member of the “Charter Committee” for the proposed School of Medicine at Philippine Union College (PUC-SM). There were three additional FED members—including Dr. Ottis C. Edwards, FED Director of Education; and four from the Philippines—including Dr. Alfonso P. Roda, PUC President.
5. In 1977, Dr. G. Gordon Hadley, LLU-SM Dean visited the Philippines—rendering a valuable consultation toward this goal, and recommended 25 students per class.
6. In 1978, Dr. V. Norskov Olsen, LLU President provided consultation—giving distinct assistance to Charter Committee’s proposed PUC School of Medicine. A 141-page “Feasibility Study” for PUC-SM was prepared in 1978 by members of the “Charter Committee” plus three additional members (1 Filipino & 2 American educators).
7. On January 9, 1979, a “go-signal” was issued by the Ministry of Education, Republic of the Philippines for PUC to proceed with “first year medicine for 1982-83 school year.”
8. The 1980 General Conference Session held in Dallas, Texas, voted Dr. Segovia as Secretary of the Far Eastern Division (as 1st Asian holding a FED administrative, executive position!). On 2nd weekend as my wife JoAn and I attended the meetings, Dr. Samuel L. DeShay, 1959 CME/LLU-SM graduate as GC Health Director, invited me to accept position as FED Director of Health. Why? He said, “Because the Filipinos want to establish a medical school, and with your past experiences, ‘you’re the man’!” Dr. Segovia and I shared a common heritage—being “poor farm boys” who as “working students” financed in full our Adventist Christian education!
9. Before leaving the USA, I discussed the potential PUC-SM with retiring FED Health Director, Dr. Dunbar W. Smith and LLU-SM Dean, Dr. G. Gordon Hadley.
10. During first week of October 1980, in route to Singapore my wife JoAn, our two elementary school children and I spent five days in Manila. I went to new Silang, Cavite campus of PUC—riding in an old army-surplus Jeep driven by Dr. Alfonso P. Roda as we passed through sugar cane fields, and then I walked upon a selected site for the planned PUC-SM. That was 35 years before inauguration of the long-awaited, prayed for AUP College of Medicine which I attended August 7-9, 2015.
11. I learned during my first Manila visit that I had the “best last name for assuring confidence” with the Filipino Brethren in key leadership positions relative to the PUC-SM project. My Uncle Clifford L. Witzel and his wife Aunt Ausil were Missionaries in the Philippines prior to WWII. Uncle Cliff was not only a PUC math & science teacher, but he also was in charge of furniture factory for student labor—making folding chairs, as an example. Aunt Ausil was a PUC music teacher. In 1980 the three officers of North Philippine Union Mission, as students of Uncle Cliff, had fond memories of him. PUC President, Dr. Roda worked for them as their “house boy” during those pre-war years, and also regarded them highly!
12. As FED Health Director, I dedicated January 1981 to the Philippines—visiting all three Unions, 6 of 7 Hospitals and PUC. By the end of January I was convinced that we could indeed establish an Adventist Filipino medical school because all Adventist Healthcare Facilities were highly regarded in their communities even making possible fund-raising from nonSDAs! I truly enjoyed that month, & helped arrange an historical Philippine Tri-Union Committee meeting concerning PUC-SM project.
13. January 28, 1981, Dr. Segovia as FED Secretary chaired that meeting as held in a conference room at Manila Sanitarium & Hospital. Twenty-seven of us met that day, and accomplished much! Also FED Treasurer, Elder Don Gilbert stopped by long enough to assist us develop a workable PUC-SM budget with a goal of 50 students per class. It was voted to request respective organizations (PUC Board & FED Committee) to authorize paid trips for both Dr. Roda & me to travel to USA during March 1981 for fund-raising and to locate potential volunteer teachers.
14. Toward end of March 1981 [while in USA, Dr. Roda travelling in a borrowed car from a PUC Alumnus in Southern California; and my travels via a 30-day United Airlines Pass to travel to as many places as would fit into my schedule while visiting our two Adventist medical schools (my Alma Mater LLU-SM & Montemorelos University School of Medicine established ~1973 in Mexico) plus several of our major U.S. Adventist Hospitals with medical educational programs.], Dr. Roda and I arrived “providentially” the same morning (unplanned by us!) in the Washington, DC area at our SDA Church’s General Conference Headquarters. Wow! We soon learned that GC President, Elder Neal C. Wilson had scheduled a 7 PM meeting that very evening with his Vice Presidents to discuss our PUC-SM project; however, only individuals whom he personally invited were allowed to attend “his meetings”! Sadly, neither one of us could obtain permission to attend even though we were the most knowledgeable regarding the PUC-SM project! He would not even step out of his office to greet us while we stood talking with his secretary in her office space!
