celebrating junk food HAVE WE FORGOTTEN OUR HEALTH MESSAGE? 14 NEWS ADVENTIST SCHOOL CLOSED AFTER FIRE DESTROYS CLASSROOMS 5 ADVENTIST RECORD | DECEMBER 2, 2017 ISSN 0819-5633 The Official 2018 Big Camp Mission Offering Project
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WHERE ARE THEY?
Going back to a church and a community where you once the same Adventist school and enjoyed the same church ac- pastored or fellowshipped is always an emotional experience. tivities who are living with their boyfriends and/or girlfriends. It’s encouraging to see the stalwarts who laboured with There is a doctor, mechanic and florist but none of them you in the various community and evangelistic events that find church attractive. Some are antagonistic; others just were run, still faithfully serving God to the best of their ability. drifted. There’s the joy of seeing former Adventists you had visited, Seeing the above hurts. They are the 50 per cent of all who never showed an inkling of returning to church, but are Adventists globally who statistically do not associate with us now fully committed disciples of Jesus. anymore. It’s satisfying to see people you baptised and left as babes Local churches are very fluid. The power of the Word of in the faith now on the church board God and the Spirit change lives that are and leading Sabbath School ministry to challenged with relational breakdowns, children. Life in financial debt, lack of meaningful work, There’s the complete wonder of abuse from a partner, jealous retribution seeing those you ministered to in Bible from a friend . . . But sometimes these studies and seminars, who never made the church human frailties impact others and give a decision at the time, now rejoicing in people a reason to leave the Church. the truth of Jesus and involved in helping can be an There is much latent pain within many others find new life through faith in churches as those who used to be there Jesus. emotional and are not anymore are our son or I would like to stop writing right now, daughter, cousin, brother, sister, uncle, thank God and just dwell on the above rollercoaster. father, mother, best friend. Not having stories but that’s not the complete them in church hurts. We pray and know picture. that God hears and acts, but God never There are those you remember fondly who are not there chooses to force the will of these people who are loved more anymore. With enquiry you discover a few have passed away by Him than us. We know this but it still hurts. and await their joy in Jesus. Others have transferred to new As we pray for others, we need to pray for ourselves so churches. However, there are other stories that just bring that we can endure to the end (Matthew 24:13). For life in heartache. the church can be an emotional rollercoaster. The Sabbath School teacher who was excellent at build- How else can we deal with such pain? Besides prayer, we ing a group and engaging people in the Scriptures who no can make a choice to be different. Emotions are the E or longer chooses to fellowship at the church because of hurtful energy that bring motion. E-motion. Energy-motion. Emo- untruths spread around. tional pain can thus be turned into positive action. Let’s use There’s the lady who led in an exercise class that had the pain of loss to move us to become more real: listening, many community people participating who no longer attends praying, supporting and advising each other without any because the church board did all they could to block and stop judgement (Matthew 7:1,2; Romans 13:8; Colossians 3:13). the ministry because of the clothes people chose to wear That’s what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. That’s the kind while exercising. of church we all are looking for. There are the kids I grew up with in Pathfinders and Sabbath School, now successful lawyers, architects and businessmen, who are just not there. Nobody seems to know glenn townend why. spd president There are the contemporaries of my children who went to /SPDpresident
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december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 3 news
Living faith new centre of influence for fiji tracey bridcutt It was one of those balmy after- noons during holiday time when one Seventh-day Adventist Church of our fellow passengers suddenly members in Suva, Fiji, have wel- stood up in the middle of the bus we comed the opening of a “centre had just boarded. With a sure voice, of influence” large enough to he requested the attention of all the hold 1500 people. passengers. Not knowing what he Fiji Mission general secretary wanted or where this was going, we Pastor Joe Talemaitoga said they gave him our attention. But what he were very thankful for the new Pastor talemaitoga at the new facility. said next was surprising. centre, which was funded by the He explained that he was a Chris- South Pacific Division. Church will hold its Sabbath wor- tian, that he believed in the power Previously there was no church ship services at the new facility. The of God and that he wanted to pray building large enough to accommo- church’s 140 members have been for protection before we started our date big meetings in Suva. According meeting in a simple corrugated iron three-hour bus trip. Immediately, to Pastor Talemaitoga, the centre will structure behind the new centre. most of the passengers hushed, the complement the work of the Church The centre will be open through- bus driver lowered the volume of the in Fiji. out the week for various activities, music and the repeat episode of Ha- “The Fiji Mission is grateful for this including cooking demonstrations waii Five-0 about to play on the bus TV was paused. facility,” he said.“It’s going to really and indoor games. Meetings will be That response from the passengers support the work of discipling our able to be livestreamed. and the driver was incredible and re- members here, young and old. This Future plans include the addition ally stood out for me. As soon as they facility is really going to be a centre of pull-down shutters for weather heard that someone was going to pray of influence, offering worship servic- protection and the construction of a for their protection, they all stopped. es, creative activities, recreation and permanent minister’s home on the It was as if there was an intrinsic many other functions that will help site. desire in people to pay attention to build up our Church and the mem- “It is going to be a centre of someone who was willing to pray for bership here.” influence right throughout the week,” a positive outcome in their lives. In Cakau Seventh-day Adventist Pastor Talemaitoga said. essence, hope is what captures the hearts of people when the road is unknown. So we all bowed our heads and were blessed by the prayer of that At The Table now airing on Channel Ten unknown man. Maritza brunt What is also interesting is how one Adventist Media’s At The Ta- voice wanting to live out his faith ble women’s panel show is now brought about change that day. All the being broadcast on free-to-air tele- people around me, including myself, vision in Australia. said “Amen” when the man finished The show, which officially praying. This indicated that there was on the set of at the table. a degree of connectedness with God— launched earlier this year, has the and yet, there was only one person 4:30am Sunday morning slot on who stood up to invite us to pray. Channel Ten. This adds to the range “We’d like to thank Sanitarium The man on the bus challenged of ways the show can be accessed, for their generous support, as they us that day. When it comes to God, including via YouTube, Facebook and provide the TV time slots on Channel we were reminded that we have to Hope Channel Australia and New Ten free of charge, and also to Hope live our faith, live our beliefs and act Zealand. The ministry also includes a Channel New Zealand for including out what is in our hearts and minds. website and monthly magazine. the program a number of times in And that’s exactly how we must “do “At The Table is truly a multimedia their weekly schedule.” church” also. That is how we trans- ministry,” said Adventist Media CEO Covering issues of family, health, form our local churches, how we Kalvin Dever. “It’s simple to share faith and social trends, the shows fits challenge those around the magazine, website, social media well with Adventist Media’s commit- us, how we inspire our channel or the broadcast time with ment to reach young families with an children and how we your neighbour, workmate or mums interest in spirituality and wholistic invite others to believe. in your playgroup as a way of open- living, but who have no current faith ing up other conversations. commitment. jorge munoz
