SEPTEMBER 18, 2004 RECORD In this issue
Church, state criticism addressed
Church leaders respond to Ellen White claims
PNG PM assists Adventist student
Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena (second from left) opened an evangelistic series presented by Pastors Laurie Evans (left) and Anthony Kent (far right) of the South Pacific Division. Pastor Martin Losi (second from right), president of the Eastern Solomon Islands Mission, also attended. Church leaders take up evangelism challenge Wahroonga, New South Wales
eaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific have met their own challenge Lto participate in at least one evangelistic program this year. The leaders issued the challenge to church members during the South Pacific Division’s (SPD) launch of the worldwide church’s Year of Evangelism in November last year. President Pastor Laurie Evans joined Ministerial Association secretary Pastor Anthony Kent to present a three-week evangelistic series in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara, in July. The Governor-General of the Solomons, Sir Nathaniel Waena, opened and closed the series. Pastors Evans estimates more than 4000 people attended each of the meetings, held in the city’s A first for marketplace. More than 1500 responded to Pastor Kent’s call for baptism. Pastor Evans describes preaching to the mass of people and having them respond “to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit” as an “exhilarating” experience. “I now understand how addictive evangelism is!” women in Pastor Barry Oliver, SPD general secretary, returned in July to Kavieng, PNG, where he once served as president of the church’s New Britain New Ireland Mission. His evangelistic series, held on the town’s oval, also drew more than 4000 people to each of the meetings. ministry (Continued on page 7)
ISSN 0819-5633 EDITORIAL The art of grace—1
t’s relatively easy to invent a new word. can approach a topic dealing with a portion is a real temptation. It is probably why—as IAll one has to do is start using it. Getting of the grand enormity of God. Yet within a Philip Yancey points out—Paul opens all the word published helps. And, if enough few minutes the group will be debating— his letters with an acknowledgement of other people take it on, we have a new usually with increased vigour—the God’s grace. Continually bringing his word. So, here goes . . . appropriateness or otherwise of swimming readers back to that grace, he also closes by Controphy—probably derived by the on Sabbath afternoon or some similar returning to God’s grace and commending conjunction of conversation and “standard.” Controphy has done its work. It it to the recipients of his letters. It may also dystrophy—is the name given (by me, as a is a pattern repeated many times. It almost be that Paul knew by personal experience very amateur sociologist) to the tendency seems that the degree of controphy is the power and overwhelming importance of conversations to degenerate in quality proportional to the magnitude of the of grace: “By the grace of God I am what I and subject matter; sometimes by huge leaps from the sublime to the ridiculous, What do we have that can be given in any kind of legitimate sometimes by gradual and almost imper- exchange for the boundless love of the God of the universe? ceptible steps down from the point of departure. subject initially under discussion. am” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NIV). It may be Now, it is possible that it could be just It is hardly surprising, then, that that, if we could gain a better appreciation that I am usually involved in the discussion of the grace of God is so prone of God’s grace, our spiritual conversations conversations I have greatest opportunity to this degenerative condition. As the may not be so controphic. to observe. Certainly, we all know people grandest of all themes of study and Controphy can be frustrating, but it can whose introduction to a conversation discussion, it is worthy of much more also be a relief from topics of conversation precipitates a rapid controphic effect, and it careful attention. However, when grace is with which we might feel uncomfortable. may be that I am one of those people preached, discussed or even mentioned, all God forbid that His amazing grace should unwittingly armed with a barrage of too often there is someone who wants to be such a topic. Yet, however we approach conversation killers. However, when I have point out “the other side of grace” and the it and however our conversations might had opportunity to discuss this theory with conversation descends into an articulation degenerate, the grace itself remains others, the impression seems to be that it is of appropriate behaviours. unchanged. That is the very nature of a more widespread conversational phe- Yet there is no “other side” to grace. If grace. nomenon—but we soon move to talking you are looking for something from the In the grand conversation that is God’s about something else. party to whom the grace has been given, it communication with humanity—generally Controphy can be observed in all forms ceases to be grace, becoming a mere and individually—there is no controphy. of social interaction. However, nowhere is exchange of behaviour and reward. In all Instead, there is the unshakable assurance it more marked than in the discussion of honesty, when we stand at the cross, what that God’s grace remains and is always matters of Christianity and religion. The do we have