©David West

by Kirsten Øster-Lundqvist, SEC Communication director

he South England Conference relocated to Camber Sands, East Sussex, for its annual camp meeting this year (15-21 TJune). ‘Knowing God’s Heart’ was the theme under which 1,800 campers enjoyed a week of good weather, spiritual fellowship and programmes including a particular focus on health. In the adult hall, Dr Chidi Ngwaba, a renowned lifestyle doctor and writer, endeared himself to campers with sound but challenging advice. ‘Look after your heart!’ was his charge to the adults during his Thursday morning presentation showing that heart disease is still the number-one killer in the UK. Yet, while extolling natural and preventative remedies, Dr Chidi encouraged his audience to see their GPs first before looking at any complementary health treatments. He shared simple yet effective recommendations for better health, such as lowering salt intake, eating lots of greens, drinking plenty of water and enjoying one hour of walking each day. Coupled with these physical tips, Dr Chidi equally encouraged a positive mental attitude to life. A second health speaker, Dr James Horsley, shared natural approaches to healing. Since 1993, he has been associated with Uchee Pines, a not-for-profit health education and wellness facility in Alabama, USA. He gave practical advice including what he called a ‘migraine cure’, using a simple form of hydrotherapy! The main spiritual messages were delivered by Pastor Royston Philbert and they appeared to touch many. On Thursday, he talked about the resurrection and looked at sorrow and death. This touched many a heart as he encouraged members to let go of their pain and fear. Scott Ritsema, Bible teacher, author and founder of Belt of Truth Ministries, shared some of his research and concepts about global mass media. In particular he shared how media and music can influence people’s lives.

Teens The Teen meetings culminated in an exciting Friday Communion Service led by Continued on p. 7 Press Open Day – 13 September – Plan to be there with your family! There will be good music, top-class speakers including Pastor Mark Finley, and lots of great book and DVD specials – and a new range of foods too. 2 editorial 3