auc4 presidentAdventist record | december 2, 2017 Adventist school closed after fire destroys classrooms Tracey Bridcutt Boliu Adventist School on the island grades 9 and 10, and is the only high of Mussau, Papua New Guinea, has school on the island, servicing six been closed for the remainder of the primary feeder schools on Mussau and year following a devastating fire that one on Tench (Island),” she said. destroyed its entire classroom block “The school had plans and prepa- last month. rations in place to commence Year 11 The building, built in the 1950s as next year. They had recently taken de- a global 13th Sabbath mission offering livery of science equipment, technical the fire quickly took hold of the building. project, comprised six classrooms, a equipment, including sewing machines, staffroom, administration office and a and school uniforms in readiness for was the third generation in her family storeroom. The blaze ripped through the new school year. But this has all to attend the school. the building in 40 minutes unimped- been destroyed in the fire.” “Hopefully, from this devastation a ed—the school does not have a water The school has 180 students and 11 new Boliu will emerge that will ignite supply. teachers. the all-time passion and love for God, Fortunately, no students or teachers Former student Dr Jennifer Litau, His gospel and education to prepare for were hurt. The school chapel, library now a lecturer at Pacific Adventist service again.” and dormitories are still standing. University, said Boliu was where many The school board acted swiftly, South Pacific Division education pioneer missionaries were introduced agreeing to begin work immediately to director Dr Carol Tasker said it is a to God and learned basic English skills. rebuild the classrooms. There has been huge loss and the school community is “Christian values and principles an outpouring of support for the pro- grieving. taught and caught through the school ject from the Mussau Island community, “While it was originally a primary program contributed to shaping young including donations of time, money and school, it is now a high school with hearts and minds,” said Dr Litau, who skills. positive response to first-of-its-kind event jarrod stackelroth/Michaela truscott More than 800 people attended a “It was so encouraging for our TED-style weekend of presentations amazing team to see hundreds held in Toowoomba, Queensland, of people from all walks of life November 4-5, and more than double purchasing tickets to an event that number watched online. that offered them the latest PROPHETICA 2017 featured a scientifically-proven techniques diverse list of presenters, including for increasing their health, hope award-winning cookbook author Sue and happiness.” Radd, leading lifestyle disease re- While many attendees were searcher Ross Grant, radio host and from the local area, quite a history buff Pastor Lyle Southwell, number travelled up to 100 and former punk rocker turned pastor, kilometres to attend the event. david asscherick. David Asscherick. There was also a group from The 20-minute presentations Vanuatu. was fantastic,” said Aniele, a third- included numerous ways for audience In attendance was a group of 14 year student. members to participate in Q and A theology and ministry students and The group was sponsored by the sessions, including a mobile text line, three faculty members from Avondale Avondale Ministerial Training Schol- meet and greet sessions and meet the College of Higher Education (NSW). arship Fund, set up in 2001 to help host dinners. The students found the opportu- support ministry and theology students The event was held in the Empire nity to hear such polished presenters with potential for full-time ministry to Theatre and event organisers say they beneficial and will take back skills and pursue extra learning experiences. were happy with the turnout as a first- techniques learned from the short but The PROPHETICA 2017 team has of-its-kind event. information-heavy presentations. been asked to consider holding similar Event organiser Julian Archer was “The calibre of the speakers and events in other cities. thrilled by the community response. their knowledge of the subject matter Visit PROPHETICA.com for details.
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 5 gift of hope for fiji’s hindi speakers tracey bridcutt Seventh-day Adventist media which has been op- operators in Fiji are looking at ways to erating since 2000 reach the almost 50 per cent of the and reaches more country’s population who are of Indian than 85 per cent of descent. homes in Fiji. “We want to reach out to the Indian Similarly, Hope community, most of whom are not Channel TV has Christian,” said Hope Radio manager recognised the need Wyse Bete. to include Hindi Hope Radio’s Wyse Bete, Kara Tukutukuwaqa and Paul Sikote. With this in mind, they have plans to programming in its soon launch a Hindi language station broadcast schedule. Its weekly Sabbath to just let people know that there is a using Hope’s second radio frequency. It School panel discussion is now in both God who loves them,” Ms Naicker said. will feature all Hindi programming and the Hindi and Fijian languages. “When we are up there and discuss- complement the work of Hope FM 107, Ashley Naicker and Sanjeshni Mandri ing something from the Bible we want are the hosts of the Hindi language people to hear about Jesus. We try to program, known as Asha Sabbath relate it to something from our lives.” School. The program is screened The enormous opportunity Hope several times throughout the week. Ms presents is that it is a free-to-air TV Naicker is a lecturer and Ms Mandri station. a tutor at the College of Medicine, “It goes straight into people’s Nursing and Health Sciences in Fiji. homes,” Hope Channel TV director Both attend the Nasinu Hindi-speaking John Tausere said. “If we can be speak- Adventist church in Suva. ing through these mediums (TV and Ashley Naicker (left) and Sanjeshni Mandri. “Our main aim (for the program) was radio) we can definitely reach hearts.”
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6 Adventist record | december 2, 2017 ADVENTIST EDUCATION in a class of its own news grabs tracey bridcutt Adventist education in Vanu- atu has such a good reputation that communities are eager to establish an Adventist school in their village despite differences in religion. The largely Anglican village of Kerbeta in Torba Province (Vanua Academic history Lava) is one such community A blind Adventist Senator in Jamaica community members show the land set aside for the school. pressing forward with a desire to recently received his PhD from have an Adventist school. the University of the West Indies. “The tribe has offered a 100m by the river flooding. Floyd Morris is only the second 120m piece of land that can be extended “The elders of the community wanted blind person to achieve this level of academia at the university in its 69- if more land is needed,” said Trans-Pa- a school set up in the village to access year history, and was the first blind cific Union Mission associate education education easily,” Mr Joshua said. person to be appointed president of director Mele Vaihola, who recently “Past attempts by other education the Jamaican Senate in May 2013. visited the village. providers have not been successful and —Adventist Review “The community is working with the have not met the community’s expecta- [Vanuatu] Mission and Ministry of Edu- tions. cation to have documents prepared for “The community at Kerbeta sees submission for registering the school.” Adventist education has very unique Vanuatu Mission director of education, qualities, which not only impact a child Gilrick Joshua, said students currently wholistically, but even make significant have to walk 3-4 kilometres daily to changes to the family and community reach the nearest school, which discour- the child is part of. ages them from attending. Another ma- “Their vision is for their children SUNDAY SERVICE jor hurdle occurs during the rainy season attending an Adventist school to make a Adventist Church members in when students can’t get to school due to difference anywhere they live.” Rwanda have been described as “the partners of the Government of Rwanda” by a top government official for impacting their community through service lae adventists donate to flood-affected villages activities. While most faith groups joe philip hold their community service on Seventh-day Adventist Saturdays, Adventists serve on the last Sunday of every month.—RUM churches in Lae distributed food and clothing worth thou- sands of Papua New Guinean kina to support flood-affected communities in the Morobe Province. Primarily focusing on the villages of Mare and Gabensis, village leaders are grateful for the donations. two of the worst-affected villages in the region, items donat- Village leaders were grateful for the EARTHQUAKE HELP The Adventist Development and ed included bales of rice, secondhand support, with one village elder from Relief Agency has sent workers and clothing, utensils, medicine, tools and Mare thanking the Adventist Church supplies to some of the worst-hit food crops. for “having such a good heart to sup- areas across the Iraq-Iran border, Morobe Mission president Pastor port the affected communities”, saying after a 7.3 earthquake collapsed Blasius Managos also helped to distribute government support was not enough for buildings and killed more than 450 people last month. The earthquake the donations to the villages, saying it the villages. The village magistrate also has been labelled the deadliest in was the mission of the Adventist Church asked for support from the Adventist the world this year, with around 500 to look after the physical wellbeing of Church to assist his communities again in villages affected.—Adventist Review people, not just their spiritual needs. the future.