that can be given in any kind of available to us, no matter potential difference between the height and legitimate exchange for the boundless love what our past failures or breadth of the mind of God and the of the God of the universe? If we do need present circumstance. mundane pettiness of religious trappings something in exchange, we are just as The grace of God is de- provide a vast scope in which the hopelessly lost as when we began. As soon pendent only controphy inherent in discussions can run as there is any mention of something in upon the rampant. The degeneration is exaggerated addition to the simple but unfathomable unfailing by the enormity of the starting point. grace of God, the discussion has entered goodness of Consider the standard controphic into an alarming and dangerous controphy. God Himself. pattern. Occasionally, a discussion— It is so much simpler to talk about whether in a Sabbath school class or other Christian behaviour and standards—or the shared Bible-study group or less formally— weather or sports results, for that matter; it Nathan Brown
OFFICIAL PAPER Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company South Pacific Division Senior assistant editor Lee Dunstan 3485 Warburton Highway Seventh-day Adventist Assistant editor Kellie Hancock Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia Church Editorial assistant Scott Wegener Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 ACN 000 003 930 Copyeditor Graeme Brown Email Letters: [email protected] www.adventist.org.au Editorial secretary Meryl McDonald-Gough Email Newsfront: [email protected] Layout Nathan Chee Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Vol 109 No 36 SPD news correspondent Brenton Stacey Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Cover: Joe Talemaitoga Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 September 18, 2004 FLASHPOINT
• Tasmanian Conference latest to incorporate • Pathfinders leapfrog into record books • ADRA–Afghanistan damaged in bomb blast • Church women bare all for calendar • and more —Compiled by Scott Wegener—
● The Australian Union pleting their 8000-kilometre Conference school system Retirement village’s Olympic dash tour (Newsfront, July 31), now has its own education this group of energetic young handbook. Developed by Dr oronella Retirement adults, who also featured on Arnold Reye, a recently CVillage, Vic, recently the August 27 Adventist News retired Adventist educator, appeared in the local broadcast, holds number one this book consists of 160 newspaper when residents spot with their pages and is a compilation of took part in a mini- “Prodigal tale” policies, directives and pro- Olympic games run by album, position cedures relating to the their occupational therapy six with “Rip establishment, maintenance, department. roaring tale” Whitehorse Leader administration and operation Events included volley- and 15th place of Adventist schools in ball, hockey, gymnastics, a toilet-paper throw, a wheelchair marathon with “Whale of Australia.—FYI and egg-and-spoon races (pictured). Comment was made that if ever a tale.” an egg-and-spoon race were to feature in a future Olympics, then Coronella is certain to have some competitors. ● Tasmania is the latest Nursing and administrative staff also joined in the activities in the ● Some 85 Pathfinders and conference in Australia to spirit of the occasion. Coronella’s CEO, Ruth Welling, says, “Wreaths, their leaders from the South incorporate. The 50 delegates wattle bouquets and gold-wrapped chocolate medals were awarded to Pacific attended the Inter- attending a special session of the winners and proved almost as popular as the real thing!” national North American the conference, held at the Federal Liberal MP Phil Barresi also attended, presenting a cheque Pathfinder Camporee in Adventist church in Laun- for $A324,683.33—a one-off Government payment to upgrade the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA, in ceston on August 22, all voted present buildings. August. The Pathfinders to change the conference’s came from 10 Australian, constitution. The change gives the chaplaincy program of the Darling Downs New Zealand, Tahitian and Tongan-based conference the power to create companies, Christian School, Qld, is “Synergy 451.” clubs, taking part with more than 30,000 to manage its operations and schools, and One Friday night a month the school shed, other Pathfinders and their leaders who protects the conference and its leaders by which doubles as the weekly chapel, is attended the Egyptian themed camporee. limiting liability.—Brenton Stacey converted into a contemporary praise Two world records were attempted at the and worship venue for a program targeted camporee. Some 1067 junior Pathfinders at secondary students, youth, un-churched set a new leapfrogging record, but the ● The best season in 13 years was school families and others. Attendance efforts of more then 7000 individuals fell experienced by more than 50 youth who regularly exceeds 100, but more than 200 short of the 10,241 needed to set a new attended the Victorian Conference snow attended the final record for the most people brushing their camp this year, with some of the snow on night of a recent teeth simultaneously. Looking at the bright Mount Buller being more than two metres Week of Spiritual side, more than 200,000 pearly whites were deep. The young people not only enjoyed Emphasis with made to sparkle in two minutes.—Brenton skiing, snow-boarding and snow-tubing, guest speaker and Stacey but were also performer Peter spiritually fed Dixon (pictured). with Victorian A call on this night for students to commit ● The colourful Prayer Makes a Difference Conference their lives to Christ had some 40 students, magazine (pictured), by Mark president 25 per cent of the school’s enrolment, Finley, is being distributed to Pastor Denis request to begin Bible studies.—Barry Hill South Pacific Division Hankinson administrators, departmental presenting directors and pastors. If you God’s Word to them. Camp Howqua ● Christian children’s music group Rocfish would like a copy to help your accommodated and fed the snow have topped the quarterly Indie Top 20 ministry, please email enthusiasts.—Phil Bishop Australian Christian music chart from The