Have you ever come across these names: S. Clifford Weinberg, Ethan Allen Weinberg, How many lives Rodney S. Wyman, Sterling C. Wyman, Stanley Clifford Weyman, Allen Stanley Weyman and C. Sterling Weinberg? They are do you live? Hsome of the aliases of one of history’s most Julian Hibbert colourful ‘serial pretenders’, Stephen Jacob Editor Weinberg (1890-1960).1 Today people would call Weinberg a scam What should my reaction be? Inwardly I groan, burdened with the painful memory of previous artist, but others might describe him less failures involving vacuum cleaners, toasters, bathroom scales, and so on. But outwardly I harshly as ‘a man who made a successful assume the pretender’s pose, and calmly say, ‘Oh, there is a problem with it. Well, give it here career of being many people other than and I’ll see what I can do.’ Then out comes my Leatherman Wave and I begin to ‘fiddle’ – an himself’. Whatever you wish to call him, he activity that involves a poking, prodding, sightseeing tour of the device’s innards. This usually was not the typical scammer or imposter of confirms what I knew all along . . . that it’s time to buy a new one! Then why do I pretend? today, for he was definitely not in it for the Simply because it is hard to admit to my spouse that I am not a know-all hotshot handyman! money. He was driven by the passion to be what others were, to enjoy the prize of He had nothing to say! living fleetingly in their worlds. He wanted But pretence has a more ominous side to it than that. Many years ago, one of my colleagues and adventure, and stated it like this: ‘One man’s I felt aggrieved about something one of our senior administrators had said. My colleague was life is a boring thing. I lived many lives. I’m particularly angry and made a few rash ‘schoolboy’ comments about what he would say and do never bored.’2 if the man raised the matter again. We didn’t have to wait long for that to happen. I had the Over a period of 50 years he pretended chance to speak first in defence of how ‘we’ felt, but when it was his turn all he said . . . was that to be many different people, including: a he had nothing to say! lieutenant in the French Navy; several doctors I couldn’t believe it. Where had all his conviction, indignation and bluster gone? Had he of medicine; two psychiatrists; a number suddenly chosen to be a pretender? Or had he been pretending all along? Which brings us back of officers in the US Navy, ranking from to those earlier questions: ‘How many lives do I live? Do I practise only one authentic life, or am I lieutenant to admiral; five or six US Army also a pretender?’ officers; a couple of lawyers; the US State The Sun is not known to mince its words when taking on the rich and famous, especially Department’s Naval Liaison Officer; an those suspected of living a double life. This is how they broke a recent story: ‘Married peer in aviator; a sanitation expert; many consuls charge of upholding standards in the House of Lords has been caught on video snorting general; and a US expert on Balkan and Asian cocaine with a pair of £200-a-night hookers’4 (emphasis supplied). affairs. It is easy to sneer at those whose pretence is so Weinberg paid dearly for this pretence. He publicly exposed, but what of us? Pretending is spent more than a third of his life behind bars, part of the baggage that sin dumped on our serving at least 13 separate sentences! doorstep and simply being a ‘believer’ doesn’t vaporise the temptation to pretend. Believe it or not Take a few famous examples of pretending Stanley Clifford Weyman, Weinberg’s most that are on sacred record. There were popular alias, once disguised himself as the Abraham and Sarah pretending to be Going natural Part 5 – Clean house – healthy house? • Vacuum carpets at least three times a week. Consul General of Romania, hired a suitably siblings. There was Jacob pretending • Leave shoes by the front door to prevent bringing in hazards such impressive launch and came alongside to be Esau. There were pious priests How did you get on with the household exercises set in the last as lead, dog excrement, car exhaust pollutants and pesticides. the moored flagship of the US fleet. He who slid quickly into the temple issue? Were you able to identify a number of natural items in each • Have house plants like ‘bamboo, spider plants, and cheese announced who he was and requested to shadows when Jesus chronicled room? In subsequent issues we will look at exchanging some plants, which absorb pollutants’. come aboard for a tour. The admiral was their pretences in the dust at potentially toxic household items for more health-enhancing ones. • Use olive oil instead of a spray-on wood polish. only too happy to host such a dignitary and their feet. And there was But first, let’s commence with a look at our cleaning habits. • ‘Replace PVC shower curtains with glass doors, and PVC personally showed him around. Then, upon Peter, pretending not In an online Telegraph article published 13 February 2014, tablecloths with washable ones.’ his departure, the pretender received a tribute to be a disciple of entitled: ‘Eco living: Clean your house the natural way’,1 journalist • Use water-based or organic paints wherever possible. usually reserved for the brave and the noble – Jesus, even when his Sarah Lonsdale looks at some of the hazards of modern-day • ‘Use vinegar and lemon juice as everyday surface cleaners’, and a twenty-one-gun salute!3 Galilean accent gave him cleaning methods through the eyes of healthy-home expert Alan add sodium bicarbonate where extra cleaning strength is required. away. Berman, who suggests that the modern home has become ‘a • ‘If you have installed energy-saving measures, make sure your ‘I lived many lives’ reservoir of a toxic “chemical soup” that can cause asthma, home is still well ventilated.’ Yes, Weinberg’s story is fascinating, but his The authentic life eczema, allergies and other autoimmune disorders’. He lists cleaning • To kill house dust mites, place children’s cuddly toys in the comment about life is also worth a second So reader, back to our questions: ‘How products, flame retardants, paints and stain repellents containing freezer once every six weeks. thought: ‘One man’s life is a boring thing. I many lives do you live? Do you practise hazardous chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lived many lives. I’m never bored.’ It gives only one authentic life, or are you also a formaldehyde, arsenic and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) as the In another article, ‘Eco living: how to make natural spray rise to questions we all ought to answer for pretender?’ Christianity calls us to live one culprits. cleaners’, Lonsdale suggests natural cleaning products as safe ourselves: ‘How many lives do I live? Do I life – the new life ‘in Christ’. He goes on to state: ‘While a single spray of a cleaner won’t options.2 Why not try some of these home-made mixtures and save practise only one authentic life, or am I also ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new cause harm, these chemicals build up in the home environment, money in the process? a pretender?’ creation has come: the old has gone, the new is particularly in carpet dust.’ Berman is the author of Green Design: I can’t speak for women, but I think that here!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV-UK.) a Healthy Home Handbook. He observes that we use chemical Good health! most men will agree that there are times when cleaners in our home when compounds like bicarbonate of soda we pretend . . . even if it’s just a tiny bit, and 1‘The Big Little Man From Brooklyn’, The New Yorker, 16 November, and lemon juice could do an equally effective job. According to him, very briefly. How can I be so sure of this? 1968, p. 64, quoted in http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1968/ 11/16/the-big-little-man-from-brooklyn 2https://thefakespotter. ‘It’s also much cheaper to use vinegar, which is about £1 a bottle or 1 Well, because I do and here’s an example. My http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/10634117/Eco-living-clean-your-house-the- wordpress.com/my-favourite-fakers/ 3http://thememorypalace.us/ less, rather than brands which cost up to five times as much.’ 2 wife comes to me, her lifeless hairdryer in her natural-way.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/advice/10673719/Eco-living- 2010/05/episode-30-nee-weinberg/ 4http://www.thesun.co.uk/ The article lists the following ‘safe’ home-cleaning tips: how-to-make-natural-spray-cleaners.html hand, and helplessly asks: ‘Honey, can you fix sol/homepage/news/6560352/Baron-John-Sewel-drug- this thing?’ binges-with-prostitutes.html 4 5 materialism, social achievement, status or inspiration anything else that can raise the family’s profile. While other homes are simultaneously rising on a totally different foundation, as highlighted by Paul in his ‘building instruction’ to the Philippians: ‘Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship We are all of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill Job vacancy at ADRA-UK my joy by being like-minded, having the same ADRA-UK is looking for an experienced Accountant to join its team in Watford. love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let Key responsibilities include preparing all financial statements and reports, nothing be done through selfish ambition accounts payable and receivable, reconciliation of accounts, general ledger work and procurement. The accountant will also provide project budget analyses and builders! or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each reporting support to the Programmes Team. We would expect you to have ACCA esteem others better than himself. Let each of accreditation (or equivalent). Ever had questions about our faith, doctrines or practice that you by Pastor Cyril Sweeney, BUC Family, Children and you look out not only for his own interests, Applicants should have the right to work in the UK prior to submission of the want to see resolved? In each issue I’ll be hosting Q & A in an Prayer Ministries director but also for the interests of others. Let this employment application. mind be in you which was also in Christ effort to answer them. Andrew Puckering Jesus.” (Philippians 2:1-5, NKJV.) A full application pack, including a detailed description and application form, is available on the ADRA-UK website at adra.org.uk/contact/work-adra. ‘During the recent Sabbath School lesson on Jonah, we any of us will be familiar with Christ’s spoken and applying them to one’s life would We all have decisions to make about the read that Nineveh was “an exceeding great city of story of the two builders. It is recorded result in dire circumstances. But what has this foundations we will use. These are decisions Applications deadline for this post: 15 September 2015. three days’ journey” (Jonah 3:3, KJV). How big is that, Min Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV-UK) as got to do with today’s families, you ask? Well, that God will never take on our behalf. follows: I believe that the parable highlights at least exactly?’ ‘Therefore everyone who hears these four similarities with the modern family. All foundations will be tested! Q If by ‘three days’ journey’ we understand ‘the words of mine and puts them into practice is On this point I am reminded of the words of Scottish Mission Session notice distance one could cover in three days of like a wise man who built his house on the All men are builders Matthew 5:45 (NKJV): ‘. . . for He makes His Following a Day of Fellowship in Crieff on Sabbath 3 October, walking’, then – assuming one covers maybe rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, Both men were builders. They had this in sun rise on the evil and on the good, and the Triennial Session of the Scottish Mission will commence 15 miles in a day – we might be thinking of a and the winds blew and beat against that common. They both built houses to live in. sends rain on the just and on the unjust.’ A distance of roughly 45 miles, almost the distance across house; yet it did not fall, because it had its If you were to ask most married couples – Do good, Christian homes experience at 7.30pm in Crieff Church, continuing on Sunday 4 October. Delegates will have been contacted by the Scottish Mission London from Abbots Langley to Sevenoaks. That would foundation on the rock. But everyone who especially those who are parents – what they difficulties? Do Christian marriages end in have been an unfathomably vast extent for any ancient city. Was ancient hears these words of mine and does not put would like their homes to be like, they would separation and divorce? Do good Christian office with their registration information. The report booklet Nineveh really that big? them into practice is like a foolish man who generally say that they would like their homes children brought up in good Christian homes will be made available electronically for the wider membership Actually, we have a pretty good idea of just how big Nineveh really built his house on sand. The rain came down, to be safe havens for their families. Places turn their backs on the faith and values their as well as delegates. The session will set the strategic goals was, because its ruined walls still exist. The Encyclopedia Britannica the streams rose, and the winds blew and that will offer both occupants and visitors the parents tried to instil in them? Just because for the Mission, and elect the Mission Executive Committee informs us: ‘From the ruins it has been established that the perimeter beat against that house, and it fell with a great love, acceptance, security and protection they you may be part of the household of faith and the departmental sponsors for the next three years. of the great Assyrian city wall was about 7.5 miles (12km) long and in crash.’ need in order to enjoy life to the full. does not mean that you will be immune from PASTOR PAUL LOCKHAM, places up to 148 feet (45 metres) wide. . . . The long eastern sector, This parable, which Jesus shared with His Sadly, however, not all homes experience the wind and rain of chaos and calamity that EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS about 3 miles (5km), contained six gates; the southern sector, 2,624 feet listeners at the conclusion of His Sermon on these vital things. Some people, intentionally batter individuals, marriages and family units. (800 metres), contained only one, the Ashur Gate; the western sector, the Mount, has profound relevance for all or unintentionally, are building homes that The storms of life will test all foundations, about 2.5 miles (4km), had five gates; the northern sector, about 1.2 families in today’s society. Many of us will cause great distress, to both their occupants whether they are well laid or not. miles (1.9km), three gates, Adad, Nergal, and Sin.’ This is what we’d ex- be familiar with the story of the wise man and the neighbourhood. Good, safe homes pect for a city of 120,000 people (Jonah 4:11) – it was a massive city building his house upon the rock and the and dangerous, dysfunctional homes are Only one Foundation will stand for ancient times, comparable only with Babylon for size. However, it’s foolish man building his house upon the sand. being built all around us and, whether The Bible makes it clear that there is only one not London. Why, then, is it called a ‘city of three days’ journey’? There’s one explanation we can probably discount: it’s unlikely We know what happened to both houses in we are conscious of it or not, we are Foundation that will endure all the tests and that a journey of three Sabbath days was meant. Even though a single the end. It is a story that most of us grew up all builders of either one or the other. challenges that life throws against it. Paul Sabbath day’s journey of 2,000 cubits, up to three quarters of a mile,2 with in either Sunday or Sabbath school. makes this point abundantly clear in would have allowed Jonah to travel a third of the way across Nineveh, Of course we know that Jesus’ main All builders have a choice of 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NKJV): ‘For no other the absence of the word ‘Sabbath’ would then need explaining, and theme in the sermon was to introduce His foundations foundation can anyone lay than that which there’s no evidence that the practice of travelling only a ‘Sabbath day’s audience to the principles of a kingdom in Some homes are built on the is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ journey’ had been instituted in Jonah’s time, as it had in the time of which He is the King and we are His subjects. foundation of selfishness, The keys to the success of marriage and Christ (Acts 1:12). However, ‘If the noun “Nineveh” is taken to designate He spoke of the requirements for this greed, family life are to be found in the teachings the district of Nineveh, which covered anywhere from 30 to 60 miles, a citizenship, and noted that of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. He journey of three days would be correct,’ according to Ángel Manuel the kingdom of God is the One who lays that immovable Rodríguez of the Biblical Research Institute.3 Also, the Bible Commentary is not just a future Rock beneath our homes, that Solid suggests that ‘it would take a man three days to cover its whole territory concept, but that one Foundation beneath our feet, and it is by going up and down its streets, if he wanted to reach all the people can be a part of that ours for the asking! who lived within its walls’4 – such was the understanding of Martin kingdom right Luther.5 Finally, Charles Halton, a Baptist commentator who published a now. He also paper on the topic, recommends a figurative interpretation, similar to the points out British phrase ‘a couple of days’, where ‘couple’ can be an imprecise that not Footnote: Author has amount6 – parallels exist in Genesis 30:36; Exodus 5:3; 8:27. based the article on listening to We can’t say for sure which of these interpretations is the right materials drawn from one – but we do know that the very facts of Nineveh’s existence and the words Al Bryant’s ‘Outline its immense size for its era testify to the reliability of Scripture. Jesus previously Sermons on Families’. affirmed the historical accuracy of the book of Jonah (Matthew 12:39- 41), and its author was divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Maybe that’s all we need to know. 1www.britannica.com/place/Nineveh-ancient-city-Iraq 2http://oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/ article/opr/t94/e2168?_hi=0&_pos=12 3https://adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/ bible-inspiration-and-historicity/jonah-more-fish-tale 4Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1001 – an excellent map of Nineveh can be found overleaf 5Quoted in James Limburg, Jonah: A Commentary, Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993, p. 78 (footnote 124) 6Charles Halton, ‘How Big Was Nineveh? Literal versus Figurative ‘But everyone who hears these words of mine Interpretation of City Size’, Bulletin for Biblical Research 18.2 (2008) 193-207 Do you have a question you’d like to see answered in Q & A? Why not send it in to us at: and does not put them into practice is like a [email protected]? If your question doesn’t appear in the next issue, don’t foolish man who built his house on sand.’ despair – we will deal with it in due course. 6 SEC Camp Meeting 2015 – continued from p. 1 7 ‘we’ I mean the Church. We want respect. And understand that we perspective to affirm those whom God has can be united, as I’ve said, in our called, and clearly God has called diversity. many men as well as many women. And let’s not forget that Victor Hulbert: Secondly and last to leave a life’s career, or to of all then: what words do you change careers, or to send your have for our female pastors, life in a direction of ministry, is some of whom are feeling not something that is taken lightly. discouraged at the moment – and It is not done for the money; it is to female elders, who, again, may not done for the prestige; and be feeling under some pressure What now? clearly, if God has placed upon because of this vote? This is the edited transcript of a video interview held with Pastor somebody’s heart the impression that they want to enter into Ian Sweeney: I can’t find the Ian Sweeney, British Union Conference president, by Pastor Victor full-time ministry, we encourage quotation right now, but I’ve read Hulbert, BUC Communication director such persons to do that, whether Ellen White’s own testimony they be male or female. that she believed she had been ordained of God.