exploring equality WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT UNIFORMITY OR DIVERSITY? 14 NEWS AUC LAUNCHES UNPRECEDENTED CONSULTATION WITH CHURCH MEMBERS 5 ADVENTIST RECORD | NOVEMBER 18, 2017 ISSN 0819-5633
editor’s note
who is your neighbour?
It was Friday night and I was thrilled. Our hectic week Jesus can heal and cure the issues that are plaguing was finally finished and we had nothing on. Absolutely our communities. If I did not know Jesus I could almost nothing. guarantee I’d be trapped by one or many of those curs- I had it all planned. Vegetarian hotdogs, the ultimate es. easy Friday night meal. We believe the message of the three angels must “go Just my wife and me—a quiet night at home together, to all the world”. But will the world hear the message if just the two of us. they are broken and in need of healing? So how did we end up eating cold hotdogs when the And this is where the problem of how we “do church” police finally left? As they say, the best laid plans . . . instead of “being church” comes in. The church is no Our neighbours were having a domestic. Right next longer a hub of society. It’s a place you have to go out of door to our apartment. For the second night in a row, your way to get to, and most people won’t. and it sounded like it was escalating to violence. So we We must be the church where we are: reaching out, called the police. building relationships, providing support and counsel to A few days later it happened again—this time in the other couples and families (there are lots of young fami- apartment building next door, outside our bedroom win- lies in my area); to let them know they are not alone. My dow as we tried to sleep. She sat on the floor and cried wife and I are not perfect but we know the Perfect One, and he called her all manner of names (which I won’t the One who created marriage and us. repeat here). We saw them scuffle, pushing each other But how many suburbs do I drive through before I get as they argued. The shouting continued for a while but to my church? How many Adventist churches do I pass? the situation seemed to defuse. This is the great dilemma. Our communities need us That brings the total to three couples in three different and we drive six suburbs beyond our own and ignore our apartment buildings on our street this year who we’ve neighbour. The reality is, our churches are not always witnessed engaging in domestic violence. connected to the communities that surround them. We It brought home to us the reality that our own “safe, don’t have a grasp on the problems and needs around friendly” community is struggling with darkness and is in us. More than that, I would say, we don’t love our com- need of the hope we have. munities or those who live in them. Particularly in cities, Here is the question I must ask myself. What am I we attend commuter churches—we commute in and then doing to heal and reach my own community? Who is my away after the service—we don’t live and eat and minis- neighbour? And do I care about them? ter among the people. We don’t love them. Truthfully, we’ve made good connections in our neigh- My dream for the Church is to see that change but at bourhood . . . just not with the couple next door, who this stage, I’m still part of the problem. I belong to an always fight. active Church and am committed to its mission. It is that If we don’t step out of our comfort zones to bring vision, however, that feeds my dream that one day the healing and the gospel message to the world and our Church will meet in our home, and the homes around us, neighbours, then we are complicit. as we meet the needs of the community and invest in So what does that look like? and love our neighbours. Well, Jesus moved around in local communities and He So do we take the words of Jesus seriously? Do we healed those He met. “love our neighbour as ourselves”? Maybe domestic violence is the new paralysis. Mar- riage breakdown or crippling debt the new leprosy. Jarrod Stackelroth Alcohol and substance abuse the new possession. And editor spiritual blindness abounds. /JStackelroth
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november 18, 2017 | Adventist record 3 news singing our message aussie abcs uniting online James and Ellen White stayed in scott wegener taverns as they travelled to support Half of Australia’s Adventist Book Jo-Anne the new believers of the early Sab- Centres (ABC) are now pooling their Boudan, bath-keeping Adventist movement. resources into a united Australian manager Taverns in north-eastern USA in the web store at
SPD4 presidentAdventist record | november 18, 2017 AUC launches unprecedented consultation with church members maritza brunt A new Facebook group designed already completed almost to give Australian Adventists their say 70 presentations around has given a boost to the Seventh-day Australia. Adventist Church in Australia’s (AUC) “Some focus groups review of Church structure. were held in regional “In order to create a thriving disci- centres and stakeholders ple-making movement across Australia, included church elders every member must have an opportu- and local church leaders, nity to ‘own’ the future mission of the young adults, pastors, Ad- Church,” said AUC associate secretary ventist education leaders, Pastor Ken Vogel. “For this reason, we church administrators, have begun a journey in reviewing how departmental personnel a focus group in mackay, northern australia. we ‘do church’ in Australia—and that and aged care leaders,” journey involves an unprecedented plan Pastor Vogel said. review. “It is about asking how we can to consult across the whole Church.” The focus groups, conducted by Mr be more effective in every single way “This Facebook page will yield a Mitchell, have been deemed by the as a Church in mission,” he said. “All lot of valuable information, which will AUC as “extremely successful” as the aspects will be considered and evaluat- add to the data already gathered,” said participation and contribution have ed, and if we need to change things so professional organisational change provided data that have “turned the that mission wins, we are all for it.” management specialist Anthony Mitch- review on its head”. An initial report from the review will ell, who is leading the review. “A large However, the AUC believes a combi- be presented to the AUC executive team is overseeing the process, which nation of grassroots focus groups and committee at the end of November. includes the AUC officers, all confer- Facebook contributors is essential to The AUC Structure Review page is ence presidents and a number of lay the review and any future work on the open for Australian Adventist members members.” review of Church structure into 2018. to join, and can be accessed by visiting The AUC launched its official review AUC president Pastor Jorge Munoz the Seventh-day Adventist Church in of Church structure in June and has said a focus on mission is driving the Australia’s Facebook page. new secretary/treasurer for Northern australia record staff The Northern Australian Conference sometimes,” she said. “I am excited to Ms Scott is a Fellow of CPA Australia has a new secretary/treasurer, with be stepping out in faith to serve Him and has been deputy president of the Natalie Scott accepting the call to join and really looking forward to working Northern Territory Branch Council for the team in Townsville (Qld) in late with the team in Northern Australia.” the past four years. January 2018. Ms Scott brings with her a strong Passionate about serving and Ms Scott, from Darwin (NT), said background in governance and fi- helping others, Ms Scott has also she is extremely humbled. “The call nancial management. She began her been involved in a variety of commu- came as a complete surprise—it was accounting career as a graduate from nity service activities over the years, not at all where I thought my life was Avondale College of Higher Education including: STORMCos; doorknock heading, but that’s how God works (NSW) with an international profes- appeals and fundraising; a fly’n’build to sional services firm where she trained Santo, Vanuatu; and recently a “drive in audit and assurance. Her experience and maintain” trip to Katherine (NT). was diverse, working with a wide An active member of her local range of clients. church, Ms Scott has held various roles She then went on to join the North- and is regularly involved in mentoring ern Territory Government, where she and leadership. has held a number of senior roles. She Rob Ellison is leaving the role to will be leaving her position as principal work at the South Queensland Con- auditor at the Northern Territory Au- ference as finance manager for Gold ditor-General’s Office, where she has Coast Christian College and special Natalie scott ... stepping out in faith. been working for more than five years. projects officer for the Conference.