September 18, 2004 3 FLASHPOINT
● An explosion that destroyed a building ● In the midst of troubled Sudan, in downtown Kabul, Afghanistan, on Adventist World Radio has begun Off the record August 29 damaged the Adventist broadcasting in four languages of the area: Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Bari, Moru, Juba Arabic and colloquial ● Glen Innes church, NNZ, celebrated office and injured an ADRA staff member. English. Because its 40th anniversary recently with “The windows and doors of two ADRA of the difficulties more then 300 people attending the buildings have been damaged by the blast,” in the country the celebration. The North New Zealand says Peter Jaggi, country director for production of pro- Conference president, Pastor Jerry
AWR ADRA–Afghanistan. “Debris from the car grams is taking Mathews, delivered the Sabbath bomb is in our yard, and our office and place just over the worship message, followed by a lunch apartment are full of glass splinters.” Only border in Uganda. and an afternoon of memories shared one staff member sustained minor Lacking a good studio, the producers have together. Current minister Pastor Kayle injuries.—ADRA News Release/AR had to be innovative. One creative method De Waal suggested the afternoon’s is the use of a Land Rover parked under a tree (pictured) as a quiet recording studio Walkathon raises where they use a laptop computer and microphone to record programs. When the $A15,000 laptop battery runs low, they start the motor of the Land Rover to recharge it.— vondale School students have been Inspirations Araising money for Adventist De- velopment and Relief Agency’s “New Day reminiscing would be similar to the Foundation” (ANDF). This foundation, ● More than 3000 women from countries gathering and reminiscing of the supported by cricketer Brett Lee, has been in West and Central Africa gathered in redeemed in heaven. Building com- set up to help prevent youth suicide Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast, West Africa, mittee member Peter Greenfield stated through the use of adventure therapy. from August 8 to 15 for a first-ever inter- how after an initial 10 years of Recently 800 Avondale School students national congress of Seventh-day fundraising to build a full church (they and 50 teachers walked 10 kilometres, Adventist women from the region.—ANN had been worshipping in a hall for raising more than $A15,000 to enable six many years), and with the cost of young people from the Hunter Valley to building climbing, they had less then attend the ANDF program at Delhuntie ● A calendar featuring nude photographs 10 per cent of the estimated cost. After Park, Vic (RECORD, August 28). of a group of church women in Horsley, advice to step out in faith to start Brett Lee sent a letter to the event Gloucestershire, UK, is to be launched to building, with sacrificial giving of the stating how the prevention of youth mark the 10th anniversary of the genocide members, the church building became a suicide was close to his heart and in Rwanda where reality in 1985.—Jeffery Pau/Christina required creative ways to build thousands of Willcocks self-esteem. He also sent an women survivors autographed pair of shoes worn were brutally raped in the 2003 World Cup as a prize and many are now ● The Wanganui church, NNZ, for the walkathon. dying of AIDS as a continues to witness The ANDF’s mobile adventure result. The calendar, to passing traffic program, Pinnacle of Terror, “Exposed 2005,” (Flashpoint, April visited Avondale School. One will raise money for SURF (Survivors 24) with a new sign student who had been having Fund, an organisation that helps the (pictured) created by problems at school took the leap Rwandan survivors). The 13 women who Graham Greenfield. of faith and claimed, “This is the posed for it, aged between 30 and 50, first time I have felt proud of wanted to “use their bodies in an myself. What a feeling.” empowered way to show strength and ● Wrongpoint: Names a-muddle Emma Maidment (pictured) vulnerability in support of the vulnerable Newsfront, August 21, should have was brave enough to take the women in Rwanda.” The images were reported Robert Dorante as the Everest Challenge, requiring her photographed so as not to be provocative Mamarapha Bible College student to stand on a small, shoe-sized or sexualised.—Ramon Williams Media running a prophecy seminar in Port platform 10 metres above the Augusta, SA. ground. With arms outstretched Days and offerings Flashpoint, August 28, should have she had to dive toward the ground October 16—Spirit of Prophecy Day reported Lloyd Grolimund as the PNG shouting, “I’m king of the world!” October 23—Children’s Day visiting speaker, not his father, Keith.