* What I would Victor Hulbert: Two very short like to affirm to our female Pastors Maslin Holness and Victor Hulbert: Pastor Ian the position where we’re at right If we are looking for uniformity, final questions: Firstly, what do pastors is that what God has Nerine Barrett – exciting Sweeney, you have just arrived now is that we have female elders then we are never going to have you say to those within your called you to is the real thing. because 19 teens gave their back from the General who are ordained as elders in that. We hardly have . . . we don’t sphere of influence who are What we do as a church is hearts to Jesus and five Conference Session in San local churches. This was an have uniformity on many things. absolutely opposed to women recognise what God has called an more committed to baptism Antonio, Texas. There were a lot action from the 1970s that we Take our variety of worship styles in ministry, to elders in ministry – individual to do or to be. And I for the very next morning. of people looking to that session affirmed in 1984. I believe that and expressions. Potentially what message do you have for would hope that in time – and The others are to be baptised with expectation, particularly to female elders can be ordained people can fall out on such things them? sometimes these things do take in their home churches. the debate over the role of in the church. That hasn’t been as that, and yet we can both say time – we may be able to do just Sharing speakers with the women and whether divisions touched; that has not been – depending on where we are on Ian Sweeney: The message I that! I believe that our female Youth programme, the teens could ordain women if reversed; that will still continue the spectrum of worship – we are have for them is that while I colleagues should ever remember were blessed by the relevant appropriate in their territories. to be the case. In the British Isles all worshipping God. I think we worked as a local pastor many that their call came from God, and topics and dynamic sermons What exactly happened there? right now, as far as we know have to be realistic. In many parts years ago – I won’t identify the to whomever God calls He will by Pastor Rebecca Davis, some 45% of our congregations of our life and experience we do church – I worked with an elder give strength and equip to do associate pastor at the Ian Sweeney: There was a lot have female elders, and I would not experience uniformity . . . who was very much opposed to the ministry. It’s never going to Berean church in Atlanta, of discussion, obviously. On assume that many of them have but we still have unity. In our female elders. In fact, he left the be easy, even for our male USA, and Pastor Michael personal reflection, I felt that it been ordained. So nothing marriage relationship, I don’t congregation where he was, as a colleagues, as we see in the lives Kelly, senior pastor at and wine by describing a Jewish Trans-European Division was much like what happened changes there. We also have agree with my spouse Jennifer point of principle, as a point of of the prophets. They were called Rubidiux in California, USA. ceremony where the future bride executive secretary, Pastor Audrey with the TOSC meetings – the female pastors working in the on many, many things, and she conscientious objection, you to a prophetic ministry and it Pastor Kelly spoke on how to and groom declare their Andersson, affirmed the calling in Theology of Ordination Study British Union Conference and doesn’t agree with me on many, might say, to worship in the wasn’t easy. But God equipped develop youth and teens to be commitment to each other. ‘If Pastor Maureen Rock’s life and Committee – people already had all around the Trans-European many things, but we are still in congregation of which I was the them along the road. And I think outstanding leaders in their the groom felt the bride met his commissioned her to stand firm their opinions and their views. Division territory. They are still a loving, unified and united pastor because it did not have that God will today equip our communities. intentions with enthusiasm, he for the Lord. Pastor Andersson And even though we devoted a serving as female pastors; marriage. And I think the same female elders. And I have to say, ministers, our male and female would drink from a cup and then explained that the service whole day to the discussion of nothing has changed there; they can exist within the church as he was one of the best elders pastors, who have been called to Children pass the cup to her,’ said Pastor ‘represents an affirmation of your women’s ordination, I don’t think are not ordained, of course, but well. It’s not that everything has I have ever worked with. He ministry. Our juniors had a special week Venter. ‘If the bride took the cup calling and His blessings and anybody’s view was changed by they are commissioned pastors. to be uniform to express unity, respected the decision of the as Pastor Juan Carlos Patrick and drank from it, it symbolised leading in your life, a setting aside it. I would submit that maybe Commissioning, however, is not and I think we can express that congregation which he left, and Victor Hulbert: Pastor Sweeney, encouraged them to learn more that she accepted his proposal to a deeper and more meaningful people felt better for just airing only or exclusively for females within the church too. For he didn’t leave in the midst of thank you very much. about each other, and about God. and signalled a permanent service and a commitment on what they believed, but the truth as we also have males who are example, 45% of churches, as I a whole lot of warfare and But probably the most exciting commitment to the relationship.’ your part to the Gospel ministry’. is that nobody changed their commissioned to the Gospel min- said, have female elders. On the contention. He just said, ‘In my *In her later years, while recalling her programme at Camp Meeting Pastor Venter made the point that Pastor Rock was introduced opinion. . . . Permit me to suggest istry. And being commissioned is other hand there are churches – heart of hearts, I cannot do this,’ experience in the Millerite movement was the 5-8-year-olds’ Holiday ‘Jesus is inviting us to get back by Dr Brighton Kavaloh, who that when people arrived in San actually the recognition by the congregations – who honestly do and I think we need to have a and her first vision, she declared, ‘In the Bible Club. Organisers brought into this relationship; He’s asking had supervised her internship at Antonio their minds were already church of a male or female’s not desire or wish to have female greater understanding of and city of Portland, the Lord ordained me back the popular Space Academy us to recommit and drink from the Brixton Church. Pastor Rock was made up. call to the Gospel ministry for a elders. And we have to respect respect for people who differ with as His messenger, and here my first and the room was packed with cup that He drank. baptised along with her husband, lifelong commitment. the wishes of the congregation. us like this. Whether we are pro labours were given to the cause of enthusiastic children who Andrew, and youngest daughter, present truth’ (Letter 138, 1909 in 6Bio Victor Hulbert: And, as you We shouldn’t be seen to be or anti the ordination of female 211). ‘moonwalked’, pretending to Sabbath Ionna, back in 1995. know, it was an open vote. Victor Hulbert: The whole issue imposing upon a congregation pastors, we should listen to each http://www.andrews.edu/~fortind/ venture into space. On Sabbath the site filled with Camp Meeting ended with the There was no directive from GC and all the study over the last five that which they are not willing other and treat one another with EGWOrdination.htm Pastors Wayne Erasmus, Cliff day visitors, and the focus fell on usual popular concert, this time leadership to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’, years has raised the profile of the to accept, or that they are not Herman and Jacques Venter led mission. Pastors Kirk Thomas under the leadership of Mike and we know the results. It was debate and perhaps, in a sense, prepared to accept at this time. out, supported by several SEC (SEC Personal Ministries director) Johnson, SEC Music director. It a ‘no’ vote, which means that you are now the leader of a staff dressed in space suits. The and Aris Vontzalidis (SEC saw an outpouring of talent, from divisions have not been given the church that is more divided than it Victor Hulbert: If your daughter focus for the week was on Daniel, Evangelism and Church Growth the children’s space academy authority to decide whether it is was a couple of years ago. There chose to go and study theology looking at how he was an ‘alien’ director) shared stories and theme song, ‘I see the world God appropriate or not to ordain are those who are very much in at Newbold College, and train for Scottish Mission Session notice in a strange land. testimonies from people involved can see and just how much He women in their areas. I guess that favour of the ordination of women ministry, what advice would you Following a Day of Fellowship in Crieff on Sabbath 3 October, the Triennial in church planting and evangelistic cares for me’, to Croydon Gospel floats down in our division, in the pastors, and those who say that’s be giving her today? Session of the Scottish Mission will commence at 7.30pm in Crieff Friday Communion outreach. In the afternoon a joyful Choir with their renowned ‘Far Trans-European Division, to the not something we should be Church, continuing on Sunday 4 October. Delegates will have been Friday evening is always special, graduation service celebrated from home’. It concluded with unions and to where you sit as doing. How do you lead a church Ian Sweeney: I would encourage contacted by the Scottish Mission office with their registration information. and as Pastor Venter, senior those who had completed the the Golden Chords, who have the union president. What do you that’s got those two diverse her to study, if that is where she The report booklet will be made available electronically for the wider pastor at Stanborough Park School of Evangelism training. been ministering for 40 years, see as the repercussions, if any, views, with, as you say, 45% feels God is leading and calling membership as well as delegates. The session will set the strategic Church, led the adult Communion With caps and gowns and a singing, ‘Make it to the Promised from the vote that was taken? of its elders as female, and a her. In the British Union, across goals for the Mission, and elect the Mission Executive Committee and Service, he brought the theme Pathfinder parade, it was a Land’. considerable number of female the Division and I believe across the departmental sponsors for the next three years. of ‘Knowing God’s Heart’ into ceremony filled with pomp and For more from the SEC Camp For some people, pastors? Is there a way forward? the world, we are encouraging the sermon through everyday circumstance. Meeting, see adventist.org.uk/ Ian Sweeney: PASTOR PAUL LOCKHAM, they think that we’re reversing – women in this way and we want EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS illustrations. He skilfully This was followed by a news/2015/sec/knowing-gods- going back on something. I mean, Ian Sweeney: I believe there is. to keep doing so – when I say introduced the taking of the bread commissioning service in which heart-sec-camp-meeting-2015. 