november 18, 2017 | Adventist record 5 vanuatu students yet to return home after volcano erupts tracey bridcutt Adventist students and teachers the next academic relocated in September due to volcanic year with a financial activity on their home island of Ambae, burden for purchas- Vanuatu, are yet to return home. ing food until the Gilrick Joshua, Adventist Educa- gardens are ready,” tion director for the Vanuatu Mission, Mr Joshua said. said students from Penama Adventist “There is also the College (PAC) would remain at Aore issues of airborne Adventist Academy until the end of the disease and water school year to avoid disturbing their contamination, studies. which may cause The students’ parents, who were respiratory illnesses relocated to the neighbouring islands and skin irritations.” penama students are missing home but have settled in well. of Pentecost and Santo, returned to Trans Pacific Un- Ambae in late October in a move facili- ion Mission associate education direc- frightened and think about my parents, tated by the Vanuatu Government. tor Mele Vaihola visited Aore Adventist but I like Aore because it is located Reports from the island provide a Academy last month, meeting up with near the sea and I have plenty of new picture of the impact on PAC, includ- the PAC students and staff. friends.” ing volcanic ash on roofs and gardens, “We thank the Aore administration The Vanuatu Government declared contaminated water sources, and cattle and staff for accommodating them and a state of emergency on September grazing in the school and staff gardens. have helped them settle in well,” she 26 and subsequently evacuated much “Such devastation to gardens may said. of the island’s population after the mean a shortage of food for both Delma, a Year 9 student, expressed volcano, known as Manaro, showed students and staff for a good portion of her feelings about the relocation: “I feel escalating signs of activity.
6 Adventist record | november 18, 2017 tragedy leads to children’s church dedication news grabs solomon paul A Seventh-day Adventist church in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea has dedicated a new children’s church to a young boy who died in a car accident. Nambi church, in Mul Baiyer District, recently celebrated the opening and dedication of its lamb shelter, known as the Chris Kimni Memorial Children’s Adventist Day Church. The building is much bigger than jim wagi (VIA) cuts the ribbon to open The legislative body in the Brazilian the church with other special guests. state of Sao Paulo recently passed the adult church in Nambi and contains a bill that officially declares October partitions for five different divisions of 22 of each year as “Adventist Day”. the children’s Sabbath School. During (VIA) coordinator, conducted an evange- Church leaders believe the new the divine service the partitions are listic meeting at Nambi. He was told the law is a recognition of the Church’s pushed to the sides for all the children to story of how Chris died and was moved contributions to society through projects in education, health and worship together. deeply as he had lost his own son in a social development.—SAD The project is named after Chris car accident at Togoba. With that emo- Kimni, a young boy who died in a car tion, he drafted documents to seek help accident near Minimb. In May 2012 a from VIA. baptism and evangelistic meeting were VIA provided roofing iron and other held at Minimb church. Chris’s “cous- building materials for the Chris Kimni in-sister” Wiki Nikas was being baptised church. The Nambi church also partnered and Chris went to witness her baptism. with VIA, supplying financial assistance Tragically, while he was walking to the and labour. Pastor Moses Mase per- baptismal site, he was hit by a car. formed the official dedicatory prayer A few months later Jim Wagi, Western while WHM CFO Bray Yomba officiated Reformation celebration Highlands Mission Volunteers in Action at the program. Raafat Kamal, president of the Adventist Church in the Trans- European Division, was recently invited to present at the European first spanish women’s retreat in australia Parliament Celebratory event at the Parliament building in Brussels, vania chew Belgium. The aim of the day Seven non-Adventists answered an participant was to explore lessons from the appeal at the first retreat for Span- Diana Reformation that can positively ish Adventist women in Australia, held Green. shape a future Europe.—TED September 22-24 at the Merroo Christian An ap- Centre (NSW). peal was The theme of the retreat was “Guided held at by His Spirit”. Approximately 130 people the end of participants join in prayer. attended the event and they were greatly the event blessed with the fellowship they found and seven non-Adventist women went to and the messages from international the front, some asking for Bible studies speaker Liz Enid Polanco. The messages and some expressing their desire to give encouraged the attendees to allow the their heart to Jesus. Holy Spirit to lead them at each stage of “God has been good in giving me the First class Vietnamese Adventists from across their lives. opportunity to participate in the first the US recently came together for On Sabbath morning, South Pacific meeting of Spanish Adventist ladies the official opening of the El Monte Division Women’s Ministries director from Australia,” said attendee Miriam Vietnamese School of Evangelism. Erna Johnson spoke, exhorting the wom- Flamenco. “The moments of prayer were Students will be taught courses on en to maintain their personal connection comforting; it helped us remember how practical theology and health, with a mix of on-campus and virtual with God each day. much power there is in prayer. I want to classes. The school ultimately hopes “I personally want to say thank you to invite all the ladies who were not able to to reach the two million Vietnamese God and to all those who helped or- participate in this meeting to attend the living in the US.—Adventist Review ganise this memorable encounter,” said next one. You will be greatly blessed!”
november 18, 2017 | Adventist record 7 hot topics church at school: does it work? brenton Stacey
No More manus Australia’s detention facility at Manus Island in Papua New Guinea permanently closed on October 31, with 600 men still refusing to leave. Leaders from Amnesty International Pacific and the Asylum Seeker Elia Crevar prays with students before chapel at Central Coast Adventist School. The chap- Resource Centre opposed the Papua lain links the school to the Haven Campus Church, which meets in the same venue on Saturdays. New Guinea Government’s decision to re-open the site as a PNG It sounds like a win-win: strengthen Dr de Waal and his team—seminary Defence Force base, saying there is the relationship between education and colleagues Dr Rick Ferret, Pastor Mike no real plan for the men to be able faith by planting a church on the cam- Parker and Dr Erika Puni, with Dr Jason to rebuild their lives.—ABC pus of a Seventh-day Adventist school Hinze from the Faculty of Education—will in Australia. But is it working? To find share their recommendations with each out, a multidisciplinary team of Avondale plant to help build capacity for ministry academics has received $50,000 from development, discipleship and evange- the Church in the South Pacific to fund a lism. first-of-its-kind study. “Good pastoral leaders are doing The team will study five plants: Church great work for the kingdom on these This is nuts in the Fields at Macarthur Adventist Col- campuses,” said Dr de Waal. “We want lege, south of Sydney; Gateway on the to come alongside and ask, ‘What can A new study by researchers at Loma Linda University has found eating Cooranbong campus of Avondale School; we learn from you? What is God doing nuts on a regular basis strengthens Gilson College Community Church on the through you that will help make a bigger brainwave frequencies associated Taylors Hill campus, west of Melbourne; impact across the faith of the Church?’” with healing, learning, memory The Haven at Central Coast Adventist The team will use qualitative and and other key brain functions. The School, north of Sydney; and, Refresh quantitative research methodology. It study confirms decades of research showing nuts are a brain health at Northpine Christian College, north of will interview the senior ministers and superfood.—Adventist Review Brisbane. head elders of the plants and of three It will analyse the status of the plants surrounding churches and the principals and the impact they make on surround- and the deputies of the schools. It will ing churches. It will also make recom- also host focus groups to give ministry mendations about the connectedness, leaders and members of the plants and effectiveness and health of the plants. teachers at the schools an opportunity to The aims? To bring greater synergy be- listen to other perspectives. And it will tween pastoral ministry and the ministry survey members of the plants and of the of teaching and between church plants surrounding churches. Billions on the line across Australia to better meet the “Investigating the status of five church The Australian Catholic Church spiritual needs of students. plants on Seventh-day Adventist school estimates it will be liable for $1 “We’re all on the same team,” said campuses in Australia” is part of the billion in compensation to child sexual abuse victims as part of Avondale Seminary head Dr Kayle de Church in the South Pacific’s Mission to the new national redress scheme, Waal, the lead researcher. “We want the Cities strategy. but say they won’t sign up unless to see what different members of the The Adventist Church operates a states and territory governments team are doing and then share that with worldwide network of more than 8000 do. Under the bill, only people others. We’re looking to not only provide primary and secondary schools en- who were sexually abused while in Commonwealth and territory a clearer vision but also basic guidelines rolling more than 1.7 million students. institutions can be compensated. for this ministry because no working The Church in Australia operates more —ABC strategy exists for launching a church than 70 schools enrolling about 13,000 plant on an Adventist school campus.” students.