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 7 Year-end meetings highlight growth and hot topics challenges jarrod stackelroth Crucial discussions were held and decisions made as almost 100 delegates of the South Pacific Division Executive gathered in Wahroonga for end-of-year meet- BANNED FAITH ings, November 15-16. The meetings began with Nepal has officially passed a law criminalising religious conversion worship, the first led by General Delegates gathered in front of SPD flags. in a bid to curb evangelism. Nepal Conference (GC) president Pastor now joins neighbouring countries Ted Wilson, who spoke about the like India and Pakistan, where latter rain described by the prophet Joel. selves corporately becoming ‘A thriv- the region’s small-but-growing He discussed the importance of personal ing Adventist movement’, individually Christian minority face government threats to their faith. Despite the revival and preparation for Jesus’ return. ‘living our hope in Jesus’ and we desire legal threats, Nepal has seen its “Everything we proclaim and preach is to see our communities ‘transformed’. Christian population triple over centred in Christ and the centre of the We’ve registered a tag line ‘Designed to the past decade or so due to doctrines is Jesus Himself,” he said. “He Thrive’. It can be used on all resources conversions.—Christianity Today has given us so much truth.” and events and reflects that Jesus creat- A highlight for many was the “opening ed us to live an abundant life.” ceremony” where delegates representing All the SPD institutions presented each nation of the South Pacific Division their annual reports as did the top-tier (SPD) raised their flags outside the Wah- ministries—mission to the cities, compre- roonga office. Children from Wahroonga hensive health, media and discipleship. Adventist School sang the Australian Three SPD church territories changed NO SMOKING national anthem and a trumpet played status: Nauru, Pitcairn and Niue all have as the flags were raised. South Aus- one Adventist congregation each and are Pope Francis has ordered a ban on the sale of cigarettes inside the tralia ATSIM director, Pastor John Beck, directly administered by their respective Vatican from next year due to health presented Pastor unions. They will now be known as “field concerns, citing WHO statistics Wilson officially stations” in keeping with new terminol- that say smoking causes more than started the meetings ogy being used by the Church worldwide. seven million deaths worldwide with a “welcome to Significant appointments include every year. However, the sale of large cigars will continue, because country”. returning Adventist Media CEO Kalvin the smoke is not inhaled.—AAP One of the Dever to his position and appointing significant matters Jonathan Hale as the new Risk Manage- discussed during the ment Services manager. Mr Hale was year-end meetings assistant manager and will be taking over was a statement from Paul Rubessa, who is moving to on transgenderism lead ADRA Australia. released by the GC Other highlights included the CFO’s Pastor John Beck. in April. Delegates and secretary’s reports, with some very voted to receive good news, but also some challenges SALVATOR SELLS the statement but not to approve it until presented. Membership has grown in A 500-year-old painting by further consultation with health profes- all four unions; however, in some areas Leonardo da Vinci has sold for sionals has been made in order to refine 60 per cent of those baptised have left a record $A592 million. The oil painting depicting Christ holding a some of the language. the Church. Three of the unions reached crystal orb, called Salvator Mundi, Also, after two years of dialogue and membership milestones, with the Aus- Italian for “Saviour of the World”, various options, a new SPD vision state- tralian Union hitting 60,000 members, is one of fewer than 20 paintings ment was voted: “A thriving Adventist New Zealand Pacific Union 20,000 and by da Vinci known to exist. The movement, living our hope in Jesus and Papua New Guinea Union 300,000. masterpiece was only rediscovered less than a decade ago, and was transforming the Pacific”. “There were lots of questions and declared a legitimate da Vinci “Vision is given by God, it is His good discussion from the delegates,” artwork in 2011.—The Guardian preferred future,” said Pastor Glenn said Pastor Townend. “All in all it was a Townend, SPD president. “We see our- really good spirit.”
8 Adventist record | december 2, 2017 flashpoint
NEW PROFESSOR Warwick Bagg recently pre- sented his inaugural lecture as GARDEN GOODNESS a professor at the University The Margate Community gardens of Auckland (NZ). Colleagues, were developed by Margate friends and family attended Adventist Church (Tasmania) in an the lecture in celebration of endeavour to assist the long-term CANOE Birth his accomplishment. Professor FIJI’S NEWEST CHURCH unemployed gain re-employment. The medical team on Medi- Bagg is a member of Papatoetoe Established 20 years ago, the A total of 19 unemployed individ- sonship 3 was woken at 2am Adventist Community Church and Wairua Adventist congregation uals were involved in the design recently to the sound of a knock was appointed head of the medi- in Suva (Fiji) was last month and construction of the gardens, at the door and a baby crying. cal program at the University organised as a church. Comprising which were officially opened on A mum had just given birth in a of Auckland in 2009. Between 11 families, the group is planning October 15. Church and commu- canoe on her way to a clinic at 2010 and 2015, he worked with extensions to its church building nity members alike attended the Ringi, Solomons Islands, and she academic and professional staff in order to welcome more people opening to swap plants, seeds and needed assistance. The vessel’s and students to design and into the congregation. In October, knowledge. There were casual medical staff cut the umbilical implement the reinvigorated Discipleship Ministries Team youth information sessions on soil and cord and made sure the mum medical program. In 2015 he was director Nick Kross and Adventist plant nutrition, the best way to and bub were okay. The baby the recipient of the university’s Media head of editorial Tracey grow tomatoes and potatoes, and was wrapped in a new blanket Leadership in Teaching Excel- Bridcutt attended the group’s other organic gardening experi- and the mum given fresh clothes. lence Award for his broad lead- mid-week evening service and ences. The project will be linked The mother and baby were later ership of undergraduate medical received a warm welcome. into other programs run by the transported to the Ringi clinic for education.—NNZC —Record staff church.—Theodore Dimitriou further medical care.—Sonship
EFate Gives Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Efate (Vanuatu) attending a recent church meeting collected a special offering to help victims and have a those affected by the recent volcanic activity on the island of Ambae. More than 100,000 Vatu was collected that evening. The Church’s head news story? office in Port Vila added extra money to the collection to help the Na- tional Disaster Management Office and the government in the evacuation email it to efforts. Pastor Nos Terry Mailalong, president of the Adventist Church in Vanuatu, presented a cheque for VT314,135 ($A3900) to Jesse Benjamin, [email protected] director-general of Climate Change.—Vanuatu Mission
A place to worship IT’S FIESTA TIME! FROM HURT TO HALOS Bank South Pacific, the largest bank in Papua Young people from Papatoetoe Adventist October was a special month for the Born New Guinea, recently helped a little Adventist Church (NZ) served the Northland community Free Sanctuary in Port Moresby (PNG) as church on Lihir Island (New Ireland Province). over a recent weekend. They ran a Fiesta VBS seven girls were baptised at Kivori Poe in the The bank decided to completely refurbish (kids’ holiday program) for some of Kaitaia’s Gulf region of the country. There are currently the lamb shelter of the Lembat Seventh-day children, served in the community, visited 18 girls at the sanctuary, which is run as a Adventist Church, providing a beautiful place local sites, and invited people to church and a project of Operation Food For Life. “Our cup of worship for the children. The refurbishment Saturday evening concert featuring local artists runs over with joy to have witnessed these was part of Bank South Pacific’s community Day7 and Resonate.—NNZC children grow into their new-found faith,” project for 2017.—NBNIM said OFFL founder Dennis Perry.—Record staff