8 9 Editor: John, you have spent 40 Fine Arts classes at Newbold. alumni, and was delighted that across the desk years of your life in the service our alumni event was so well of Adventist education, no fewer Editor: I have heard it whispered attended and has attracted so than 33 of them in the same that you pursue an unusual many positive comments. Each institution. Why? pastime – care to share it with decade going back to the 1950s Dr John Baildam, principal of Newbold our readers? was represented, and it drove JB: Well, Julian, when I was 11, I home the point to me that College of Higher Education, shares a decided I wanted to teach. At the JB: I used to play a lot of cricket Newbold is more than a Division same age I attended my first until I was lured by the role of institution. We actually are a little of his life and work with our graduation ceremony at Newbold the umpire – I joined my wife global college, punching well MESSENGER readers. College (in a marquee!) and was in qualifying as a cricket scorer above our weight right round the immeasurably impressed by before going on to complete my world. Newbold is clearly so dear what I experienced. When I was umpiring qualifications, for which to so many people. Glasgow, before moving to live poetry, but there is a clear Biblical asked in 1975 to move from my I am a member of the England Apart from that, it was near Newbold College, where my Studies thrust and my work was teaching post in Hamburg, & Wales Cricket Board’s interesting to hear speeches mother still lives. Sadly, my father published by the former Sheffield Germany, to work at Stanborough Association of Cricket Officials. and even sermons which blurred passed away some seven years Academic Press in their Journal School, I was more than happy to the borders between spiritual ago. for the Study of the Old do so. It is always a joy working Editor: What do you feel you nourishment and political diatribe. Testament Supplementary Series. with young people, and a move to have accomplished as you enter And, disappointing as the vote on Editor: John, many of our In 1997 I moved to the position of Newbold 33 years ago cemented your second year as Principal? women’s ordination was to so readers will be interested Director of Academic Affairs at the excitement of working with Editor: After 40 years of working get a lot of time for hobbies, so many, particularly in Europe, at in your educational and Newbold College, subsequently students from so many different for the Church, have you no how do you relax? JB: I believe I have already least the ‘yes’ option polled over professional background. completing a Postgraduate backgrounds, cultures and plans to retire? brought a measure of healing 40% of the vote – no mean Editor: John, please tell us a bit Please tell us a bit about that. Certificate in Higher Education nationalities. Where else could I JB: Yes, you’re right! I don’t think to colleagues after a number of achievement in the face of about your family background. Management through the work with Christian colleagues JB: Interestingly I had great I have taken enough time to relax turbulent and painful years; I have swathes of opposition. JB: Julian, I went to the University University of Twente, Netherlands. and students from up to 60 plans to retire, with a long list of over the last year or so, so I need overseen successful reviews John Baildam: My maternal of London, where I completed my My role was combined in 2011 countries, all on one relatively retirement projects – but all that to indulge my passion for opera by the Adventist Accrediting Editor: What would you like your great-grandfather became an first degree in German (French with the far wider brief of Deputy small campus? Newbold is was put on hold when the more and get a few more rounds Association and the UK’s Quality college legacy to be? Adventist in Plymouth, UK, as a subsidiary) and a Postgraduate Principal at the college, and in family, where I look forward to the Newbold Board of Governors of golf under my belt . . . which Assurance Agency for Higher result of finding some Adventist Certificate in Education with a May 2014 the Newbold College joys and challenges that each day invited me to become Principal. It is becoming rather too tight! Education; I have worked hard JB: I would like my legacy to be literature at the docks. So on that view to teaching in secondary Board of Governors invited me to brings. would have been unfair for me to However, I manage to read a lot with colleagues to bring back a that I helped to move the college side I am a fourth-generation education. After completing a become Principal. accept this responsibility for just (mainly on trains and in airports) partnership with a UK university, from potential closure to a Adventist. My paternal grand- Teacher’s Supplementary Editor: You mentioned external a year or two, so as long as I am and have recently read the whole namely the University of thriving, healthy provider of mother came into the Church in Certificate at Newbold College, Editor: I notice that on your involvement – can you give me fit and healthy I will continue to Thomas Hardy canon. And I go to Wales Trinity Saint David; I Adventist education; that I the early ’30s, and her husband I taught in Hamburg, Germany, business card you include the some examples? give my best to the college and as many of Reading Football am encouraging greater fiscal oversaw a large increase in joined the Church at a later date. before being appointed Preceptor letters CIEA and FAUA. Why are the Church – at least until I get a Club’s mid-week home games as responsibility on campus, to student enrolment; that I My parents, Jean and Denys and teacher at Stanborough those important? JB: Over the last several decades gentle tap on the shoulder from possible. which our balanced budgets supported colleagues in ensuring Baildam, both worked for the Secondary School, Watford. I have been involved at various the board chair suggesting that I testify; and I continue to work a financially healthy institution; Church – my mother as a Bible During that period I completed an JB: These signify peer-awarded times as a member of external might want to spend a little more Editor: Your passion for opera – hard with colleagues to fulfil and that I was successful in worker and my father as a pastor MA in German from the University professional as opposed to accreditation and validation time with my golf clubs! tell us a bit more about that. as far as possible all the encouraging our young people in until, at the age of 65, he was of London, specialising in academic recognition for my panels; as an external member of recommendations made through the BUC to attend Newbold, even elected to serve for an additional Enlightenment literature with work not only within Newbold boards at other higher education Editor: What excites you most JB: My undergraduate studies the Board of Governors by the if for one semester, to prepare eight years as BUC Ministerial special reference to ‘education’ – College, but also externally in providers; as Chair of Examiners about your role? included a spell at the University Regeneration Planning Group in them for a life of mission and Secretary. whether pedagogic, scientific or areas such as assessment, for one of the UK’s major of Vienna in Austria, during February 2014. And I was so evangelism. It is my dream that aesthetic. management, administration, examination boards; and for the JB: I learn something new which I went against my pleased to see that in a recent my sisters and brothers through- Editor: Where are you from? I moved to Newbold College in quality assurance and quality past 16 years as Chair of the every day. I am regularly asked better judgement to a Mozart student survey, Newbold’s out Britain will all regard Newbold 1982, becoming Director of what enhancement. The first denotes Board of Governors of the local questions which I have never performance in the magnificent opportunities for spiritual growth as their college, rather than just JB: I was born just outside was known as the School of Fellow of the Chartered Institute secondary school. These external heard before and to which I need State Opera House. I was hooked, came out on top. an irrelevant Division entity which Glasgow of English parents, who English & Modern Languages. I of Educational Assessors, and the involvements have greatly to give an appropriate response. and have enjoyed almost half happens to be less than an hour served the Church in Scotland; became Director of Admissions most recent, awarded in 2014, enhanced the work I do for the And no two days are remotely a century of opera in various Editor: John, how about a few from central London. then we moved to Cardiff in & Records in 1990, subsequently recognises me as a Fellow of college, and undoubtedly have similar! I go to work thinking I countries. I adore anything from thoughts on San Antonio? Wales, then to Birmingham and completing my PhD from the the Association of University helped to keep me fresh and know what committees lie ahead Handel to Wagner to Britten and Editor: John, thank you for Leeds in England. After I had left University of London. My thesis Administrators. working in the same place for so that day, which people I have Berg! And for years I have shared JB: I loved the time I was able to joining us for our first ‘across home, my parents subsequently explored Johann Gottfried long. appointments with, and what my interest with students in our spend interacting with Newbold the desk’ interview. moved to Manchester, and then Herder’s translations of the Song administrative tasks I need to back up to Edinburgh and of Songs between 1772 and accomplish – but there will still 1778 – essentially the degree is be surprises (mostly pleasant in eighteenth-century German ones).