8 Adventist record | november 18, 2017 flashpoint
BANANA BREAKTHROUGH Service with a smile Reformers reach out A Sabbath School initiative “Being game for God” was in the Over the past few months, Mt has helped a couple from the hearts and minds of the Moora Druitt Samoan church (NSW) has Morata church (Central Papua Junior/Teen Sabbath School class been celebrating the 500th an- Conference, Papua New Guinea) Vanuatu says thanks (WA) when they put on a special niversary of the Reformation by to reach others. Manase Lului After Cyclone Pam ravaged service at the local aged residen- increasing their efforts to reach and Nana Fufu, with the help Vanuatu in 2015, the Cooran- tial lodge. A totally Junior/Teen out to their community. In June, of Amos Tom, started a branch bong Community Services Centre driven program, they provided a “Kingdom Culture” themed Sabbath School class in the (NSW) donated funds to the musical items, read Bible stories youth week of prayer saw nine Catholic-dominated territory of region to repair buildings and and sang songs that the residents young people baptised. And in Vanapa, not far from the Morata churches. One of the churches joined in with. The morning tea, August, the church ran a month- settlement in Port Moresby. Now, to benefit was Freshwind church also baked by the Juniors/Teens, long outreach program celebrat- a makeshift church has been in Port Vila. Recently, Freshwind was gratefully received while con- ing 500 years of the Reformation. set up and there are about 20 church member Jonas Sumu vis- versation flowed between young Representatives from different members currently attending. ited Australia to present a plaque and old. It was hard to tell who denominations attended the A permanent three-bedroom thanking the committee for their enjoyed the experience more, but series and a further nine people house for missionaries is also contribution. John Maxwell, Dot an invitation to visit again would responded to a call for baptism. under construction and is soon Cottier, Bob Spoor and Graham indicate all enjoyed the service, The church is grateful for the to be completed. As for how Chester received the gift from Jo- including the lodge staff, one of ongoing opportunities to reach the funds were raised? Through nas, which will be displayed in the whom excitedly shared photos out, build and maintain their baking and selling banana cakes! Cooranbong Community Services with the Junior/Teen leader after- new-found relationships with —Ronny Fiya Centre building.—Nina Hearn wards.—Robyn Goods their community.—Pou Leuluai
Double blessing Staff at Adventist Media’s Hope Channel Bible School received a surprise recently when a letter was mailed to them from Brisbane (Qld). An issue have a of Signs of the Times was left at a payphone and a passer-by had already torn out the coupon to receive a free special Reformation issue of the news story? magazine. But someone else passing by the same payphone didn’t want to miss out—they tore the entire page out and also mailed it back. “Drop email it to off literature! Whether it’s at a laundromat, a payphone, it doesn’t mat- ter,” said Bible School director Pastor Wayne Boehm. “You never know [email protected] who will have access to it and what it could lead to.”—Maritza Brunt
Plant flourishes Groundbreaking Children’s ministries training The Myanmar (Burmese) church plant (WA) is Lotofaga, a village situated on the south coast More than 120 Adventists in Western Aus- flourishing, with around 45 members attend- of Upolu, Samoa, recently opened its new tralia recently attended a first-of-its-kind ing each Sabbath. The group, which started church plant. A groundbreaking ceremony was Children’s Ministries Training Day featuring two years ago, meets in the Morley Adventist conducted by Pastor Kenneth Fuliese, pres- Adventist Children’s Ministries leaders from church on Sabbath afternoons. “Praise God ident of the Samoa Mission. The ceremony around Australia as key speakers. The day for these former refugees who have found marked the place where the new temporary included presentations and 14 practical work- freedom in Australia and in Christ,” said church shelter was to be built, with the church shops, including puppet ministry, how to dec- church pastor John Horvath.—Record staff plant officially open for worship this month. orate your Sabbath School room and helping —TPUM children become disciple makers.—Kym Piez
november 18, 2017 | Adventist record 9 Steps to christ a little book & the last man executed in australia Steps To Christ: Changing Lives For 125 Years
his year our denomination celebrates a couple of milestone Tbirthdays. The first is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reforma- tion, which began with the publishing of Luther’s 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg University Church on October 31. The second: the 125th birthday of that quintessential Ad- ventist icon, Steps to Christ, by Ellen White. Across its hundreds of iterations, covers and languages (160), it has influenced untold numbers around the world to accept the principles of Luther’s work. This booklet, in just 13 short chap- ters (it started out with 12), covers the basics of Christianity at a personal level. And if you haven’t already read it, it’s a book everyone can enjoy. It’s also a book to share.
10 Adventist record |November 18, 2017 On your behalf, as editor of Signs of April 29, 1968), we were impressed to it was the view the Times, I’ve given away thousands include a free offer of Steps to Christ of Steps to Christ over the past two to readers, beginning a tradition that of brosnan and decades. And it all began this way. continues today. In the 1960s, Keith Johanson A few months after publication I re- johanson that ryan operated a timber-felling business in ceived a request from a man incarcer- the forests to the east of the town of ated in a Philippines prison, responding went to the gallows Warburton, Victoria. to the offer. He was doing two life Among his employees was one sentences for murder and had been a saved man! Ronald Ryan, whom Keith described as intrigued by Ryan’s story. hard working and intelligent. Our offers don’t usually extend But Ryan also had a problem with internationally but I was impressed to gambling. send him the booklet. A few months To fund his hobby, Ryan executed later I received another letter from heart for encouragement, comfort or a few dodgy deals and schemes, in- him, signed by the prison chaplain and improvement—and sharing. cluding insurance fraud. Unsurprisingly, governor, with accompanying photos, In an online review1 of a commem- he eventually found himself in Mel- showing his baptism and a chapel orative edition celebrating Steps to bourne’s infamous Pentridge Prison, he was helping to build in the prison Christ's birthday, Adventist Today con- serving a relatively short sentence. grounds. He had yielded to the appeals tributing editor John McLarty describes But chaffing under the confinement, of the book and accepted Christ, and its origins and the addition of that 13th he plotted an escape, which resulted now was helping others to faith. introductory chapter, which publishers in a person being shot dead, alleged- I once “wrote” an article for Signs, asked Ellen White to add. It gives an ly with a rifle wrested from a prison which was published under the title insight into its soul-winning appeal. guard on the way over the wall. Ryan “Seven Myths About Salvation”. I say “While all of the material in the was recaptured, tried for murder and “wrote” but really all I did was con- current version of the book came from sentenced to hang. But not before dense a chapter from Steps to Christ. the writings of Ellen White, the differ- Johanson, being his former employer, The chapter is called “Repentance”. ence in spiritual tone set up by the two had made several visits to him. As I undertook the work, I began to different beginnings is significant. The Although access was limited and contemporise the words, making them current first chapter, 'God’s Love for difficult to obtain, he was able to “my own” in a literal sense. The chap- Man', echoes the optimism of Amer- give Ryan, an Irish Catholic, a copy of ter gives encouraging insights into how ican transcendentalists. The original Steps to Christ, which Ryan accepted and where salvation begins, one by first chapter, 'The Sinner's Need of and read, and according to Johanson, one dismissing the impediments and Christ', echoes Puritan pessimism. Cer- reread. excuses for coming to Christ. Here’s tainly these two ideas are not mutually Somewhere in her writings Ellen a sample: “[Sinners] think they cannot exclusive, but the spiritual tone of the White says that we should take the come to Christ unless they first repent, book is fundamentally shifted by the words of her publications and make and that repentance prepares for the addition of the new chapter. This shift them our own. forgiveness of their sins. . . . We can in tone in the book mirrors a profound According to prison chaplain Father no more