4 September 18, 2004 NEWSFRONT Church, state criticism addressed
Wahroonga, New South Wales church should on major social issues.” Seventh-day Adventist Church leader become involved The SPD released a statement on Asays other denominations should be in party church–state relations in 2001. The congratulated for refusing to sponsor politicking.” He statement, which you can read at
September 18, 2004 5 NEWSFRONT PNG PM supports First for women in ministry
Adventist student Tamworth, New South Wales Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Seventh-day Adventist has received ally Hall is the first woman in AK7000 from the Prime Minister of Papua Spastoral ministry in the New Guinea to help complete his studies Adventist Church in Australia to overseas. receive her commissioned minister Vincent Kumura, 23, the president of the credential in a public ceremony. Papua New Guinea Adventist Tertiary The service of affirmation was Students Association (PNGATSA), will held recently in Tamworth, NSW, study business and law at Oakwood College during a regional gathering. “I Northpoint in Alabama, USA, after the Adventist never thought I’d hear a rep- Pastors John Lang, John Skrzypaszek and Graeme Christian with Sally Hall. tertiary institution awarded him a resentative of my church acknow- scholarship. ledge my call to ministry, so it was a real and three years as associate minister at College president Dr Delbert thrill,” she says candidly. Avondale Memorial church, NSW. Baker presented Mr Kumura Officiating at the commissioning service Currently Miss Hall is the minister for with the scholarship during the were Pastors Graeme Christian, ministerial the Gunnedah church and Manila–Barraba student association’s 10th secretary for the Australian Union Con- company, and the youth minister at biennial convention in Port ference, John Lang, North New South Tamworth church, NSW. Moresby, July 20–27. Dr Baker Wales Conference (NNSWC) president, “I love working in country churches,” spoke at the convention. and John Skrzypaszek, NNSWC minis- she says. “Everyone here is 100 per cent Vincent Kumera. Mr Kumura told The National terial secretary. involved and committed.” She shrugs off newspaper he wrote to Sir Michael Somare’s Miss Hall felt God’s call to pastoral the 10-12 hours of driving she does each office and to local businesses to help cover ministry when she was a 15-year-old and week to cover the distance required to the cost of travelling to and boarding at tending sheep on her parents’ property near minister to each of her communities. “I use Oakwood. “I prayed, and I had faith in God. Bundarra, NSW. On graduating from the time to listen to music, or the Bible, on The fact the Prime Minister responded theology at Avondale College, she spent a tape.” shows he has concern for ordinary Papua two-year internship at the Port Macquarie, When asked what the highlight of New Guineans. I am honoured.” Wauchope and Camden Haven churches in ministry is for her, she says, “I can honestly Mr Kumura is currently a third-year law NSW, followed by one year with the Coffs say the thing I enjoy the most is working student at the University of Papua New Harbour, Dorrigo and Bayldon churches, with God.”—Kellie Hancock Guinea.—Brenton Stacey Celebrating diversity Leader’s research links faith and service he French–Italian Swiss Conference esearch by a Seventh-day Adventist typify adolescent development.” Trecently invited their 2000 members to RChurch leader has established a link Dr Lemke graduated from Fuller a spiritual assembly in the Olympic town between faith and service. Theological Seminary in of Lausanne. The climax on Sabbath was a Dr Mel Lemke’s thesis Pasadena, California, parade of nations (pictured) representing for his Doctor of Ministry USA, on June 12. He says the church members’ ethnic roots. “We concluded that faith parenthood influenced have exactly 65 nations represented among promotes service and the topic of his thesis. “I the church members of our conference. service promotes faith. want to pass my faith on Celebrating diversity, we want to “My research strongly to my children, so I demonstrate unity in Christ,” says president validates the church’s wanted to know all I Pastor Denis Rosat.—ANN STORM Co [Service To could about how faith Others Really Matters] Dr Mel Lemke with his family at his grows and how to best graduation. program,” says Dr facilitate the growth of Lemke, the director of Adventist Volunteer mature faith.” Service for the South Pacific Division. “It Dr Lemke brings to seven the number of also shows service promotes growth in all administrators and departmental directors the key ‘tasks,’ such as identity formation of the South Pacific Division who have and developing a sense of autonomy that doctorates.—Brenton Stacey
6 September 18, 2004 NEWSFRONT Evangelists win people Church leaders respond to Ellen over in Papua New Guinea White claims Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea Wahroonga, New South Wales Katoomba and Warrimoo, NSW, with help he number of Seventh-day Adventists from the Spanish church in Marrickvale, eventh-day Adventist leaders have Tin Papua New Guinea may increase NSW, are supplying 660 Bibles. Members Sresponded to claims the visions of one dramatically this year thanks to members of Pastor Thackham’s church in Dapto, of the church’s founders, Ellen White, of the church’s Institute of Public NSW, are supplying 1000. were the result of temporal lobe epilepsy. Evangelism (IPE). Members of the Adventist church in Port “The claim is well over 100 years old,” Australian– and New Zealand–based Macquarie are helping support 15 church says Dr Lester Devine, the ministers accepted invitations to speak as members who will follow up the 465 director of the Ellen G part of the South Pacific Division’s response decisions for baptism Pastor Justin White Seventh-day Adven- to the worldwide church’s Year of Lawman received in Mount Hagen. Ten tist Research Centre. “And Evangelism. thousand people attended the series the incident [Ellen White, Pastor Lloyd Grolimund spoke without a despite organisers not providing transport. nine at the time, lay in a translator during his series in Lae, but Pastor James Toogood from Christ- stupor for three weeks after pidgin-speaking members of the audience church, NZ, appealed to ministers of other a classmate hit her in the understood his message (Flashpoint, denominations in Goroka to lead face with a stone] is even Dr Lester Devine. August 28). Members of Pastor Groli- themselves and their congregations to older. It’s difficult to analyse mund’s church in Wahroonga, NSW, will Adventism. Six responded. Some 450 a person’s medical condition more than replace a local offering with a sacrifice people asked for baptism. 