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 9 topic/genrePUBLISHING
Expansion of publishing ministry in Australia and New Zealand
iterature evangelism in the South working for more than the past five countries are experiencing the most Pacific Division (SPD) of the years and most of the currently regis- significant challenges. Consequently, LSeventh-day Adventist Church tered LEs only working part-time. the LE program will continue un- will undergo significant revitalisation A key recommendation of the changed across the Pacific Islands. in a bid to breathe new life into this report is the introduction of new digital General Conference president long-established core Church ministry. technologies that can be integrated Pastor Ted Wilson, who attended the A report on the Church’s literature with traditional literature distribution. meeting, said, “The publishing work evangelism ministry, entitled “SPD This would include the establishment will continue to the end of time but Publishing Department: Literature of an online database of contacts for adaptation needs to take place as Distribution Project”, was accepted at future follow-up. everyone participates in total member an SPD Board meeting on November “The basic approach to distribut- involvement.” 13. Key stakeholders were consulted ing literature has changed very little Chair of the Publishing Advisory during the preparation of the report, since the late 19th century,” the report Committee, Lionel Smith, said the including literature evangelists (LEs), states. commission to make disciples was team leaders, and conference and “Literature evangelists (LEs) still go given to all members; so too the work union presidents. door to door to sell books. Since then, of literature distribution. It is one of four reviews undertaken communication has changed signifi- “If all members were to seriously in the past 10 years to address the cantly, especially since the introduction engage in communicating with their challenges of the publishing ministry of social media, electronic books and neighbours through print and elec- in Australia and New Zealand, where phones permanently connected to the tronic media, imagine the impact that sales have dropped considerably. Aus- internet. In the same way in which would have, compared to a few faithful tralian purchases fell by 63 per cent Ellen White utilised the advances of literature evangelists,” Pastor Smith and New Zealand by 44 per cent be- printing in her day, it is imperative that said. “It’s not about one or the other tween 2007 and 2017. The rest of the the Church leverages the technological but both. What is really exciting is that Pacific dropped by 12 per cent. More advances of the 21st century for the this is a ministry young people who than one-quarter of all LEs in Australia furthering of the gospel.” are both technologically aware and and NZ placed no orders in the 2016- The report also recommends that passionate can be creative and fully 17 financial year. Seventy-eight per future literature development be engaged in.” cent purchased less that $A2000. focused on relevant, contemporary A team of stakeholders, including There has also been a decline in the content. Young people will be invited the Publishing Department, has been number of prayers offered in homes, to write, produce and distribute this appointed to prepare a plan, including enrolments in Bible correspondence new content. a timeline, for the transition to the courses and baptisms. The proposed expansion focuses on new and expanded publishing ministry. “It is difficult to earn a liveable wage greater integration between LEs and This team will report to the next SPD as a full-time LE under the current local churches, with a more explicit Board meeting in February 2018. model,” the report states. connection between the books and the Consequently, there has been a very Church. high turnover rate among LEs, with The recommendations focus on Tracey bridcutt head of editorial less than 25 per cent of active LEs Australia and New Zealand as these @tracey_findlay
10 Adventist record |december 2, 2017 the Ten
encouraging verses for
You are altogether beautiful, my or putting on dresses; but let 1 darling;women there is no flaw in you. it be the hidden person of the —Song of Solomon 4:7 heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet She sets about her work vigor- spirit, which is precious in the 2 ously; her arms are strong for sight of God. her tasks. —1 Peter 3:3,4 —Proverbs 31:1 ...and in Christ you have been Charm is deceptive, and beauty 7 brought to fullness. He is the 3 is fleeting; but a woman who head over every power and fears the Lord is to be praised. authority. —Proverbs 31:30 —Colossians 2:10
She speaks with wisdom, and God is within her, she will not 4 faithful instruction is on her 8 fall; God will help her at break tongue. of day. —Proverbs 31:26 —Psalm 46.5
Don’t worry about anything, in- But God demonstrates his own 5 stead, pray about everything. Tell 9 love for us in this: While we were God what you need, and thank still sinners, Christ died for us. him for all he has done. —Romans 5:8 —Philippians 4:6-8 You see, at just the right time, Your adornment must not be 10 when we were still powerless, 6 merely external—braiding the Christ died for the ungodly. hair, and wearing gold jewellery, —Romans 5:6
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 11 Stxx xxxt
a step further nother week is over. Praise God tentatively. made them cry; others tagged their for Sabbath!” the bubbly wor- Her face crumpled. “No, not really.” pastors on the post and left their own Aship leader announced. “Can I “Would you like to talk about it?” encouraging messages. And it may or get an amen?” Although I’d made the offer, I was not be a coincidence, but this year, “Amen!” the group agreed exuber- stunned when she nodded. the General Conference designated antly. But for the first time, the woman “But not here,” she said warily, the second Sabbath of October to be next to me remained deathly quiet. glancing around in a furtive manner. Pastors’ Appreciation Day. Until that moment, she’d been I followed her outside. We found a I’d like to suggest we take it a step an enthusiastic participant—nodding relatively quiet spot amidst the hustle further and also recognise the part- vigorously at various points of the and bustle that generally erupts close ners and families of those in full-time presentation, singing heartily and to mealtime. We proceeded to ex- pastoral ministry. bowing her head in fervent prayer. This change first names and various pleas- To many congregations, the pas- sudden silence drew my attention. antries before she finally opened up. tor’s spouse is no more than an unpaid That, and the tears starting to well up “My husband’s a pastor,” she said volunteer. in her eyes. I tried not to stare but my frankly. “Sabbath has never been a They are the ones who minister curiosity had been aroused. rest day for our family. Actually, it’s behind the scenes yet seldom receive As the final prayer was said, the the busiest day of the week. There are a reward or accolade. They are the participants began to disperse and the times when I really resent that.” ones who share their partners with woman started to gather her belong- A little more than a year ago, my the church at any time of the day or ings. I felt a strong compulsion to talk colleague Maritza and I planned a night. They are the ones who are most to her. video for Pastors’ Appreciation Month. vulnerable to congregation gossip and “Excuse me,” I blurted out as she We invited pastors to our studio to be criticism. Yet they continue to serve started to walk away. Fortunately she filmed, speaking about their greatest faithfully regardless. turned and looked at me curiously. struggles in ministry. Then we sur- One day, God will reward many of As soon as the words came out of prised them by showing them footage these ministerial spouses with the my mouth, I mentally kicked myself. of their church members thanking words, “Well done, good and faithful What would I say to her? If only I’d them for their hard work. Later we servant.” given myself a couple of extra min- posted this video on the Adventist But until that day, we should also utes to formulate a speech or say a Record Facebook page so that other give them the appreciation they de- little prayer. Then again, in those extra people could be reminded to appreci- serve. minutes, she could have easily disap- ate their pastors too. Thank you. peared into the crowd. We were blown away by the re- “Is everything OK?” I asked sponse. Many noted that the video had vania chew assistant editor.