repent without the Spirit of shift in the inner life of Ellen White John Brosnan, the words of Steps Christ to awaken conscience than we herself (as expressed in her writings). to Christ got through to Ryan when can be pardoned without Christ” Beginning in her childhood, White neither his pleas, nor even the tears of (p 26)—I have to repent before I can struggled intensely and long with an Ryan's mother, could. It was his con- come to Christ; “If you see your sin- overwhelming sense of dread and stant companion on death row inside fulness, do not wait to make yourself unworthiness before God. The frown “D” Division of Pentridge Prison until better . . . There is help for us only of God was far more vivid to her than he walked those last few metres to the in God . . . We can do nothing of God’s smile.” gallows at 8am, February 3, 1967. ourselves” (p 31)—I need to clean up And it is the smile that we see in Ryan was infamously the last person my act first, before God can accept the pages of Steps to Christ, while it subjected to capital punishment in me; and, “As you see the enormity of is Christ’s eternally nail-scarred hands Australia, and the most protested. It sin, as you see yourself as you really extended that we see on its cover. was the view of Brosnan and Johanson are, do not give up to despair. It was that Ryan went to the gallows a saved sinners that Christ came to save” 1 https://atoday.org/steps-to-christ-by-ellen-g- man! (p 35)—salvation is too hard. white-review-of-the-125th-anniversary-edition/ When we published this story in So be it in a literal or metaphoric Signs of the Times in the '90s (it was sense, I urge you to make the words published in Australasian Record, of this volume yours, taking them to Lee dunstan editor of Signs of the times.
November 18, 2017 | Adventist record 11 devotion
My son and I drove to town. All the way I was speeding, doing 90 km/h in an 80 zone and 80 km/h in a 50 zone! I took deep breaths to calm myself down. Then the story of Jonah flashed into my mind. To be exact, I saw Jonah pacing under the withered plant, enraged and screaming at God, "Why? Why?" Only this Jonah was in the form of me. I realised my stupidity and the absurdity of what I was feeling. There were millions of people in the world starving and more were suffering the ugly effects of wars and deadly diseas- es. And here I was losing my senses because the snow peas were attacked. I felt ashamed in front of my God, who was sitting right there next to me on the passenger seat. I looked in His direction and muttered a quiet apology. Then, knowing that I was completely forgiven and realising how trivial the problem was, I laughed. "Why are you laughing, Mum?" my son asked from the back seat. I told him what I had just experienced. He chuckled, then said, "I think Jesus is laughing too, Mum." Well, what do you know! The snow peas were never attacked again. We made sure the gates were closed at all times so our neighbours' dogs couldn't enter my garden. The snow peas grew chest high, flowered and reproduced. There were so many snow peas that we shared them with our small church family. snow peas and jonah I felt Jesus' gentle nudge on my shoulder as I stood watching the snow peas. Then I heard His voice saying, he snow pea plants were grow- as they used to be." "Still other seed fell on good soil, ing taller each day. My son and I walked past the garden on the where it produced a crop—a hundred, TI planted them for the Adven- way to my car. To my utter amaze- sixty or thirty times what was sown. turers' gardener award. My son helped ment, the plants had been attacked. He who has ears, let him hear" (Mat- me water the plants and he count- The shoots were brutally torn off and thew 13:8,9). With eyes twinkling like ed them as they sprouted. He was scattered on the ground. Seven shoots a thousand stars, He asked, "So what experiencing the excitement of simply survived the attack out of two dozen! was the worry about, child?" watching seeds grow. However, I was It looked suspiciously like the work of I felt childish and ashamed but He determined to harvest snow peas at our neighbours' dogs. I was enraged. gave me a big hug, tilted His head the end of the season. They seemed I yelled out to my husband. Thinking back and shook with a roar of laughter. to thrive under the conditions until that I was badly hurt, he flew down the I joined Him and I was never happier! they were well above a foot high. stairs to come to my aid. I didn't have One morning, while we were having time to talk. I had to be at work and I peempahn henley writes from moree, breakfast, I looked out the window. was already running late. "Make sure NSW, where she lives with her husband, her "Something is wrong with those snow the gates are shut today," I snapped son and their cat. She is a primary school peas!" I remarked. "They aren't as tall without looking at him. teacher.
12 Adventist record |November 18, 2017 living his word with wayne boehm
500 YEARS ON Intended to promote local debate among scholars, Martin Luther's 95 theses ignited something far greater. Emerging from the Dark Ages, key individuals, including Luther, began my to challenge established thought, bringing attention once again to the great truths of the Bible. One of the ministry books that made a profound impact Adventist motorcycle on Luther was Romans, which he ministry translated during his time in exile at Wartburg castle. Luther said it was the "purest gospel." CONSIDER PAUL’S PERSPECTIVE OF THE GOSPEL. ROMANS 1:16,17. ost people wouldn’t think “It’s all about community and rela- Paul makes three points: of riding motorbikes as a tionships,” he says. “We’re out there 1. The gospel comes from God and type of Christian outreach. to communicate with the unchurched M Paul wasn’t ashamed of it. Adventist biker Geoff Dodd hopes to and show other bikers there’s a dif- 2. The gospel is available to all. change that perception. ferent way to life.” He’s quick to note 3. The gospel reveals the righteous- “I’ve been a biker since I was 16— that the group abides by "Christian ness of God. I’m currently 54,” he told me at South ethics" during their rides—there’s no Australia’s 2017 Big Camp. “Riding drinking alcohol or smoking for this CONSIDER: WHAT DOES ROMANS 1:20 motorbikes is a great opportunity group of bikers. TEACH US ABOUT GOD AND THE VALUE OF to reach people. People may stop “There’s this 45-year-old man CREATION? WHY DOES PAUL INTRODUCE attending churches but miss the com- I know; he has been in jail half of CREATION TO EXPLAIN THE GOSPEL? munity and mateship that they had his life. He used to be an extreme- Creation reveals God and emphasises there. Sometimes God knows when ly angry and violent person,” says that creation could not have happened we’re down and uses different ways Geoff. “We’ve been trying to share without Him. Likewise when the mira- cle of creation is forgotten or replaced to reach us.” love with him. We took him and his with false images, humanity shows no He credits his wife Jacqui as being son for a ride a while back. We got restraint. the instrument God used to bring home around 11:30pm. He told us him back to church but notes that that he didn’t end up sleeping until CONSIDER: WHERE DID PAUL SEE IT GO SO he also appreciated the community 3am because he was so pumped with WRONG? ROMANS 1:21,22. and mateship that he experienced adrenaline. And he said that nobody It seems clear from Paul's writings as a biker. His goal is to spread the has ever loved him like we did.” that the glory of an incorruptible God gospel of Christ in South Australia by The group’s intention is to visit (Genesis 1:26) had been replaced opening the state’s first chapter of different churches and share their by an "image made like corruptible" Adventist Motorcycle Ministry. testimonies, especially in rural areas humanity (Romans 1:28-32, 3:23). “There is a chapter in Victoria that don’t generally receive many It seems that humanity could not fall much further, so what was Paul’s already, which is run by my literature visitors. They are keen to run main- solution? ministry mate John Brereton,” says tenance workshops where attendees Geoff. “We have interest here (in can learn about motorbike safety. CONSIDER THE RICHNESS OF THE IMAGES South Australia) now—people who And, of course, they plan to go on FOUND IN ROMANS 3:24,25. have bikes, people who want to buy plenty of rides. All have sinned and fall short of God bikes and those who just want to but the gospel reaches beyond the support what we’re doing.” For more information go to Ad- boundaries of sin to make the sinner Statistics show that the number ventist Motorcycle Ministry South right before God. This is the joy of the gospel experience. Not only did of men attending church is rapidly Australia Facebook page. Paul and Luther experience a change decreasing and this convinced Geoff through Christ but we can experience of the need to share the gospel in a Vania chew attended South Australian the beauty and power of the gospel. non-confronting way. camp for Adventist record.