Editor: What are your greatest daily challenges?

JB: Having so little time when there is so much to accomplish. And of course making decisions which please some and distress others, though I like to think I’ve always been good at separating the personal from the professional when it comes to relationships with my colleagues.

Editor: John, you probably don’t 10 the second mile Fund-raising in Ballymoney by Pastor Weiers Coetser

A father-and-daughter duo who persistently go the second mile to raise both funds and awareness for good causes.

The printed booklet that was handed out at performer Allistair Coyles, and Elvis tribute the event tells David’s story. ‘David has been a singer Andy Rodgers. On the evening of the dedicated volunteer with BHF Northern Ireland concert, David was pacing up and down in the for three years. He was struck by a heart venue, wondering if people would come for attack five years ago and since his remarkable the concert. Securing the hall and the recovery he has dedicated his time to giving something back. He has singlehandedly raised an incredible £6,000, and his passion and relentless determination are a great sk anybody in Ballymoney, ‘What asset as well as a great happens when David Dickie walks into inspiration to the volunteer Aa bar?’ and the inevitable answer is, team in Northern Ireland.’ GUEST SPEAKER: ‘He’s lookin’ for ye’ money!’ So it came as In March this year, one no surprise when on 16 June the effort of of David’s fund-raising this veteran fund-raiser was recognised at a Pastor Mark Finley supporters’ conference of the British Heart Foundation, Northern Ireland. David, who Evangelist and Author is also a member of the Coleraine church, received the ‘fund-raiser of the year’ award at a gala event held at the Dunsilly hotel in Pastor Mark Finley and his wife Ernestine have been involved in Christian Antrim. ministry for more than 40 years – preaching, teaching, offering spiritual ‘There were several people listed on the programme to receive recognition for growth workshops and presenting healthful lifestyle lectures. Pastor Finley served as ‘It is Written’s speaker/ various contributions to the work of the British director from 1991 to 2004. In 2005, he was appointed as Vice President for Global Evangelism until July Heart Foundation. At least three were in the performers required a significant financial 2010, when he became the Assistant to the President of the General Conference. He kept this position until category of fund-raising,’ says David. ‘As the commitment. The people of Ballymoney did presentations were made, my eye fell on a not disappoint. On the evening there was not the recent GC session in San Antonio. promotional poster with a photo of a bloke an empty seat in the facility and the evening of As a profound writer, Pastor Mark Finley draws from his years of experience in pastoral work to reach people who looked very much like myself. I had not maudlin tunes and Northern Irish humour by seen it before, and I thought that something compère, Gary Wilson, was a huge success. from all walks of life. His books touch and change lives by tackling today’s issues in an easily understood must be coming up. A few minutes later I was Commenting on Facebook, Stacey Dickie, manner, highlighting the plan of redemption that is available to each of us. His wife has also most recently called to the stage.’ daughter of David and Irene, said, ‘So proud of my dad today. . . . I think it’s well deserved, written a cookbook presenting fantastic ideas for healthy meals. ’cause he has worked his wee socks off over Both Mark Finley and his wife have conducted more than 150 evangelistic series that have spanned the the past few years to raise a massive amount globe. His sermons have been translated into 80 languages. In his efforts to reach people all over the world, of money. . . . Well done Dad.’ The Dickies are no strangers to fund- Pastor Finley became a pioneer of satellite evangelism technology. raising for good causes. David takes several Stanborough Press is pleased to have Pastor Mark Finley as our keynote speaker for our Open Day. campaigns caught the days’ leave each year in March/April to raise imagination of people in money for ADRA. Stacey has followed in her Ballymoney and further parent’s footsteps. In April she participated in afield. Together with a a nine-day Big Cycle around Ireland with a team of friends he pushed a team that raised £11,000 for Cancer Focus NI, Music from ‘Resurrection’ and ‘The Francis Family’. balloon-filled bath, mounted and on 14 June she abseiled down the Europa on wheels, around the Hotel to raise money for Lighthouse, a suicide town. That effort raised prevention charity in Belfast. more than £1,000. ‘It’s all about making a difference,’ says find us on: In April, David, David, for whom faith is much more about supported by his wife, practical living than simply focusing on Irene, staged a variety doctrine. ‘We have been blessed with so Adventist Book Centre (UK) music concert in the much. We are always grateful, and it is a Ballymoney town hall, privilege to share the joy.’ Such an approach Adventist Book Centre – UK featuring a line-up of to life is certainly worthy of recognition . . . performers including a Mid- and perhaps a wee donation when you see Ulster favourite, country David again. SPECIAL OFFERS: SPECIAL OFFERS: on Bibles on Mark Finley titles

A selection of Bibles, all with Mark Finley has written and Mark Finley Bible Study Helps, co-written many titles during in a choice of bindings and his career. We will be offering a colours to suit all tastes. large selection at Open Day this year, and Mark will be on hand to sign your books for you.

find us on:

Adventist Book Centre (UK)

Adventist Book Centre – UK baptisms 15

Baptismal candidates joined by associate pastor, Pastor Delcina Rodney (far left), Bible worker Eliette Loziel (fourth from left), Dr Keith Burton (far right) and senior pastor, Pastor Vincent Goddard (second from right) Holloway baptises 11 Does the Bible contain a curse against the dark-skinned children of Ham? Where does Islam fit into Bible prophecy? And what difference does the Sabbath really make? Anyone who watched online or who HOW TO FIND US: attended Holloway Church between 23 May and 6 June would have Brixton ‘harvest’ received answers and an assurance that God holds the present and the The Stanborough Press Ltd During May the Brixton church hosted an evangelistic series presided future in His hands. over by the senior pastor, Ebenezer Jones-Lartey. The programme The speaker for our Prophecy Unleashed series was Dr Keith Alma Park, Grantham was well-attended and the topics covered by his sermons were Augustus Burton, a well-known author who currently serves as director attention-gripping and inspiring: so much so that five new members of the Centre for Adventist-Muslim Relations at Oakwood University. NG31 9SL were ‘harvested’ for Christ’s kingdom at the close of the series. They With his warm laugh, charisma and wealth of knowledge, he opened are pictured above with Pastor Jones-Lartey and some of his team. our eyes to relevant world events and highlighted the soon coming of PASTOR EBENEZER JONES-LARTEY Christ. Located in the beautiful county (UNFORTUNATELY THE CANDIDATES’ NAMES WERE NOT SUPPLIED, BUT WE WISH THEM WELL IN Between 100 and 150 people filled the church each night, including THEIR NEW WALK WITH JESUS. EDITOR) many guests. There were also many online viewers. The sermons of Lincolnshire about 125 made an impact in the Holloway community, which includes the Finsbury Park Mosque and several major colleges and high-ranked miles north of London and 73 universities. As part of the church’s preparation for the campaign a miles east of Birmingham by health fair was held in Finsbury Park; some church members dropped leaflets in the community; while others donated flowers to help make car. A train ride from London the church more presentable; or welcomed guests each night. takes just over an hour, and from The concerted efforts of the church members and Dr Burton’s sermons met the needs of our community, resulting in one of Birmingham, around 2.5hrs. Holloway’s largest baptisms in recent years, with 11 people dedicating their lives to Christ and three requesting further Bible studies. HOLLOWAY COMMUNICATIONS Open Day transport Brother Hubert Smiley is arranging the usual coach transport to the Stanborough Press Open Day, 13 September, from both Les wins workmate London (Croydon, Brixton, Battersea and Fulham) and the West Midlands A few years ago a member of the South Cumbria church, Les Shaw, an electrician at the Sellafield atomic energy plant, was given a new (Pendeford, Wolverhampton, Great Brickkiln, Walsall, Handsworth and Camp Hill). For details, workmate. Les, a hardy but diminutive character with a dry sense of including fares, please phone 07868288310 or 01384213803, or email humour, was suddenly overshadowed by a young 6’ 7” rugby player, Nick Murray. [email protected]. Failing those methods, dial 07831958114 or 07736509625. Les, unperturbed by some scoffing workmates, used to read his Bible during break times. This intrigued Nick, who had spent many years as a missionary’s son in some rather remote places, and had later Student baptised in Exeter attended a Baptist seminary for four years. They started to talk ‘Jesus’, Kerigma David, from Angola, came to Exeter University as a student ignoring many of our doctrines – they would come later. of mining engineering after having been ‘strongly influenced’ by her Then one day Nick was moved to a different part of this huge atomic Adventist mother back home. Soon after arriving in Exeter she requested plant and, needless to say, Les was rather disappointed. Bible studies, and Pastor Ian Lorek and his wife, Romola, were happy to Plan to enjoy this very special day with us; we look forward to seeing you all! Some years later Nick rang and said that he would like to see him. oblige. He had been watching Doug Batchelor on the internet. They talked, and On 20 June she was baptised by Pastor Lorek in the presence of this time they talked ‘doctrine’. Nick was on fire, he couldn’t get enough, the church members and a number of her university friends. After find us on: the Holy Spirit had gripped him. The pastor visited and presented him this Kerigma (whose name means ‘preaching’ in Greek) was formally with our set of doctrines. He read them through, agreed with each and welcomed into the Exeter fellowship by Stella Jeffery and the pastor. every one of them, and asked to be baptised. Tabitha Sonneveld, who had been on an internship in Exeter for a few Adventist Book Centre (UK) This worried his parents, who told him that the Seventh-day months, was also presented with a card and a gift, as she is planning Adventist Church was a cult religion. He studied their points of concern to be baptised in her native Holland in the autumn. Adventist Book Centre – UK and saw that we stand for truth. After the service, at the fellowship lunch, the members and visitors He was baptised by Pastor Roman Smejkal, assisted by the writer, were able to welcome the newest member of the church family, while on 23 May. Kerigma cut a cake which she had made for this special occasion. KEITH HAMILTON PHOTO: LISA LUISI STELLA JEFFERY 16 news 17