12 Adventist record |december 2, 2017 digging in his word my with Gary Webster WINGED SPIRITS AND THE UNCHURCHED ministrysheets for clinics Winged spirit gods were important to the Mesopotamians of Bible times. Do we today sense our great need for God’s Spirit, especially in reaching the unchurched? The Spirit was the primary reason for Daniel’s success in reaching the unchurched. Daniel was known as one in whom the Spirit of God lived because of the gift of prophecy given him by the Spirit. He was also known as one in whom the too good to waste Spirit lived because of the fruit of the Spirit that was evident in his life. ow do you save tonnes of South Pacific Laundry in Port Mac- READ DANIEL 4:1-3,8-10,18,19,37; 5:10- bed sheets from being sent quarie, to see if he would be willing 12,14; DANIEL 5:12; 6:3-5. to landfill each week? Send to give her all the sheets destined It is thus obvious why Daniel, like Paul, H did not want to defile his body temple. them to medical missions throughout for landfill. He was delighted to help According to the New Testament, the the South Pacific and orphanages in and told her she could have all she Spirit lives in those who believe in Africa, of course! wanted. Grant said it cost him about and obey God, and earnestly pray for When Port Macquarie (NSW) $A1100 a tonne to send the sheets to His indwelling. Little wonder then that woman Susan Shelton heard about landfill so it was a win-win situa- Daniel, who believed in and strict- sheets deemed “unusable” by hotels, tion. They had a little laugh knowing ly obeyed God, and spent so much time on his knees in prayer, was a motels, hospitals, etc, being sent the sheets were coming from South Spirit-filled man and thus drew both to waste and ending up as landfill, Pacific Laundry and were going to Nebuchadnezzar and Darius to God. she started looking into it. She soon missions in the South Pacific! READ DANIEL 1:8; 2:46,47; realised that most of the sheets had On the first Sunday of each month, 6:10,16,20,23,25-27; 1 CORINTHIANS very little wrong with them or needed Susan has a band of about 15 regular 3:16,17; 6:19,20; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16; LUKE minor fixes to add years more use to helpers who bring along their sewing 11:13; JOHN 7:37-39; ACTS 5:32. them. machines, irons and ironing boards What about us today? Could it be that Port Macquarie church, where and spend the morning doing repairs, the primary reason we are not reach- Susan and husband Russell are mem- pressing and folding approximate- ing the unchurched is due to a lack of bers, currently sponsors a number ly 350-500 sheets. The sheets are the Spirit’s power because we believe of medical missions in the South then transported to the South Pacific so little, obey God when it suits us Pacific region. Using that as a lead, Division office in Sydney where they and are seldom on our knees? Deter- mine today to reach souls like Daniel Susan asked if the sheets would be are loaded into containers and sent by following his Spirit-filled example. a welcome help to these medical to the “Adopt a Clinic” program and missions. The response was incred- to Wollongong for transport to the ible! Fifty-eight medical missions in orphanage in Zimbabwe. the Solomons, Vanuatu, Tonga, Papua How did Susan find out about the New Guinea and other places said dumped sheets? The answer was they would be very happy and grate- quite simple: “My son-in-law has a ful to receive the sheets. To add to relative who works at the laundry, that number, the Sheltons discovered who was talking about all the wast- that their daughter's church in the age." Wollongong area (south of Sydney) So from that comment came this supported a charity called Books for fantastic idea that helps so many, Zim, which supports an orphanage thanks to a lady thinking outside the in Zimbabwe. The charity indicated box and gathering a group of helpers it would also be grateful to receive to do good for one another. sheets for the kids there. WALL RELIEF DEPICTING AN EAGLE-HEADED WINGED To get her plan into motion, Susan SPIRIT GOD. SUCH SPIRIT GODS WERE MEANT TO spoke to Grant Faatoia, owner of Heather Knobbs PROTECT PEOPLE IN MESOPOTAMIA.
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 13 Junk Food?
Celebratingear youth leaders, Pathfinder leaders, young adult leaders, DSabbath School leaders, big camp leaders—leaders of anything children-related in our churches. I am genuinely confused by us. Yes, I name myself in this group as I have been involved in ministry with young people on and off since I left high school. On one hand we have an excellent health message. Our research is on the cutting edge of emerging concepts in health and wellbeing. We are blessed to be able to bring a message of hope to so many people suffering chronic disease and the burden of illness and pain. I have been lucky enough to see some of our people present on many topics of health, and I can assure you our message is very well received within the preventative health sector. It is well received by esteemed researchers who are coming to the same conclusions.
14 Adventist record |december 2, 2017 health
Preventative health is the way of abundant and full of energy. We re- based diet (though that would be the future and our Church is right in discover that there is joy in move- great!). I do believe, however, that amongst it. Go us! ment and that we need to eat to it's time to step back and look at However, I get really confused when live, not live to eat. what we are doing. Mostly because I attend camps and other events, My hubby recently made a com- I think we are doing it unintention- particularly children’s events. Many ment as I lamented the fact that ally. of you are probably already think- my kids came home from a church Our kids go to a lot of events with ing, Here we go, disgruntled mum event feeling sick from all the junk church, school and friends as they soapbox moment. I get that, but they ate. He said, "Honey, it’s just grow up, and these events are hear me out . . . There seems to this event. Tonight you can feed great. Our health message is cutting be a culture of junk food at chil- them good food and all will be edge and making an impact in dren’s events. Have you noticed? fine." The thing is, it's not just that people's lives every day, giving back At a Pathfinder meeting to com- one event is it? That one event vitality and hope to people who had mence the year, we celebrate with turns into a weekly, and sometimes none. Yet we keep on feeding our a dessert table full of chocolate, more than once weekly, occur- kids and young people junk. We set ice-cream and slices. At an Easter rence. Think about your "normal" them up for failure. As they grow up weekend church service, we hide week. Here is an example I have and get sick and tired of being sick chocolate eggs for the kids to find. created: it's not a real week but it and tired, we throw it back in their At big camp, there are lollies as certainly could be. On Monday, at faces by telling them to make better prizes. Youth social? Pizza and soft school, there is cake shared around food choices, have moderation drink. Summer camps? Let's do to celebrate a child’s birthday. On and exercise more. We enrol them dessert nearly every night. Teen Thursday night at your small group, into CHIP, healthy cooking classes Sabbath School? Chips and nibbles someone brings a bag of lollies and gyms. Surely this leaves them to keep them coming. Are you see- to share and offers them to your confused! ing the pattern? We love to throw children. On Friday night it’s the Come on Church, it’s time to rethink junk at our kids, teens and young usual dessert. On Sabbath, there health—especially for our kids. Let’s people. I, too, am guilty of doing it. are chips and juice in their Sabbath help them create memories that This isn’t a whole lot different to School. There is also a lolly handed will last a lifetime and don’t always what happens in the rest of socie- out to the children who can recite involve food. Our programs, camps ty. There is always food associated their memory verse. Potluck lunch and socials are already wonderful with birthday parties, picnics and (need I say more), then on Saturday memory makers. Let’s strive to special occasions like Christmas and night there is a church social, along make more of our activities junk Easter. Lots of it is junk. Should it with dinner. Oh, and chips, fizzy free. Let’s teach our kids what it be that way? If you switch on the drinks, juice and cake. Sunday sees means to be healthy. Let’s not wait TV during a kids' cartoon, ads will the kids at a friend’s birthday party, until it’s too late. I believe with all be there displaying junk food too. and bringing home a party bag (full my heart that our health message So our kids get it from all angles. of lollies). is for our kids, teens and youth too. Once we get older and start making Before you make the comment that Especially them! A healthy life starts our own decisions, is it really silly I should simply teach my kids to right now, today, as you are reading to think that we might keep doing make better food choices, I agree this article. what we have always been taught— completely. I, along with many Can we change? Yes. Should we? eating junk as a way of celebration? other parents, am doing my best to Absolutely. Will we? Of that I am Why would we do anything differ- teach my kids to make wise deci- not sure, but I hope this article ently? Maybe not until we get sick. sions regarding food. Collectively, will at least spark some conscious Our clothes stop fitting. We start to we must be able to see that the thought and deliberate conversation feel tired, lack energy and wonder environments our kids are growing about the junk food/health food what’s wrong. We go to the doctor up in are not helpful. When junk is cycle we are establishing for our for a check-up in our mid-40s or a part of their learned experience, children as they grow up. early-50s and then get a bit of a when "everyone else" is doing it, Yours sincerely, wake-up call. Our cholesterol is when their mentors throw lollies at Garden loving, health advocate high, our BP is raised and we need them . . . well it’s a bit hard to say mum (who doesn’t get it right all to lose a few kilos. no all the time. the time either)! No worries, we have the CHIP This article is not intended to make program right! Yes, you're right. anyone feel bad. I’m not writing this Carly Moore is a Health Education It is helping people every day to imagining we will all immediately professional and mother who blogs at see that life can be so much more start eating a whole food, plant- abespectacledlife.com.