November 18, 2017 | Adventist record 13 exploring equality
here is currently a lot of dis- (v15), and the ear and the eye (v16). In and the feet to the transport system. cussion about equality. Some each pair, the components belong to Naturally, where the systems are dif- Tadvocate that everyone and the same body system: the foot and ferent, the individual components will everything should be treated equally. the hand to the transport system; and be different, serving diverse functions. In addition, there is a trend to resist the eye and the ear to the sensory Interestingly, Paul also imagines the diversity and have everyone become system. Even where the systems are feelings of these "superior" compo- the same. But what equals what? the same, the individual components nents, which, when viewing the other, Being equal needs to have material are different, serving complementary say “I don’t need you”. It was as if they sameness. It is equal with what, to functions. Interestingly, because of the were superior villains whose actions what or between whom. Even though similarities in function, Paul projects isolated others and prevented them two things can both be of equal value, feelings onto these components, from feeling included. they are not necessarily equal. Equality when viewing the other, by imagining However, Paul concludes this dis- needs to be precisely the same. Simi- them saying, “I don’t belong!” It was cussion by noting that all of us are the larity is not enough. as if they were inferior victims which, body of Christ (v 27). In this model, although included, didn't perceive that isolation is not acceptable. What Creation they were integrated. is needed is intentional synergistic When discussing the complexi- In his subsequent illustration, Paul integration. This is not a struggle for ties of creation, Paul, in 1 Corinthians discusses the eye and the hand, and power but a call to service. I belong 12, introduces the body image into a the head and the feet (v21). Each pair and you belong. God has arranged us. discussion of ministry within church. belongs to different body systems: the I need you and you need me. God has Paul identifies the values of sameness eye to the sensory system and the brought us together. and difference. In his initial illustration, hand to the transport system; and the Far from advocating the reduction he discusses the foot and the hand head to the coordination of all systems of everything to the lowest common
14 Adventist record |November 18, 2017 faith
itary or environmental similarities but or controlling fertility and reducing reducing everyone is unique. Consequently, mortality by overcoming diseases wise parents will treat their children often induced by lifestyle. What may everyone and equitably (even-handedly), not equally. have started as a noble commitment There is no one-size-fits-all manual to improving the quality of life has everything to for parenting. It's all about applying the at times been applied to control the same principles to different children in beginning and end of life, and change uniformity is different contexts. the essence of humanity in between. It is as if we are subscribing to a contrary to Machines humanistic perspective and choosing For Qantas there are many similar- to play God and build our world in the God's creation. ities between an Airbus A3801 and a image of ourselves and not the image Dash 82. In terms of sameness, both of God. These developments have are planes with wings, motors, nav- created many of the current ethical igation and communication systems, dilemmas. For example, gender fluidity seats, wheels, etc. However, an A380 is only possible because of advances has four jet engines, while a Dash 8 in medical science and practice—hor- has two turbo-props. An A380 is a mone treatment, reassignment surgery wide-bodied, double-decker, dou- etc, and even then it has limitations in ble-aisled plane capable of seating 853 reversibility! people (all economy configuration), while a Dash 8 is a narrow-bodied, Conclusion single-decker, single-aisle plane capa- After two decades of popularis- ble of seating 86 (Q400 configuration). ing the differences between men, The speed, altitude, load and range who come from Mars, and women, of these aircraft will be different. The who come from Venus,4 as a means qualifications and experience of the of enhancing the mutual respect of flight crew will be different. The num- differences, it appears the latest fad is ber of cabin crew will be different. The to reject these psychologically-based cost of operation of each aircraft is insights and replace them with a philo- different. So the list goes on. Although sophical egalitarian reductionism. both planes are fit for their purpose It is time we, as a community, and at times could even fly some of embraced our diversity and advocated denominator of equality and uni- the same routes, they also have unique equitability and mutual respect instead formity, this passage is a celebration features that determine their essential of equality and uniformity. Just like an of diversity in the context of mutual purpose. As the sameness is limited, orchestra is richer when different in- respect and common unity. Difference these planes are only similar and not struments come together and contrib- is the spice of life. In creation, God equal. For example, I am confident ute their unique strengths to creating has given us so many different shapes, that if Qantas had a Dash 8 broken harmonious music, so humanity is colours and sizes. Reducing everyone down, it is extremely unlikely that they richer when we can celebrate all of our and everything to uniformity is con- would send an A380 as a replacement diversity. trary to God’s creation. We are more or vice versa. 1. For Airbus A380 specifications see
November 18, 2017 | Adventist record 15 Baptisedat first sight
The remarkable story of a man who was baptised the first morning he set foot in an Adventist church
hen I was 13 years old,” the same time a new channel called nel and love what I’m seeing. I want to recalls Robert Ainsworth, “I Hope Channel New Zealand started come and talk with you.’ It was one of Whad my first calling from the appearing on my TV set. I saw it as I those conversations you always look Holy Spirit. And that experience was was flipping through the channels and I forward to!” overwhelming. Ever since then I’ve had was intrigued. So I started watching it. “I told Pastor Hugh that I was going a very close relationship with the Holy And something really strange started on a big trip touring the whole of New Spirit.” But no-one could have predict- happening. Every time I got stuck on a Zealand, and when I got back, I’d drop ed what the Holy Spirit did recently in passage or concept in the Bible, within by and see him,” continues Robert. Robert's life. a short time, a speaker on the new “One Sabbath morning I was relaxing “I became a very busy professional channel would answer my question in bed after returning from my trip and photographer,” continues Robert, “but from the Bible. It was uncanny. Pastor Hugh phoned me. He had no in 2012 I found out I had kidney cancer. “I decided I needed to know more. way of knowing I was home as I’d only My faith in God was very strong. Due The channel had teachings from the just returned and hadn’t contacted to God’s grace, my left kidney was Seventh-day Adventist Church be- him. He asked me, ‘Would you like to successfully removed. After that, I tween other programs. I knew where come and see how we do baptisms?’ moved to Hawke's Bay (New Zealand) the Hastings Adventist Church was, And I said, ‘yes, that would be great, to start a new life, and I was looking to so I went down there, and on the sign I’d really love to see that.’” find a new church where they baptised outside was a phone number. So I That phone call almost didn’t hap- by immersion like Jesus was baptised, gave it a call and Pastor Hugh Heenan pen. “It was a really busy morning,” as I was only baptised as a baby with answered.” explains Pastor Hugh. “My thoughts the sprinkling of water over my head. Pastor Hugh remembers the call. were on everything coming up at “But I was having no luck finding “I picked up the phone and Robert church that day, and certainly not on the church I was looking for. About said, ‘I’ve been watching Hope Chan- Robert, who I hadn’t even met yet. But