15. But as we were leaving GC building just prior to closing time we met Elder Clark, our FED President entering. He said he would try to get permission for us to attend, and thus by 9:30 PM we were allowed to enter “to answer questions; no speeches”!
16. Elder Wilson was unable to “kill” our project that night, and his VPs voted that he as GC President plus the newly installed GC Treasurer, Elder Lance L. Butler should attend our 1981 FED Midyear Committee Meetings in Singapore on May 18-19.
17. Elder Clark later asked me when I, as FED Health Director, wanted to present my “PUC-SM promotional speech” during these meetings. I said, “I want the nationals to speak their minds during the 1st day, so schedule my presentation first thing 2nd day following Elder Wilson’s devotional thoughts.” That schedule was voted.
18. I knew that the “kings of the North” (so to speak, of leaders in China, Japan, Korea) may well have some reservations, but the Philippines is the only so called “Christian Nation” in Asia with the most SDAs per capita, and had 3 Unions, 7 Hospitals & the Far East SDA Seminary located on new PUC campus plus PUC graduate programs galore—including a Health Science program. Also English was PUC’s official language! By the time of 1st day’s lunch break, we had satisfied most concerns as posed by delegates regarding an Adventist medical school located in the Philippines, and remaining ones basically were answered by end of the 1st day. Elder Clark then said: “We are going to recess the Midyear Committee now until tomorrow morning when we return at 8 o’clock. Elder Wilson will present devotional thoughts, and then Dr. Witzel will make his presentation concerning proposed School of Medicine at Philippine Union College.” I went home happy, reporting to my wife JoAn: “This morning when the session began we didn’t have the necessary votes to authorize PUC SM project; by noon it was 50:50, but by closing time tonight we have the vast majority in agreement. Therefore I will make my presentation first thing in the morning—comparing historical beginnings of Loma Linda University and our current beginnings of a medical school in the Philippines. Then it is just a matter of answering a few more questions, the vote will be taken, and we will be establishing a PUC medical school.”
19. However that did not happen! As I returned the next morning, happy and ready to present my special message with confidence and enthusiasm, Elder Clark motioned me aside, saying: “There has been a change of plans. Last night Elders Butler and Wilson met in my home with the three officers of the Division, and Elder Wilson has requested that he and Elder Butler meet with the Filipino delegates in my office this morning while the remaining FED delegates do routine Midyear Committee business. Therefore, you will not be making your presentation as originally planned. Instead, Elder Wilson is requesting that you as FED Health Director and Dr. Edwards as FED Director of Education be present with them as ‘observers.’ Notice carefully what I said, you are not there as participants, but only as ‘observers’!
20. It was “very painful” for me personally to sit by and watch! Can you imagine how most, if not all, Filipino delegates, especially Drs. Roda and Segovia were feeling? There were times that I could not hold my peace, and I felt duty-bound to clarify and/or challenge certain of Elder Wilson’s ‘facts’! Therefore I may well have spoken more than even the Australian GC Treasurer, Elder Butler! This heart-wrenching “Filipino session as conducted by Neal Wilson” lasted all morning, through much of the noon hour, and after a quick lunch, most of the afternoon! It was definitely “too many hours” that we observed our GC President Neal Wilson as he unrelentingly used unacceptable methods in trying to get the Filipino delegation to withdraw their request for a School of Medicine. His tactics included half-truths, misrepresentation of facts, muzzling two of us as “observers,” over-zealous statements, threats of exposure, etc.! Bless their hearts, Filipino delegation would not recant! One of the Union Mission presidents responded to Neal Wilson’s final statement, “Do I have to tell your friends from other countries when we join them again in the auditorium that you in the Philippines do not know how to manage your money?” As I recall it was Pastor D.M. Niere, CPUM President, who said: “We have been praying and waiting a long time for a medical school. If it is voted down by the Far Eastern Division delegates, we can accept that, but we will never withdraw our request for it!” PTL!
Therefore, you can understand why I personally thanked Dr. Segovia during our final visit on December 7, 2015 for his courage in 1981—confronting Elder Wilson who as president of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was determined “not to allow” the establishment of any more Adventist medical schools in the Adventist World field. EWW
Postscript: If after reading this brief listing of historical events leading up to the “dynamic moments” that occurred in Singapore on May 19, 1981, you may request more information by emailing me at professoreww@yahoo.com and I will send via an attachment a 50-page 2005 historical document entitled “Three Power Strikes, & Out! Reasons why we did not begin a Filipino Adventist Medical School a Quarter of a Century Ago!” EWW
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