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 15 record re ind
EllenA Model in Tenacity White and Perseverance
ost Adventists are unaware authority and ministry. But by 1891 it. At 63, she was feeling her age and of the incredibly demanding things were improving and she felt she was tired. She had broken both of her Mand difficult personal life Ellen could withdraw somewhat from public ankles in a recent accident while on White lived. In addition to the limita- life, move to the new house she was vacation in Colorado and, improperly tions of her life-long poor health, she building at Petoskey on the shore of set, they were not healing well, chal- lost her husband in 1881 to malar- Lake Michigan with her office staff and lenging her mobility. ia, and spent two years in Europe look forward to focusing on her writ- But on December 8, 1891 she (1884–86) living out of her luggage ing, particularly the new book she was arrived in Sydney after a brief stop in and with her personal finances greatly planning on the life of Christ. But it Auckland, New Zealand. Her first year reduced because she had answered was not to be: Stephen Haskell want- in Australia was particularly difficult: the call of the Church. The events of ed her in Australia where the young bedridden in Melbourne and in consid- Minneapolis (1888) and their aftermath Church was struggling and though the erable pain most of the time, attempt- were challenging as some members General Conference was willing to pass ing to preach on the weekends when and leaders alike strongly resisted her that call on to her she saw little light in she could, often sitting down to do so
16 Adventist record |december 2, 2017 history after being carried into the meeting, or White’s presence, attendance doubled. than to encourage him to take up lit- on occasion using a wheelchair. Too ill The community was fascinated by this erature evangelism. This lack of vision to do much writing, she found it hard convention and only about half the au- disappointed Mrs White. to understand why she had come so dience were Adventists. As evangelism In time, while Pomare drifted away far to be able to do so little. Her cir- had proved incredibly difficult in New from the Church of his youth, he cumstances were discouraging but she Zealand, with the other denominations became a powerful advocate for his determined to turn her difficulties into actively opposed and the unchurched people, serving as minister for health a spiritual blessing—but in application disinterested, it was soon learned in a succession of governments and that was not easy. that the typical American style camp did much to preserve and protect his After some improvement in her meeting, previously unknown in New Maori heritage—something that would health she travelled to New Zealand, Zealand, was a powerful evangelistic have not been possible without the arriving in Auckland on February 8, tool. It was later used to particularly original interest in this young man by 1893, remaining there until her return good effect in Wellington, just before Mrs White and Dr Caro particular- to Australia in December. This is a Mrs White returned to Australia. ly. While still a relatively young man well documented period in her life and Another innovation was to precede and fatally stricken with TB, Sir Maui there are some lessons to be learned evangelistic meetings with presenta- Pomare returned to the faith of his from the challenges she and the infant tions on topics of popular interest youth before his death in 1930. Church faced in Aotearoa, how she in the community. Often Ellen White On December 13, 1893, Mrs White dealt with them and the applicability of spoke on temperance, a subject that sailed on the Wairarapa, stopping at these lessons to us today more than exercised the minds of other Christians Auckland on the way back to Austral- 100 years on. as well as Adventists. While other ia. On this voyage she befriended the Travelling from Auckland she speakers on the subject typically took stewardess, Mrs McDonald, giving her first visited the Hare family in Kaeo, a health approach, Mrs White always a copy of her new and best-selling 257 kilometres to the north, where took a spiritual approach. This was book, Steps To Christ, and spoke to schoolmaster Father Hare and his unique and, coupled with her very her about her soul’s salvation. Mrs wife had a family of 24 children. Ellen real public speaking ability, drew in McDonald, however, while desiring to White preached in the community the crowds who loved to hear her become a Christian, concluded she and worked personally with the young speak. Thus minds were prepared for could not afford to give up her well- people in the Hare family. Minnie and follow-up evangelistic meetings. paid position on the ship and several Susan Hare were baptised before she Wherever she went, she person- weeks later perished with all but two left. ally witnessed to those she was with of those on board when the vessel This pattern of public preaching and particularly to young people. One foundered. and personal witness were character- outstanding instance was the family So what can we learn from Ellen istic of her approach to soul-winning of Martha Brown, the first Adventist White’s experience in New Zealand? throughout North New Zealand as she in her community 90 minutes north of One thing for certain is that she came visited Gisborne, Napier, Ormondville, Wellington. There, as she later wrote, to learn that while age and poor health Palmerston North and also Wellington, “I laboured with the family every may limit us, there is no retirement where she spent most of her time. morning and night” (Letter 138, 1893). from our calling as witnessing Chris- Mrs White found the lengthy jour- Consequently, four children in that tians. Secondly, she pushed through neys travelling between these settle- family took their stand for Christ as a the barriers of pain and fatigue to con- ments by train or coastal steamer very result of Mrs White's presence in their tinue her soul-winning witness. She tiresome. While in Wellington she real- home. did not allow the resistance to public ised that her abscessed eight remain- Mrs White's son, William, was evangelism deter her, but developed ing teeth had to come out. She had interested in the Maori people and one new approaches to the community as Dr Margaret Caro travel by train from young lad, Maui Pomare, a student a half-way step toward developing a Napier to provide the needed dental at Te Aute College in Hawke's Bay, subsequent interest in spiritual things. care. It was provided without anaes- became an Adventist because of the Above all else she never missed a thetic as Mrs White was allergic to influence of the cook at the school. chance to share her faith, often with the medication used at the time. Ever Pomare later studied in Battle Creek, complete strangers. When one consid- practical, Mrs White used the next two financially assisted by New Zealand ers her constant pain and discomfort months to focus on her writing before Church members including Mrs White during those months in New Zealand, Dr Caro could fit dentures and enable and Dr Caro, and Dr John Harvey that in itself is both remarkable and her return to preaching. Kellogg, and became the first Maori instructive. The first Antipodean camp meet- to qualify as a physician. However, on ing was held in Napier. Few people his return to New Zealand, the Church lester devine director emeritus at the were expected to attend, but with Mrs leadership had no plans for him other ellen G white/adventist research centre.