16 Adventist record |november 18, 2017 xxxxx
the Holy Spirit kept saying to me, ‘Call for a new life. A new start. A new Sabbath. It proves the words of Jesus Robert. You need to call Robert.’ And beginning. And He gave that to me. I right: the fields really are ripe for the so I did. But I never expected what got baptised that day. And I’ve never harvest!” happened next!” looked back. “The next big challenge,” says Hope Robert remembers his first mo- “Of course, after the baptism I came Channel New Zealand manager Neale ments in the church, “I turned up at up dripping wet and I had nothing to Schofield, “is to connect more viewers the Hastings Seventh-day Adventist wear,” remembers Robert. “Until I was with local Adventist churches. For Church and I was welcomed by the told Patrick, one of the church attend- every Robert, we know there are liter- greeters and, just behind them, was a ees who I had never met, had brought ally thousands of others. We just need man who smiled and said, ‘Rob, how’s a spare set of men’s clothes to church to help them make the connection it going—welcome!’ I was surprised. I’d that day. And they were the right size between the message that they have never seen Pastor Hugh but he knew and all. Amazing.” come to love on Hope Channel and who I was!” “Robert knew our doctrines,” states the local church where faith in Christ “We had a lot of visitors that day Pastor Hugh. “He already understood is expressed in a living community. But but as soon as I saw Robert, the Holy biblical prophecy with a level of detail how to do that? Spirit impressed me, ‘that’s Rob- that very few baptismal candidates “First, we’ve found Kiwis respond ert',” Pastor Hugh recalls. “There was have. I knew from talking with him that best to local content, so we’re de- something very different about Robert. Robert had marched his way through veloping new Kiwi shows on health, He’d been watching Hope Channel Adventist doctrines, his Bible on one family, finances, ADRA’s amazing New Zealand for some time. He knew side, Hope Channel on the other. It stories and, yes, cutting-edge shows a lot about biblical truths. And he had was remarkable!” about the amazing truths in the Bible,” a burning desire to be baptised like Je- “I’m now a greeter at Hastings says Neale. “Second, we’re also in the sus. So when he actually witnessed a Adventist Church, the gardener, pho- process of developing better ways to baptism by immersion, he was ready.” tographer, and sometimes I use my interact with viewers. Pastor Giovanni, who conducted the photography skills as a cameraman for “Third, in the next six months we last of the baptisms planned for that Hope Channel New Zealand when we plan to roll out signage that clearly morning, asked if anyone would like to make programs down here in Hawke's makes the connection between local come down and be baptised. Bay," Robert says with a big smile. churches and Hope Channel New “I had the biggest goosebumps "I’m also an ambassador for Hope Zealand. They’ve done similar signs when he asked,” says Robert. “I could Channel in our community. I go door- already in Brazil and it has had an not believe my ears. This was my op- to-door inviting people to watch the amazing impact—with people walk- portunity to be baptised just like Jesus channel, giving them literature and ing off the street and into Adventist was. So I stood up and said to the talking with anyone who is willing to churches all over the country. The new whole church, ‘I would love to be bap- listen about what Jesus means to me!” signs are going to make it a lot easier tised.’ My feet didn’t touch the ground “Robert inspires everyone he meets for the 200,000 Hope Channel viewers until I was in the pool next to Pastor with his love for Christ. And Robert to find a local Adventist community Giovanni, praying to my loving God.” isn’t the only one. We’ve had multi- where they can become part of the “We’ve all become accustomed ple families connect with our church body of Christ. Not because God needs to the fact that someone will come because of what they’ve seen on Hope numbers but because our neighbours forward after an appeal, they’ll stop, Channel,” says Pastor Hugh. “And need God.” they’ll wait until after the baptism to not just Hastings Adventist Church. “Hope Channel can help do for meet with the pastor and they’ll dis- Now Hope Channel is available on others what it has already done for cuss the next steps,” says Pastor Hugh. almost every TV set in the country, I’m me,” says Robert. “I thank God for it. “Robert had never been to an Advent- hearing similar stories from Adventist Because God used Hope Channel to ist church so he had no idea that was churches right across New Zealand.” change my life.” our custom. He walked right up to the Dr Brad Kemp, president of the New front and down into the baptismal font Zealand Pacific Union Conference, To experience a taste of Robert’s with Pastor Giovanni, clothes and all! says there are about 8000 people in infectious love for Christ, see his video And his baptism took place there and Adventist churches in New Zealand on at
Michelle Jimenez—Unsplash true life again. I was praying to God person who is in church on an average channel new zealand.
November 18, 2017 | Adventist record 17 health
Paleo diet Three ways to a healthy linked to balanced diet Low idodine levels
The paleo diet has received a lot of publicity for being attached to claims around weight loss and a range of other supposed health benefits. The diet advises followers to avoid processed foods as well Pack your plate as grains, legumes and dairy. And while with plants it may be able to offer short-term weight Whole plant foods— loss, research on the long-term effects of and lots of them—are the cornerstone of a such a diet has been limited. healthy diet. Prioritise Whenever a diet asks you to remove getting five serves of vegetables and two multiple food groups, there is a risk of serves of fruit every day. unintended consequences. A recent study Make sure you include a serve of legumes too! out of Sweden found this when researchers looked at older women eating a paleo diet compared to those eating a "Nordic" diet— one nutritionally similar to a Mediterranean diet. After two years it was found that those on the paleo diet were more likely to have developed a mild iodine deficiency. Researchers noted that all women had Eat healthy similar iodine levels at the start of the study wholegrains but, by the six-month point, average levels Wholegrain foods in the paleo group had already begun to provide the body with drop. fibre, vitamins, minerals and a sustained source Wholicious living While at the end of the study the effects of energy. Choose were minor, when more severe iodine wholegrain breads and pastas over white and Nurture your body, mind and spirit with deficiencies occur over the long term it refined versions where a mix of articles on plant-based foods, can lead to hypothyroidism in adults, with possible. the latest nutrition advice, plus health symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and and wellness tips for your whole being. mood swings. Delivered monthly. So what do the researchers think led to the deficiency? While seafood and foods like seaweed are good sources of iodine, Recipe of the week they’re not the most commonly consumed sources. Most of us get our iodine from Find fresh inspiration with a delicious iodised salt, dairy products and breads—the new vegetarian recipe each week to very foods the paleo diet excludes. In fact, Choose Healthy feed the family or wow your friends. since 2009, food standards in Australia fats have required almost all breads to use Diets like the Free to your inbox weekly. Mediterranean diet iodised salt to help combat growing iodine aren’t low fat, but the Australia: deficiency across the population. fat they contain comes in the form of healthy www.sanitarium.com.au/subscribe So it’s important that we keep in mind the unsaturated fats like long-term consequences before adopting olive oil, nuts and seeds. New Zealand: any major dietary change. www.sanitarium.co.nz/subscribe
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18 Adventist record |November 18, 2017 have your say