Children’s health expo at Leeds Central Adult health expos have been held in Leeds before, but on 14 June, for the first time, one was aimed at children of 8-12 years. It was organised by the Children’s Ministries leader, Paula Morris, and her enthusiastic team, and prior training was provided for participating stallholders. A dream comes true The stalls were based on NEWSTART: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, It was in 2014 that Brother V. Maxwell of Tottenham Church felt inspired Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in God. Interactive activities to organise a week-long health programme for the Haringey community. at each stall took the form of games, songs (which the children This was achieved with the help of a small team. The Awotwi family enjoyed) and the learning of key messages. Every child received a designed the logo, flyers and volunteer T-shirts. Over 10,000 flyers goody bag containing information for each stall, as well as a certificate were distributed and the programme was well advertised through local of attendance. radio, posters in local libraries and supermarkets, and even via a Newmarket health expo About thirty children and parents attended the expos, and spare dedicated Facebook page. On 16 May our Pathfinders marched through On 27 June Cambridge Church and Haverhill Fellowship conducted a goody bags were also distributed in the city centre, where they were Tottenham along with other church members to further advertise the professionally run Health MOT venture in Newmarket, Suffolk. well received. V. MAYNARD programme, which ran from 24 to 31 May with the support of the Although it was a perfect summer’s day and the town was members and the SEC (Pastors Sam Davis and Kirk Thomas in crowded with those attending the popular Newmarket racecourse, the particular). bright yellow T-shirts of our ‘street runners’ made them conspicuous The programme was opened by Councillor Griffith, SEC president as they invited people in for a check-up. Pastor Sam Davis, and Roger Charles (elder), accompanied by The response to their warm invitations was excellent and those Tottenham’s Pathfinders. Councillor Griffith was so impressed with the manning the various expo stations were under pressure for more than health programme that he returned for his own health check and to take four hours with hardly a breather. a closer look at the activities on offer. We offered our visitors free health The attendees were smilingly treated to advice and health checks, supported by a small team who work for Tottenham Hotspur screenings that included Body Mass Index assessments; blood Football Association, Elsie Staple (SEC Health Ministries director) and pressure and peak flow checks; health age screening; physical fitness Sister Kirwan (Area 6a Health co-ordinator). We also provided health tests; massages; counselling; and the opportunity to taste some presentations, which took place every day. The presenters were from healthy smoothies. The Lord blessed the event with between 40 and 50 local organisations and they freely volunteered their time to cover topics receiving check-ups, some accompanied by family members. Hopefully such as diabetes, stress, Alzheimer’s, sexual health and high blood all had a special and unforgettable experience with this little-known pressure. group of Adventists in town. Stallholders from the community were given the opportunity to sell The expo comes in support of an ongoing series of health talks their goods. During the week the cookery school proved to be a hit with being run under the title of ‘The Body Temple’. the community as well as our members. The cooking classes were Many of our visitors expressed heartfelt appreciation for the services filled to capacity as chef Alvin Mcqueen charismatically showed the provided by the team and some have shown an interest in attending participants how to cook tasty vegan meals, which they were then able church services. All praise be to God, great things He hath done! Kasia’s kindness to take home. Alvin was also our speaker for the evening evangelistic HENRY MAKUYANA Darlington’s Rotary Young Citizen of the Year, Kasia Polkoszek, a student programme. at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, chose to donate the £100 During the programme we gave out hundreds of books and leaflets, cheque she received as part of her award to the Special Needs Camp of made contact with members of the public who otherwise would never Happy birthday Brenda! the North England Conference. This project is important to Kasia as she have visited our local church, and were able to pray with a number of Brenda James celebrated her eightieth birthday on cares for a Down’s Syndrome lady who attends the camp. our visitors. We have received an invitation to put on a programme in Sabbath, 27 June, and was presented with a flower In the above photo she is seen presenting the donation to Colin our local library and to work with various local organisations. Our arrangement at Birmingham Camp Hill Church to mark Woodford of the Special Needs Camp. If you would like to follow Kasia’s visitors received a thank-you card for attending the health programme the occasion! unselfish example contact Joy at [email protected]. and further follow-up has since begun. A dream has certainly come JACQUIE HALLIDAY-BELL JOY BUSSEY true! SONIA MUNROE (ELDER AT TOTTENHAM CHURCH) 18 19 Welcome home Union Conference of Seventh-day 100 years of Adventism in Adventists, who, in addressing the On 4 July Leamington Mission Montserrat – UK celebration congregation, highlighted the fact that members were delighted to God had brought ‘volcanic fallout’ to welcome James Watson back from On 15 November 1915, the Adventist church was started the British Isles for a purpose – so we Nepal, where he has been assisting on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat, in the home of could play our part in evangelising with humanitarian work in the Narna Jane Greaves of Flemings, Salem, under the this country. wake of that country’s devastating ministry of Pastor J. J. Smith. The day’s sermon was powerfully earthquake (and aftershocks). On Sabbath 23 May this year over 600 Montserratians delivered by a visiting pastor, Wilmoth James, who had set off to travel and their friends gathered at the Mount Zion Conference James, who served the Church in around India, immediately put his Centre in Birmingham for the 15th Annual Montserrat Montserrat from 1992 to 1994. The travels on hold and devoted the Day of Fellowship and the centennial of this wonderful scriptural focus for his message was next few weeks to helping with beginning. This worship experience was also witnessed by Hebrews 12:1-3, and he admonished relief work. 624 online viewers. us to lay aside every weight at the Part of that work involved the For the day’s gathering, we adopted the theme, foot of the cross: bitterness, anger, an raising of a substantial sum of ‘Embracing Our Past with Hope for the Future – Heaven money, £5,154, that was channelled directly to where it was needed: at Last’, which is the theme for the year-long centenary over 7 tons of rice, along with other food supplies; tools and building celebrations in Montserrat. materials; transportation and fuel costs; tarpaulins; and, later, During the morning’s programme, we took an educational supplies. historical journey from the birth of the church in 1915 till During his report he spoke movingly of the great loss many people the present day, including how the island’s five churches had suffered. Particularly painful was the loss of loved ones, but many were established. It also incorporated the history of music, had also lost their homes and all their possessions too. LORRAINE GLINTON Pathfindering and education on the island. The afternoon session included updates on the programmes currently taking place in Editor’s comment: I wish to commend the efforts of James and his Montserrat and the testimonies of those members who have relocated informal ‘team’ for the work they did in Nepal. It will not be listed to the UK since the volcanic activity began in 1995. among the efforts of the great relief organisations but it serves as a In attendance was Pastor Ian Sweeney, President of the British real inspiration to each of us.