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 17 health
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18 Adventist record |december 2, 2017 have your say
BEING CHURCH I have rarely read a more succinct summation of our Church's current situation than that of "Time, Talent and Treasure" (Editorial, November 4). If you haven't read it, please go back and do so. As a Church, we are over-organised, under-resourced, too reliant on pastors and too focused on the Production rather than the People. As the editor laments, we are "doing church" to the detriment of "being church". We can't make up for time wasting for six days by frenetic activity on the Sabbath. Let's remember that quiet reflection, humility before our Maker, gratitude in giving and prayerful thanksgiving are as much a part of worship as slick multimedia presentations, compulsory song sessions and seemingly artificial "greet thy neighbour" calls in church. David Pennington, NSW
THE MAIN THING? freedom, the environment (Flashpoint, November 4). youth right now in the South I felt very uncomfortable and other social justice is- I am sure this is in fulfil- Pacific. upon my first reading of the sues. As important as these ment of Joel's promise of Manasa Muaivatu, Fiji article "Sabbath protesting" issues are, they are not the Holy Spirit's abundance by South Pacific Division what we should be focusing in the latter days. But I Editor's note: Record Wrap president Glenn Townend all of our energies on. Yet, hope we are remembering is a weekly video news (October 21). Subsequent I get the impression from that baptism by immersion update. It can be viewed on readings did not dispel my Adventist Record magazine is symbolic of a burial of a Record's website and Face- sense of disquiet. that this is all that matters. former lifestyle. Is it possible book page and downloaded I assume the key point of If we clearly believed the that some of the younger to play in churches. the article is found in the Bible alone, grace alone, candidates have scarcely, sentence: “Are Adventists faith alone and Christ alone, despite their best intentions, LATTER RAIN today still reformers?” The then we would be investing faced the issues in which Re: "Latter rain" (Have Merriam-Webster diction- our time, strength, talents, only the Holy Spirit can your say, September 23). ary defines reform as “to money and energy to fulfil safely direct? The writer mentions the put an end to (an evil) by God’s commission to His Let us guard against num- latter rain but does not refer enforcing or introducing a remnant people; spreading bers. Thank you for your to the following scriptures: better method or course of the three angels' messages. excellent ministry. Joel 2:28,29 and Acts action”. ”There is no other work of Wal Taylor, NSW 2:17,18. Surely these verses As Seventh-day Advent- so great importance. They must refer to the latter rain, ists, our reformation mes- are to allow nothing else to WHO'S WHO? although the words latter sage is found in Revelation absorb their attention”(T9 The CFO of the South rain are not mentioned. I 14:6-12. Joseph Bates "got p19). Pacific Division has ad- would be interested to hear it" when he published The I challenge the SPD vised (October 21) that the what the writer of the letter Seventh Day Sabbath, A president, the leaders of our Church operates as a repre- has to say. I am reading Perpetual Sign. The Sabbath churches, the staff of Re- sentative democracy. How from the NKJV. will be the special point cord and all who profess to do we find out the identities Elsie Bennet, NZ of controversy throughout be Seventh-day Adventists, of those appointed/elected Christendom in the last to turn your attention to to the Division Executive conflict. this great commission. Until Committee? I have not been Note: Views in “Have your say” do not necessarily rep- So why my sense of we do so, we will have little able to locate this informa- resent those of the editors or disquiet? Because I’m not influence upon the world. tion on the internet or in the denomination. Comments should be less than 250 words, hearing the rallying call A E Hobbs, via email Adventist Record. and writers must include their from our Church leaders to Graham Wright, NSW name, address and phone preach the three angels' GUARD AGAINST NUMBERS number. All comments are ed- ited to meet space and literary messages. Instead, I’m It is indeed very encour- RECORD WRAP requirements, but the author’s being asked if I am part of aging to read of the multiple Amen to this bulletin (Re- original meaning will not be changed. Not all comments a public debate on issues of baptisms reported in your cord Wrap, November 3). received are published. sexuality, marriage, religious column's "Pacific baptisms" It is God's time to use
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 19 THIS MONTH IN
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have someone and a marriage was saved. I take the long-term view: God’s in charge; I’m just doing my little bit to spread His message. I let the magazine do the preaching. There my have been no baptisms so far but there was one fellow who, after reading Signs for a while, joined the Salvation Army, which was a story good fit for him. One day I turned up at an earlier time than usual and he was so excited—he vaulted his fence and gave me a big hug in the middle of the street. He said he was struggling with some legal is- sues and had just been praying that God would show him a sign that He really cared. “And here you are!” he said, pointing to the magazine in my hand. “Look! A Sign!” There are two ways I get to meet these people. The first is via a literature evangelist. While he’s door-knocking he asks people if they’d like to receive a free month- ly Christian magazine. If they say yes, he passes the details along to me for follow-up. My other method is to letterbox a particular street with Signs once a month for three months. After that I go to the doors with the next month’s issue in my hand, introduce myself and ask if t’s hard to know sometimes how to man they talk to regularly. Austral- they’d like to continue to receive connect your local community with ian men are much more interested the magazine. Not everyone says Ithe message of Jesus. I’m glad that in spirituality than you might think. yes, but some do. One man told me I’ve discovered a way. For at least five They don’t necessarily have much he didn’t want it, but his daughter years now I’ve been delivering Signs background in church life so some called out from behind him, “No, of the Times magazines on a monthly of their ideas can be a bit weird. get it Dad! It’s good. It’s free!” basis to around 40 people in my local But when I turn up on a Sunday To be honest, I’m sure some of area. It’s my Sabbath afternoon walk! afternoon after they’ve had a few them don’t read it, but it gives (And my Sunday afternoon walk too—I beers, I’m really surprised at some me contact with the person in the go out for the first two weekends of of the questions they come up house. I have a strong sense that every month.) with—really profound ideas. God has shown me my unique min- There are a huge number of lonely So I know that, when I knock on the istry. Not a month goes by when people in the community—they just door, I’m going to be there for half it doesn’t seem that I’ve arrived want to have a chat. A lot of them an hour. Usually it’s not a religious at exactly the right moment. I go are older or dealing with chron- conversation; it’s more personal. home pumped every time. ic health issues. They’re stuck at Health is a big issue—I hear a lot home, living on a pension and about the ups and downs of med- To find out more about starting a Signs without many opportunities to mix ical appointments, diagnoses and delivery round, download free infor- regularly with other people. There health expenses. One couple said mation at
december 2, 2017 | Adventist record 21 noticeboard