150 years after the event.” offering to provide 6000 Bibles. Sixty people asked for baptism after Dr Devine’s comments come in response Pastors Sam Braga and Murray attending Townsville, Queensland–based to a story on ABC TV’s Compass program Thackham also report a Pentecost minister Pastor Cranville Tooley’s series in on August 29. The story posed the experience. More than 400 people, Kundiawa. question, “Is the human brain hard-wired including inmates of the local jail, Pastors Etonia Temo and Gary Webster for God?” and examined neurological requested baptism during Pastor Braga’s have accepted invitations to speak in Port evidence for the so-called “religious series in Kainantu. Pastor Thackham Moresby in September. impulse.” received 500 decisions in Wewak. IPE members also present evangelistic Dr Merlin Burt, branch director of the Members of Pastor Braga’s churches in series in their local areas.—Brenton Stacey Ellen G White Estate at Andrews University, USA, and Dr Daniel Giang, associate professor of neurology at Loma Church leaders take up evangelism challenge Linda University Medical Center, USA, appeared in the story giving the church’s (Continued from page 1) view. The power of the public-address system “The description of Ellen White’s state in meant even those in the local Correctional vision does not fit with the description of Services Centre, located about a kilometre the medical condition” says Dr Percy away, could hear Pastor Oliver speak. Thirty Harrold, associate director of Adventist of the people in the centre joined 1200 Health Ministries for the South Pacific others in making a decision for baptism at Division. “Seizures never enhance a the end of the series. person’s mental abilities. A successful Pastor Oliver speaks of making what he person with epilepsy is successful in spite calls an “unusual call.” “I almost of the disease, not because of it.”—Brenton
Leo Jamby discouraged them because I didn’t want Stacey insincere commitments.” Pastor Barry Oliver speaks during his evangelistic series in Kavieng, PNG. Pastor Oliver says he and Pastor Evans The research centre has copies of the article, “Visions issued the challenge to church members “because proclamation is the pinnacle of our or seizures: Was Ellen White the victim of epilepsy?” by Dr Donald Peterson, a professor of neurology at mission and because sharing our faith refreshes our faith.” Loma Linda University. Contact the centre by email “It’s so easy to get caught up with administration we forget structure is and must always
September 18, 2004 7 FEATURE Youth congress takes shape
by Nathan Brown
hen Fiji welcomes young people Wfrom across the South Pacific Division (SPD) to the SPD Youth Congress on December 30, it will be the first time an island nation will have hosted a division- wide youth event. According to the SPD director of Youth Ministries, Pastor Gilbert Cangy, a sense of excitement already surrounds the event. “The islanders are proud that they have been given a chance to host such a huge event,” reports Pastor Cangy. “And young people in Australia and New Zealand are excited as it will allow them to experience youth congress in a different culture. Australia has already asked for an increase in the number of participants allocated to them. The congress will be held at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji, Cangy reports. “Every afternoon, on a direction we have taken as a Youth from December 30 to January 4. With 4000 rotation basis, 1000 young people will be Department as far as evanglism and small- young people participating in this inter- getting their hands dirty on the streets of group ministry.” national event, it is expected to have a Suva. Four major clean-up and beaut- Yet youth congresses will always be filled major impact in Fiji. ification projects have been set up in with much fun and friendship. “Fiji is “The congress will give a huge boost to conjunction with the Suva City Council to known as a premier tourist destination in the church in Fiji,” says Pastor Cangy. be implemented during congress. the South Pacific, and the local team is “During the six days, congress will be the “Prior to the commencement of committed to ensure that congress lives up biggest thing happening in the country. congress, a number of youth groups from to that reputation,” says Pastor Cangy. According to our figures, an injection of Australia and New Zealand will be According to Pastor Cangy, space is still about $A5 million into the local economy is involved in other community and church- available for congress bookings and what expected. The church will be in the public based service projects. In fact, some young promises to be an unforgettable experience. eye and it will open many doors for greater people are more excited about the pre- “We hope to capture the imagination of our interaction with other sectors of public life.” congress projects than the congress itself. youth with the notion that we are part of a Pastor Cangy is also anticipating a That is a significant shift in thinking.” huge, diverse and wonderful family,” he spiritual lift. “The congress will revitalise For congress organisers, there is a reflects. “It is tremendously invigorating and youth ministry, and the local leaders will serious side to these events. “We are motivating for young people to feel that— have their hands full to keep the looking at congress as more that a memory while they are part of a small or large local momentum going,” he comments. “We are event,” Pastor Cangy reflects. “We are congregation—they are also part of a huge foreseeing a renewal of spirituality and working on the philosophy that it is a army for God. Congress offers just a glimpse service in the church in Fiji.” springboard for ministry. Congress of that. It is an experience of a lifetime.” r But this focus is not to be limited to just 2004/05 will see the launch of the Youth the Fijian young people and leaders. Department’s 2005 Year of Evangelism. For more information or bookings, contact your local Learning from the success of the world The theme of congress is “Sorovaki,” conference Youth Department or visit