unforgiving spirit, untruthful practices and sexual immorality. He left us with the secure hope that as long as we endure, we will inherit the Kingdom of God. The Lord has allowed the church in Montserrat to endure and grow Errors and omissions excepted for the past 100 years as a result of its willingness to carry out His great commission, in spite of the challenges placed on it by various factors, including mother nature. MARCELLE RILEY

Nealsen sings heart out for God able to collect £2,665.75 for ADRA’s good The Halesowen church plant was organised in February of 2012 with causes. In percentage terms, his share around 40 in attendance, including children. Since then they have been represented 57 percent of the church’s total of renting a building for their worship and fellowship activities. They know £4,673.13. that their influence in the community and their success in outreach Don finds joy in collecting for ADRA every would improve if they had a ‘home’ of their own. To achieve this they year. He does so many things for the church, but recently held a ‘Proclaim the glory of the Lord’ concert to raise urgently Ingathering is definitely his special gift. needed funds. The Advent Melodies were joined by 10-year-old Nealsen JOHN OSEI-BEMPONG Clifford to present an inspiring programme that was well-attended by many. Centre for Christian Leadership The church plant has made a recording of the concert and these Newbold’s Centre for Christian Leadership aims to provide an opportunity for DVDs are available from https://nealsenmirkclifford.wordpress.com/ church members and those in leadership positions to enhance their skills and Grantham investiture knowledge in spiritual, educational and social ministry through the practical and nealsenmirkclifford-live-in-concert-2015-halesowen/. theoretical short and intensive courses it offers. Register for workshops and find out Please support this special group where you can. Grantham Church has not held an Adventurers/Pathfinders investiture more at www.newbold.ac.uk/centre-christian-leadership. DIANA R. SINCLAIR (CAMP HILL) day for many years, which made the event on 27 June so memorable. Supported by the Nottingham Central Pathfinders and three of their very Flowers for Worship August capable drummers, the combined clubs marched proudly into church to Sunday 13 September 2015 – from £31 16 Rye Summer Festival conduct a worship service of their very own. This is a half-day workshop on flower arranging for ministry, taught by Audrey Robert Hughes (Pathfinder director) and Chim Nuka (Adventurer Balderstone, recent winner of a gold medal at the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show. September Flowers are a reminder of God’s creative power and should be as much a part of 6 Hyland House (formerly John Loughborough) 10am-2pm director) were ably assisted by Levon Johns (Area 4 co-ordinator) and the worship experience as hymns and prayers. They can set the mood or tell a 13 Stanborough Press Open Day Pastor Alan Hush (NEC Pathfinder director) throughout the programme. story, and enhance the place of worship. This workshop is designed to help flower Pastor Hush presented a sermon that held the attention of all ages, after arrangers make the most of their limited budgets while producing arrangements which the awards were handed out. Thank God for our precious children which are powerful witnesses to the beauty of creation. ABC Shops and those who look after them each Sabbath. Watford, BUC, Monday-Thursday – 12.30-5pm, Friday – 10am-2pm. Sabbath School Teacher Training Certificate 01923 893461 SHEBA M. HUGHES Birmingham, Aston-Newtown, Wednesday – 11am-4pm, Thursday – 4pm-8pm, Sunday 6 September, 27 September, and 1 November 2015 – from £98 for all Sunday – 11am-3pm. three parts 0121 3286380 This workshop will be offered over three Sundays in 2015. It is designed to help Advent Centre, Mondays & Wednesdays – 6.30pm-8.30pm, Erdington’s top collector Sundays – 11am-3pm, Saturdays – November, December, January: After sunset. participants to plan and teach Adult Sabbath School lessons that are interesting, 0207 7236849 During this year’s Ingathering, Don Parker increased his door-to-door interactive, and spiritually uplifting. The certificate is offered in three parts, with collection tally, as he does every year. participants able to complete Part 1, Parts 1 and 2, or Parts 1, 2 and 3. All three Don celebrated his eightieth birthday in June this year, but was still parts must be completed to be awarded the certificate. 20

Why not travel to a different country with ADRA-UK? Ever thought about going abroad to help make a difference in the lives of others? If you answered ‘yes’, then look no further! Next year, ADRA-UK will be travelling to Jamaica (Feb), Peru (July) and Rwanda. Interested in getting your hands dirty, actively working with developing communities around the world to create small changes that will last a lifetime? Contact [email protected] TODAY to join us for the trip of a lifetime! To find out more about our ADRA Connections trips visit us online at: adra.org.uk/get-involved.

‘They’re fantastic!’ These were the words of a visitor to the Cotgrave Annual Festival on Sabbath, 20 June as she watched the drum and drill display put on by Nottingham Central Pathfinders. Another person commented on how good it was to see young people engaged in such activities. The crowd were invited to take part in the drill, and four members of the community successfully completed the ‘automatic drill’ routine, cheered on by the crowd. Retired colonel, John Ludlam (OBE) of the British Legion took part and reported that he found the Pathfinders an inspiration and a credit to our community. He was so moved that he invited the Messenger Pathfinders to take part in the Volume 120 • 16 – 14 August 2015 Remembrance Sunday service Editor: Julian Hibbert later this year. Leaflets about Design: David Bell Proof reading: Andrew Puckering Pathfindering were distributed, COPY FOR No. 18 – 20 August 2015 answering those frequent Copy should be sent to the Editor, M questions of ‘Who are they?’ ESSENGER, The Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham, ‘Where do they come from?’ Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL. Tel: (01476) 591700. Fax No: (01476) 577144. and ‘What do they stand for?’ Email: [email protected] Send high-resolution pictures to: The Pathfinders were joined by [email protected] the Health and Temperance team ABC Sales line: (01476) 591700 of Nottingham Central Church, Mon-Thurs only, 8am - 5.30pm. who registered thirty people with www.stanboroughpress.com The Editor may alter, clarify, précis or expand the NEWSTART health expo. Six articles sent to him if he thinks it necessary. participants requested Bible Published fortnightly on Fridays by the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. studies and many commented on For general enquiries, email: how wonderful it was to have all [email protected] Printed in the UK. this information in one place. They Visit the BUC website at: www.adventist.org.uk took part in all the activities, from ISSN 0309-3654 finding out how much water they should drink, to having a back Sunset Sunset times are reproduced with permission from massage to aid relaxation. data supplied by HM Nautical Almanac Office. This was a wonderful Lond Card Nott Edin Belf Aug 14 8.26 8.38 8.34 8.53 8.59 opportunity for all involved to draw 21 8.12 8.24 8.19 8.36 8.43 the community’s attention to 28 7.57 8.09 8.04 8.18 8.26 Pathfinders and our wonderful Sept 4 7.41 7.53 7.47 8.00 8.09 health message, and to share the MESSENGER SUBSCRIPTIONS Cost £25 per annum for 24 issues.* the Spirit of God’s love with them. *Postage will only be charged for single copy subscriptions and overseas airmail. IRIS JOHNS, AREA CO-ORDINATOR (NEC AREA 4)