Ignatius, Maeve and Abel (Brisbane, grandchildren and great-grandchil- DUNSTAN, Olive Mary Wedding Qld). After discovering the dren. Nita attended Carmel College (nee Murdock), born Adventist faith in his late teens, followed by nursing training at 31.5.1919 in Queens EATON-Johnson. Martin pastored for a total of 35 Sydney Adventist Hospital. She was Park, WA; died 17.7.17 Blake Charles years in local churches in the a faithful member of Murray Bridge in Midland. She was predeceased Eaton, son of Paul Tasmanian, Victorian and South church where she held many by her husband Sydney in 1999. and Rebecca Eaton Queensland conferences, as well positions over the years. She was a She is survived by her six children: (Bickley, WA), and Talitha Jayne as three years of mission service in dedicated volunteer for ADRA and Beverly Brennan (Fremantle, WA), Johnson, daughter of Christopher Solomon Islands and Papua New enjoyed door-to-door collecting at John (Albury, NSW), Lincoln Johnson and Lynette Feddersen Guinea. Despite suffering a appeal time She collected many (Lesmurdie, WA), Lee (Wahroonga, (Geeveston, Tas), were married on debilitating stroke in 2003, he thousands of dollars for ADRA. She NSW), Brydon (Inglewood, WA) and 24.9.17 at “Lingalonga”, a beautiful continued to minister as he was and her husband undertook 29 Murray (Mandurah); 10 grandchil- outdoor Edenic setting at Balingup, able in the aged-care facility where years of overseas mission work. dren; 15 great-grandchildren; and WA. Friends, family and guests he lived. His memorial service was Nita loved her roses and fruit two great-great-grandchildren. Ollie came together for a full weekend of a testimony to his care for the garden. was a founding member of the celebration. Blake and Talitha will many people he ministered to and Lee Bowditch-Walsh Queens Park (WA) church where set up their home in Sydney, NSW. with, his faith despite physical she was a member at her death. Ray Eaton challenges, and his hope in Jesus DEVER, Shelia George (nee Conley), Her life was characterised by her and love for God. born 11.3.1928 in Kanpur, India; love for her church and the practical Casey Wolverton died 28.9.17 in Warburton, Vic. way she lived out her faith. No-one Obituaries She is survived by her husband ever spoke a bad word of Ollie. ANDREWS, Kingsley Brown, Robert (Ewan), Don; children Jeff and Shirley, and William, born 18.9.1934 born 24.3.1940 in Barry and Debbie; grandchildren GILBETT, Heather Marjorie, born in Millicent, SA; died Tumut, NSW; died Carly, Dustin, Kimberly, Joshua and 15.4.1948; died 12.9.17 in Wyong, 12.8.17 in AdventCare 12.8.17 in Sydney Nathan; and three great-grand- NSW, after a long period of illness. Nunawading, Vic. Kingsley is Adventist Hospital. He is survived children. Shelia enjoyed a happy Heather was predeceased by her survived by his wife Jeanette by his wife Delle (Terrigal); children childhood in India, returning to parents Pastor Arthur and Merle (Lilydale); his children and their Gavin and Karina, Lynette and Australia with her parents in 1939 Gilbett. She is survived by her spouses: Bronwyn and Trevor Rowe Johan, and Timothy and Alix; and and settling in Cooranbong, NSW. siblings Glenda Neuschulz, Lynette (Melbourne), John and Jenny eight grandchildren. Ewan’s At Avondale Primary School, Shelia Carlsen and David Gilbett, and their Andrews (Melbourne), Janet and achievements in building, teaching, met Don Dever. Their friend- families. Heather worked as a med- Richard Shirley (Sydney, NSW), and counselling and chaplaincy were ship blossomed when they both ical officer in a number of places Leonie and David Savage (Sydney); only means to give himself in attended Avondale College, leading in Australia, including Wollongong, 12 grandchildren; and his brother service to others and God. He to their marriage. Shelia supported Canberra, Fremantle, Alice Springs, Pastor Bryce Andrews. Kingsley was constantly sought for reasons and the boys and Don, always watching Darwin and Newcastle. a much-loved church pastor and meaning rather than blindly their backs as they lived an active Norman Young hospital chaplain who served the adhering to tradition. His warmth life of daring adventure, including Church in South Australia, Western and questioning spirit are the gifts skiing, motorbike and side-car GRACE, Lawrence, born Australia and Victoria. In retirement, he leaves behind. racing, and 4WD trips. She and Don 16.2.1931 in Mungindi, Kingsley and Jeanette enjoyed Adrian J Flemming also became surrogate grandpar- Qld; died 25.10.17 in worshipping at Lilydale church. With ents to many of the children in Brisbane. On just eight weeks from diagnosis to CLARKE, Nita Doreen Verina Way in Lilydale where they 19.12.1953 he married Ivy Frances death, Kingsley proved his strength (nee Fiegert), born lived Baxter, who predeceased him in of character and reliance on God 29.3.1930 in Mount Kevin Geelan, Darren Croft 1979. He was also predeceased by through his calm and courageous Pleasant, SA; died his grandchild Eszti in 2005 and his spirit. 21.10.17 in Adelaide. On DODD, Josephine (Josie) son Geoffery in 2016. He is Robert Steed 8.11.1964 she married Ron Clarke. Kaye, born 22.8.1971 in survived by his sons Wesley and She was predeceased by her son Leigh Creek , SA; died Anthony; daughters-in-law Erika, BROWN, Pastor Martin Wayne. She is survived by her 17.9.17 in Port Augusta. Lindsay and Donna; grandchildren Robert, born 11.7.1941 husband (Murray Bridge); children She was predeceased by her father Amanda, Liam and Edward; and in Launceston, Tas; died Bernadette (Adelaide), Kerryn Desmond and her daughter Letaya. great-grandchildren Nazeka, Laikum 19.10.17 in Toowoom- (Perth, WA), Gary (Ballarat, Vic), Josie is survived by her mother and Eliana (all of Brisbane and the ba, Qld. He is survived by his wife David (Murray Bridge, SA), Paul Colleen Hannes-Roberts; children Sunshine Coast). Lawrie was a Lorraine; children Nathan and (Moonta), Suzanne (Cooranbong, Bradley, Clinton, Leticia, Shane and gentle, unassuming giant of a man Angela (Warburton, Vic) and Daniel NSW) and their partners; brothers Trentley; 10 siblings; and nine who didn’t have a negative word to and Dominique; and grandchildren Fred (NSW) and Don (SA); grandchildren. Josie had a say against anyone. He always had happy-go-lucky personality but a smile on his face along with a never got over losing her baby girl cheeky sense of humour. He was Letaya, who at the age of 18 the epitome of a true Christian. POSITIONS VACANT months, died in a car accident. Mike Brownhill Josie enrolled at Mamarapha Bible College (WA) to study the Bible. GREDIG, Frank Wieland, TEACHING VACANCIES This is where all her addictions to born 23.7.1922; died Victorian Conference drugs, alcohol and gambling were 9.10.17 after a long Adventist Schools Victoria (ASV) is seeking to employ teachers for taken away because Josie loved and battle with Alzheimers. 2018 with specialisations in the following subject areas: physics/ trusted Jesus. Josie also learned In 1945 he married Peg, who maths, chemistry/biology and English. ASV follows Victorian Child- about and held onto the hope and predeceased him in 2016. Frank is Safe practices. For further information and CV submission contact promises of seeing Letaya again. survived by his sisters Margaret and Brian Mercer, director of education on email
22 Adventist record | decmeber 2, 2017 noticeboard
and John (Hawera, NZ); 16 (Rex) Ormsby, who predeceased welcoming hospitality and musical New Zealand: five-night tour grandchildren, 22 great-grandchil- her. She is survived by her children and artistic gifts. combined with eight-night NZ dren; and one great-great-grand- Jake and Evelyn (Porirua NZ), Graham Thompson cruise back to Sydney—October. child. Frank spent his life in Taranaki Wanda (Tauranga), Joseph and We welcome your enquiry. before he and Peg moved to the Clivena (Tauranga), and Earle and TROODE, Lawrence Arthur Pomeroy, E:
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