8 September 18, 2004 FEATURE A lonely journey
by Karen Collum
ike many other difficult subjects, that we are continually searching for the remember, I have imagined what my life Linfertility is not often discussed. We right thing to do. would be like. I imagined a little blonde girl don’t know what to say or how to help, so Please don’t tell me it’s God’s will. or boy who had my smile, my husband’s we do the best we can with clichés and Wanting a child is not wrong: it’s God who olive skin and their own little personality. I well-worn phrases. There are no easy created me with the desire to be a mother. had an image of my family. Losing a dream answers. But reflecting on my journey, I I am confronted daily with my infertility. I as big as this one is difficult. Expect me to hope you find something to help you know God has a plan for my life, but I don’t mourn the loss. respond to those experiencing infertility need platitudes and clichés that are Do keep in touch. Although I may not and help them know they are not alone. designed to wrap up a messy situation and always feel like talking about it, let me You want to help, but you don’t quite tie a neat bow around it. There may indeed know you’re thinking about me. Send me a know how. I need your support and I want be a “Plan B” I haven’t found yet. But isn’t card once in a while, type an email, send an to talk to you, but I thought it might help God’s will for my life between me and SMS. A simple “I’m thinking about you” if you understood how some common God? God sent His Son to die for me. If I reminds me I’m not alone. And if you don’t phrases and attitudes make me feel. cling to that, His plan for my life will know what else you can do, pray for me. Please don’t tell me to relax. I have become evident over time. And don’t just pray that I will have a baby; relaxed and it still didn’t work. Relaxing is Please don’t offer your children to me pray that I will be comforted during this not going to undo the scarring from my for a weekend. I know children are not time. Pray that God’s will will be revealed endometriosis; relaxing isn’t going to always cute. I know there will be temper in my life. Pray that I will be given wisdom magically make the sperm and egg interact. tantrums, late nights, dirty nappies and lots and strength to make the difficult When you say this, you may not realise it of worry. But I want my children; yours just decisions. Pray that I will be drawn into my but you are actually blaming me for my aren’t the same. Pointing out the pitfalls of heavenly Father’s loving arms and that I own infertility! I know that keeping my parenthood and pregnancy doesn’t make will be renewed. stress levels low is important, but simply me feel any better. Morning sickness would One of the most precious things that I telling me to relax is not going to address be welcome in my house right now. I know have ever been given is a card from a dear the complex physical, emotional and you need to unload sometimes about the friend. She wrote, “When you are too tired spiritual condition I am in. difficulties of having children, but I’m to even pray, don’t worry, because I am Please don’t tell me every “miracle” probably not the right person to offer praying on your behalf.” story you know. I know there are couples sympathy. who have defied the odds; I know miracles Please don’t tell me I’m young and Infertility is a lonely journey. It is truly happen. But I may not get a miracle. I too have plenty of time. Although I’m only heart wrenching. I have never experienced know of the couples who stopped “trying” 29, I have been waiting for four years. Why such pain. At times, the longing is and miraculously conceived. I know of the is waiting at 39 supposedly so much harder unbearable. I have discovered I am couple who were told they could never be than 29? I made a choice to be a young stronger than I thought, yet weaker than I parents and went on to have three children. mother, and that choice has been taken ever imagined. I have learned to embrace Again, I know miracles happen, but I don’t away. Please don’t minimise the situation happiness as well as pain. I am building an have a “One Miracle Please” voucher I can because I’m young. alternative future, but I’m not prepared to redeem. I need to have hope, but more Please don’t feel like you have to make give up my dream just yet. I am living in a importantly, I need to have realistic hope. me feel better. If you don’t know what to land of uncertainty. Please don’t criticise my choice of say, say “I don’t know what to say.” I know And I am always waiting. Waiting for a treatment. Assisted reproductive technol- you can’t fix my situation, and acknow- doctor’s appointment. Waiting for a blood ogies are complex, and I have spent hours ledging that you don’t have the answers test. Waiting for a cycle. Waiting for a agonising over my decisions. I know there can actually make me feel better. pregnancy. And while I wait it helps to are ethical, spiritual and moral consider- Understand that I am grieving. know I’m not alone. r ations, and my husband and I have tried to Although I may not have physically lost a be educated and informed in our decision- child (and I don’t claim to even begin to making. It’s not up to you to judge our understand the pain of that situation), I Karen Collum writes from Brisbane, Queensland, choice—it’s between us and God. Trust have lost a dream. Ever since I can where she works as an administrative assistant.
