Elder Rogers Presents for Southern Adventist University
Prior to the program, Elder Rogers and Delfina Rose, a Native American graduate of SAU, were invited to Spalding Elementary School, right across the street from Southern, to give a couple presentations. They visited two 5th grade classrooms where the students had been learning about Native Americans.
During the presentation, Elder Rogers addressed and corrected some of the many myths that have been accepted as fact for many years, like Native Americans were unintelligent or savages. He mentioned how even at 1000 BC, Native Americans possessed highly advanced skills, for instance the capability of performing brain surgery, making rubber products using the process of vulcanization, and making batteries to use for electroplating. Elder Rogers spoke about the Cherokee and the symbolism behind the number seven. He went into detail on how the Cherokee incorporated this significant number into different aspects of their lives, such as seven council house sides or seven directions. He went on to explain that the Cherokee are very similar to the Children of Israel in the sense they both paid tithe, celebrated seven festivals, and kept every seventh day as a day of rest. He wrapped up the presentation with information on Native health and apparel.
By the end of the night the overall estimate of attendants exceeded 80 people, comprised of students, staff members, and many people from the community. We had to keep bringing in more chairs for people to have a place to sit. The audience really seemed to enjoy the presentation. Many took part and answered some of Elder Roger’s questions. At least two Native American students attended the event, both of which enjoyed the meetings immensely saying it renewed their pride in their Native culture. During the meeting Elder Rogers asked the crowd if anyone had Native blood in their background. Twenty people had raised their hand.
After the evening program, the library director came over to Pastor Rogers and stated he wanted to plan another program for next November. He was very excited to have this opportunity and possibly arrange for something each semester. Even days after the event, SAU’s campus is still getting responses of interest and hope to continue these programs.