CLOSE THE GAP I read (Adventist Record, October 21) with so much interest [especially] in what Pastor Mike Sikuri did in New Zealand. “If we do not address this issue now (not many youngsters in our churches), in 10 or 20 years we will have to close some of our churches,” he said. And he is absolutely right. Our youth are “struggling to be (feel) relevant and to be accepted”. Our youth are the church of tomorrow; no youth, no church. Of course, this doesn’t mean that we have them do all they want to do, but we need them to be incorporated into the church services—at every level possible. We need to close the gap between we "adults" and them. And in a way we need to learn from them—their camaraderie and enthusiasm. May the Lord help us in reaching the goal. Gennaro Cozzi, Vic
SOLA SCRIPTURA? this fundamental principle consensus" that the earth Tok Pigin or Bislama are the In the Adventist Record has resulted in the excessive is round. Does this mean languages of instruction in of October 21, two au- authority bestowed upon we must assert it’s flat . . most schools we have visit- thors extol the fundamental White's writings. The out- . though I must admit I do ed. I would assume that this Protestant position of sola come of this is the stifling of know some people who is also the same in PNG. We scriptura but seem blind to the search for truth and the tend to think like that. realise that this is the lan- the extra biblical authority horrific loss of many think- Indeed, if the Bible is the guage of the people but if they and their Church have ing members and ministers. ultimate arbiter of truth, students and teachers wish bestowed upon the writings If Adventism serious- as Adventists assert, then to have a greater under- of Ellen White. ly wants to progress the God’s pronouncement that standing of English, espe- Could our Church have Reformation it needs to truly He will “destroy those who cially for higher education, taken a valid New Testa- allow the Bible to speak for destroy the earth” might be then English usage must be ment (NT) gift and given it itself without deference to harnessed as evidence of encouraged for maximum an invalid veto power over any extra-biblical author- the real existence of climate educational benefit. any fresh understanding of ity. We can value much of change. This program of Bible Scripture? This is evident White's writings but let us David Hancock, NSW reading combined with in the Church's negative not exalt them to a position written summaries is an responses to: Desmond that restricts our opportuni- ENGLISH USAGE excellent approach and Ford's questioning of the ty to continue the progres- We read with great hopefully there is an oral investigative judgement sive understanding of truth! interest "The Power of the component also. doctrine, varied views on Winston McHarg, via email Word" (Feature, October Keep up the good work, the age of the earth, the 7) by Serah Keliwin of the Serah, of encouraging your nature and authority of the LOGICAL FALLACY Papua New Guinea Union teachers in PNGUM. NT prophetic gift, etc. The In "Another view" (Oc- Mission (PNGUM). Peter and Glenda Roberts, words that invariably greet tober 21), the author's For the past 10 years NSW any suggested new under- rejection of renewable we have been involved in standing are: "What does energy is based on a logical a special teacher educa- Sister White say?" fallacy. While it may be valid tion program for untrained, Sadly we ignore the NT from a Christian perspective practising primary teachers instruction regarding the to deny that "overwhelming in Solomon Islands and Note: Views in “Have your say” do not necessarily rep- believer's sacred responsi- scientific consensus" consti- Vanuatu. This is a project resent those of the editors or bility to test all extra-scrip- tutes proof of truth (indeed of Fulton College and ADRA the denomination. Comments should be less than 250 words, tural prophetic utterance: many genuine scientists Australia. We have been and writers must include their "Do not despise prophecies would concur), it is not valid coordinators and lecturers name, address and phone but test everything, hold fast to imply that the existence for the program. number. All comments are ed- ited to meet space and literary what is good" (1 Thessa- of "overwhelming scientif- One of the biggest draw- requirements, but the author’s lonians 5:20; see also 1 ic consensus" constitutes backs for teachers and stu- original meaning will not be changed. Not all comments Corinthians 14:29 and Acts proof of untruth. There is dents is the lack of English received are published. 17:11). Failure to adhere to "overwhelming scientific usage in classrooms. Either
November 18, 2017 | Adventist record 19 THIS MONTH IN
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GordonAbide Branster's with life of service me
ordon Brandstater was born to enjoyed. Later Gordon was to serve at weeks to get to Pitcairn. The weather Emanuel and Wilhelmina (nee the Navuso Central School and in the when the ship reached the island was GDarko) Brandstater on Octo- Naqia and Buca Bay districts. Gordon’s so bad he could not get off the ship. ber 22, 1896. Born into the Adventist service record also notes that during He stayed on board until the vessel message, as a boy Gordon attended this initial posting to Fiji he became a reached Panama and then had to the first Adventist school in Australia, district director. Gordon was ordained find a vessel willing to let him off as located in Collinsvale, Tasmania. to gospel ministry in Tasmania in Janu- it passed Pitcairn. In his eventual five After leaving school he worked in ary 1926. On his return to Australia, he weeks on the island Gordon provided the sawmill industry. A miraculous es- was a pastor-evangelist in the South pastoral ministry and conducted a cape from death in a logging accident NSW Conference from December 1934 baptism. convinced him that the Lord had a plan until March 1938. At the end of 1958, Gordon returned for his life. So he attended Avondale Gordon and his family returned to to Australia where, after a short time College for five years before graduat- Fiji in April 1938, this time as a pas- in pastoral work in the North NSW ing in 1917 with a teaching diploma. tor-evangelist, remaining in that post Conference, he retired in 1960 having Entering denominational service at until August 1940 when Gordon be- accumulated a little more than 42 the end of 1917, Gordon taught at the came the superintendent of the North years of denominational service. Marrickville church school in Sydney Queensland Mission. From October During retirement (south of New- for a little more than two years before 1941, Gordon was president of the castle), Gordon remained active in being appointed to mission service in Queensland Conference. In December local church work, especially with the Fiji. 1943, he returned to the South NSW placement of hundreds of copies of Gordon married Idarene Felsch Conference, this time as president, and Your Bible and You in the region's in January 1920 and, in time, three continued in that role for five years motels. His funeral on March 25, 1987, children were born: Russell (1921) and until the end of 1948. concluded with the hymn “Abide With Marjorie (1924), both in Suva, Fiji, and For the next decade, Gordon was Me”. For 100 years it had been a Beryl (1926) in Sydney. president of the newly established tradition in the Branster family to close Before leaving for Fiji in January Central Pacific Union Mission, based Sabbath each week with the singing of 1920, Gordon changed his surname in Suva. Travel around Polynesia was that hymn so it seemed fitting to the from Brandstater to Branster. difficult and time-consuming in those family to sing it once again at that time In Fiji, Gordon was a teacher on the days. Pitcairn Island was a particular as the postlude to an effective life of Wainibuka River, quickly learning the challenge. With no regular shipping Christian service. language and, enjoying music, often service, visitors to the island had to used his rich baritone voice in his depend on passing cargo freighters worship services. He also started the and passenger ships willing to stop Dr Lester Devine director emeritus of first brass band in the country, which and let visitors on or off the vessels. the ellen G white/adventist research centre the music-loving Fijian people really On one occasion, Gordon took six at avondale college of higher education.