September 18, 2004 9 FEATURE Why kids leave
by Gary Hopkins and Julie Weslake
hy do so many of our young program. Probably about 10 per cent will Wpeople leave the church?” Have raise their hands. Then ask how many of you ever asked yourself that question? them understand that regular exercise Maybe equally important questions to would make them healthier. Probably all ask are: Why don’t we seem to notice this of them will raise their hands. What you trend? Do we really care? What can be will learn from this is that the message of done about this crisis? exercise hasn’t transformed their exercise Why haven’t we heard or read that behaviours. churches, unions, conferences and Or ask how many of them consider divisions have made this their number themselves to be more than their ideal one priority? There is an enormous body weight. Probably many of them will emphasis today on evangelism, but we raise their hands. Then ask them how need to make this a two-pronged many of them understand that if they priority—evangelism both outside and would eat less and healthier foods, they inside the church. How are we going to would drift toward an ideal body mass. keep the young people we have? You will find that everyone knows that. These are tough questions. So, why haven’t these messages or understandings transformed our Sizing up the challenge exercise or eating behaviours? It’s When asked, church leaders in some simple. Information is not areas of the world often say that about transformation. Obviously we need half of their kids are leaving. Others something more than information—or suggest the numbers are as high as 90 per in the case of the church, we need cent. Estimates at how many newly something more than message. baptised members are leaving are often reported in even higher numbers. Re-describing the church As an organisation we should be Often our church is described in shocked and stunned at such news. It concepts such as Sabbath, church, the should motivate us to call an emergency true message, remnant and potluck. meeting of our entire church to discuss it Jesus is described as interested in people, and to start immediate plans to correct it. non-judgmental, kind, helpful, healer, This should happen soon! At the moment accurate message, is all people need. We engaged, forgiving. Descriptions of our we are not being good stewards of the think the message is transforming. If that church also need to include these qualities. children and new members of the church. were true, then our people wouldn’t leave The Bible tells us that the most We are failing. We should be stunned. the church. important commandments are love to God What are we doing wrong and what can Researchers tell us that kids generally and love to people (Matthew 22:37-39). be done to correct both of these issues? understand the message by the age of 12 or Jesus says that this new commandment He How do we keep our kids from leaving and 14 years and that they leave the church at gives to us is to “love each other as I have how do we retain our new members? It about age 17 or 18. If this is true, then they loved you” (John 15:12, NIV). needs to be simple to understand, it are leaving the church with a good In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Jesus gets right shouldn’t cost anything, and it should be a understanding of the message. They are in your face and talks to you in the most strategy that should be effective in all leaving despite understanding the gospel. direct of terms, probably much like He did cultures of the world. If you think that information is all to the Pharisees or the moneychangers in people need, then try this exercise next the temple. He says that if you speak in More than information Sabbath in church. Stand up in front of tongues and don’t love, you are only We think the message of the church, your congregation and ask how many making noise. He continues saying that if which we believe to be the true and people in the church have a daily exercise you give all your money to the poor and
10 September 18, 2004 FEATURE
people with warm and supportive relationships, people are less likely to use drugs, more likely to take better care of their health, live longer, have less depression and have fewer hospitalisations. When they are hospitalised they get out of the hospital sooner, they survive breast cancer longer, they survive heart attacks more often, live longer when infected with the AIDS virus, and drop out of college less often. Reflecting the character of Christ is health giving. Reflecting the character of Christ keeps people in the church. We have the correct message—but we also need to be kind, friendly and loving. We need to create opportunities at church to enable don’t love, it simply doesn’t matter. He says division during Sabbath school wouldn’t be people to build relationships. These that if you have the gift of prophecy and the hardest chore of those on the relationships need to be intergenerational. don’t love, it means nothing; and that if you nominating committees each year. The We all carry the responsibility for keeping have the faith to move mountains and don’t toughest job would be to hold the adult our children and new converts. r love, it just doesn’t make any difference. Sabbath school together. Isn’t He saying that if you preach the true If we were more like Him we wouldn’t and accurate message and don’t love, then greet people with a bored “happy Sabbath”; Gary Hopkins is Assistant Professor of Health it will be ineffective? We think so. we would have an ear-to-ear smile and Promotion and Education, School of Public Health at Loma Linda University. He is also the Associate We need to do what Jesus would do. We genuinely engage people as they came into Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Andrews need