November 18, 2017 | Adventist record 21 noticeboard
counselling. Their wedding day was grandchildren Liam and Michael. ceased her in 2014. Joy is Weddings a delight for all who attended and In earlier years Aileen worked at survived by her children: Peter they have set up their home in Nyn- the Sydney Adventist Hospital and and Margaret (Whyalla), Ruth and Forbes-Ward. Cody Forbes, gan, where Isaac is a self-employed in the Greater Sydney Conference Brenton Bailley (Broken Hill, son of Barry and Erana Forbes electrician and Jess an explorative office. She was very gifted artis- NSW), Timothy (Adelaide, SA), (Leyburn, Qld), and Shanelle geologist. tically and was involved in the Art and Jonathan and Katherine Ward, daughter of Warren and John Rabbas Lovers Movement and the Toukley (Maryland, USA); and four Louise Ward (Gatton), were mar- Art Society. For many years Aileen grandchildren: Callum, Tyson, ried on 18.6.17 in a lovely farm instructed others who were greatly Jessica and Mark. Joy supported setting just outside of Warwick. Obituaries blessed by her knowledge. She will John throughout his career as a The young couple are setting up Allen-Chevalier, Kevern, born be remembered as a generous, kind school teacher. She made an house near Toowoomba with the 10.10.1933; died 28.7.17 in and gentle Christian. invaluable contribution to the Lord as the third member of their Whyalla, SA. He was predeceased Roger Nixon out- of-class activities of the relationship. by his step-daughter Nicola. He schools and the children’s Victor Torrens, Barry Forbes is survived by his wife Margaret; DICKINS, Roy William, divisions of the churches where daughter Julyann; step-chil- born 20.2.1927; died she and John worshipped. In later HYLAND-MARTIN. dren Susan, Wendy, Yvonne and 20.9.17 in Nunawad- years Joy realised her dream to Isaac Hyland, son Martin; 13 grandchildren; and nine ing, Vic. On 26.3.1950 be an enrolled nurse. She will be of Brent and great-grandchildren. Kevern passed Roy married Eldelyn, who remembered as a caring, kind, Lindsey Hyland away peacefully after a long illness predeceased him in 2002. He was loving and hospitable person. She (Narromine, NSW), and Jessica surrounded by his loving family. also predeceased by his son was a gentle lady who had the Martin, daughter of Dale and Andy Krause Raymond in 1990. Roy is survived capacity to make people feel Lynley Martin (Bilambil, Qld), were by his daughter and son-in-law special, wanted and accepted. married on 4.9.17 at Taronga CRAIGIE, Aileen Wilma, born Sherilyn and Allan Gray (Whittle- Joy’s love for God gave her a Western Plains Zoo, NSW. Jess’s 7.9.1929; died 24.9.17 in sea) and daughter-in-law Gail quiet dignity that spilled over in grandfather, Pastor Ken Martin, Wyong Hospital, NSW. In 1953 Shalliker (Sale); seven grandchil- the way she dealt with all who took the prayer of blessing on the she married Donald Craigie, dren; and 12 great-grandchildren. had the privilege to have known marriage. Pastor James who predeceased her in 1998. Roy was a long-time member of her. Watanabe, took Isaac and Jess Aileen is survived by her two North Fitzroy church where he Douglas Robertson through their pre-marriage children Stephen and Jenny; and served faithfully in various roles for many years. In 1985 he retired FITZGIBBON, David from the printing industry where Claude, born POSITIONS VACANT he worked most of his life. He 29.12.1939 in Akaroa, treasured those retirement years, NZ; died 20.9.17 in spending time with his wife, who Newcastle, NSW. He is survived OP SHOP CO-ORDINATOR AND STAFF was truly the love of his life, and by his wife Elva (nee Higgins); ADRA (BALLINA) his grandchildren. He will be children Justin and Carla Ballina ADRA Op Shop is looking for a coordinator and staff for its remembered as a meticulous Fitzgibbon, Melissa and Amanda; furniture shop. If you have a passion for mission and service and gentleman who, among other and grandchildren Thalia, Cassie could cope with living on the beautiful North Coast of NSW we things, loved God, people, social and Rohan. David served as a would love to hear from you. Our op shop is the primary support life, driving and racing cars. But barrister in New Zealand and later for the only women’s refuge in the Ballina region, and we have a his greatest interest was to see in Australia and handled a wide brand new retail space in which to grow our new furniture store. Jesus along with his family at the range of legal cases. His great However, we desperately need a team of passionate and compe- second coming. hobby was books and restoring tent volunteers to lead this ministry. If you are interested, or know Iutini Rimoni them, and his love of old Bibles someone suited to this role, please contact Glen from the ADRA was legendary. David loved his Op Shop Ballina by email
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who gathered to pay their and crafts, and cooking for family SUAVAI, Tapaautasi ALLROUND TRAVEL CENTRE respects at her funeral. and friends. Usitai Oto, born Specialists in group and individual David Kelsey, Charles Boyd Kevin Geelan 4.3.1948 in Poutasi, travel to all parts of the world. Samoa; died 3.10.17 in Competitive rates for international MAEVSKY, Maria, born OUTRAM, Brian Cecil, born Cairns, Qld. On 2.10.1971 he airfares, cruises and insurance. 2.2.1924 in Croatia; 21.6.1933 in Bickley, WA; died married Tagi Lafai. Oto is survived Our tours for 2018: died 29.11.16 in 28.9.17 in Forrestfield. On by his wife; children Eseta, Otto, Tour Ireland and London with Nerang, Qld. She was 19.10.1957 he married Gene, Fereti, Sene and Tagapulu; and 23 optional seven-night Norwegian married to Wladyslav (Wally), who who predeceased him in 2016. grandchildren. He was a faithful Fjord cruise—May. predeceased her in 2008. She is He is survived by his children: Kim and loving husband to Tagi for 46 Bible lands: Jordan and Israel— survived by her daughter Angela Diletti (Lesmurdie), Keith Outram years. Otto will be remembered October. Zujic and sons Peter and Kevin; (Lesmurdie) and Kathy Outram as a Christian man who would not New Zealand: five-night tour grandchildren Danica, Bethany, (Bickley); and siblings Neville Out- go past another’s needs. “I have combined with eight-night NZ Cherith, Andy, Elisha, Able, ram (Walliston) and Jenny Bell fought the good fight, I have cruise back to Sydney—October. Christella and Jana; eight (Waroona). Brian was a keen finished the race, I have kept the We welcome your enquiry. great-grandchildren; and siblings sportsman and fisherman and faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). E: [email protected] Ana Doncevic, Katica Gulai and loved his family. He spoke often Erika Puni P: 07 5530 3555 Nikola Glesic. A skilled weaver in of the return of Jesus and looked her own country, Maria came to forward to that great day. SUTCLIFFE, David Absolute Care Funerals. Australia in the early 1960s. She Robert Kingdon Curtis, born The Adventist family owned and was a charter member of the 11.12.1930; died operated business, caring for Granville Slavic church and lived ROBERTS, Elva Lillian 8.10.17 in Cooran- you from Sydney to Newcastle to in Cooranbong for 30 years where Christina, born bong, NSW. David is survived by Wollongong. Contact Arne Neir- she faithfully attended Memorial 13.9.1926 in Adelaide, his wife Tricia; daughter Leoni and inckx, who understands our Ad- church. Maria loved to read her SA; died 12.9.17 in son-in-law Robert Billings; ventist philosophy, on 1300 982 Bible. A memorial service was Alstonville, NSW. On 6.4.1950 siblings Robert, Maggie and 803 or mobile 0408 458 452. held for Maria on December 30 at Elva married Harold, who Kathy; four grandchildren; and 13 Call us even if you have already Avondale Cemetery Chapel. predeceased her. She is survived great-grandchildren. David gave prepaid your funeral:
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