to reflect His character—be kind, our church—and we would do the same University and co-editor of We Can Keep Them in merciful, helpful, engaged lovingly in the while at work or out shopping. We would the Church: How to Love Our Children So They lives of others, forgiving, a resource to be lights in our community not because we Won’t Leave. those in times of need and an advocate for act like Christians, but because we would Julie Weslake is director of Children’s Ministries for the South Pacific Division, based in Wahroonga, New the needy. We need to connect with the be transformed by the power of the Holy South Wales. lives of all, especially our kids in and Spirit. outside of the church and in the lives of the When you get to church you will, in new converts from our evangelistic efforts. reflecting His character, create a church that people will not only leave less Connecting with Him frequently—but a place people will flood Gary Hopkins visiting To be like Jesus we need to come into a to. But if we continue to be a church of meaningful relationship with Him. We message only, we will continue to lose our Australia need to open up the communication kids and the new converts. If we come into channels. Talk to Him and do it often. Talk a relationship with Him and accurately Gary Hopkins—together with Dr Kiti to Him while driving down the road, talk to reflect His character, expect miracles to Freierin, Associate Professor of Him while in the lift, talk to Him while happen. The community will no longer Psychology and Pediatrics at Loma Linda working on construction sites or in the define Adventists as nonsmokers, non- Univeristy—will be visiting the Western office. Talk—and talk often. drinkers, non-dancers and vegetarians. Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian The second step is to learn about Him. They will describe us as the nicest people conferences from September 15 to Take your Bible and read God’s words of in town. October 2. They will be lecturing on life. Read three pages of The Desire of Ages resilience and “building positive kids” in every day and you will read the whole book Connecting with each other both church and public seminars. in one year. Read and then, throughout the What you can expect to happen is not day, reflect on what you have read. only to not lose our kids, but to gain our Western Australia—September 15-23 Communicate with Him. kids’ friends. Not only will we not lose our Tasmania—September 24-28 When you do these two things, you will new members we gain as a result of Victoria—September29–October 2 become more like Him. evangelism, we will also gain their friends. If we all do it we will all become more Why would anyone ever leave a genuinely Contact your local conference office like Him. If that were to happen, then friendly and helpful church? for further information. finding people to go to the primary Research reports that when we surround
September 18, 2004 11 FEATURE Does God varnish floors?
by Christine Miles
oday, I spent three hours on It was a thought-provoking Tmy knees. Certainly, I was experience. How is it for God, to praying, but my more immediate watch His children fall down, not focus was removing the remains once but over and over? He is of masking tape from the longing to show us that He does varnished timber floors of the see, that He does care, that our school gymnasium. smallest suffering breaks His heart. The gymnasium is two years But knowing that sometimes we old. Nobody wears shoes in the need to deal with problems gymnasium, and food is not ourselves, He’ll hold our hand, but permitted. Several copies of the He won’t do the dirty work for us. rule list are positioned I am reminded of this as I rub strategically throughout the hall. the last marks off the floor. My But there’s nothing on the list hands smell of eucalyptus oil. My about tape on the floor. wrists and elbows are aching. The It wasn’t me who liberally applied But then I thought back to earlier in the stripped lines are clean, clearly visible, and masking tape to one-third of the hall in day. I had watched from the upstairs room awaiting judgment. preparation for the games segment of our as the children moved through the I harbour a small hope that God might Vacation Bible School. I had already made activities. Looking down at the play- do the miraculous and varnish the floor. that mistake in an upstairs room, the floor ground, I saw my small child stumble and After all, nothing is impossible with God. of which was covered with vinyl. But I was fall. Down only a moment, he was helped But regardless of the state of the floor, I the keyholder and felt ultimately to his feet while I had to restrain myself am armed with a greater knowledge: “God responsible for anything that happened on from running down to provide comfort. is our refuge and strength, an ever-present site. I wanted my child to know that I did see, help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” Being ignorant of the effects of masking that I did care, that I could make (Psalm 46:1, 2, NIV). tape on varnished timber, it wasn’t until we everything better. God will help me. I will not be afraid. r ripped the offending material from the I really wanted to go. I could have gone. floor, leaving great strips of sticky adhesive I chose not to go. I had to be confident in and equally large patches of stripped the abilities of the caregiver. Christine Miles writes from Auckland, New Zealand. timber that I realised what a mess we were in. So, as I cleaned the floor, I prayed. Every Just for children so often I sang a song of praise—the hall acoustics were brilliant and there was nobody to listen—but primarily I prayed: Dear God: We’re doing this program as an outreach. Look at all the children learning about You. Remember the hours of prayer and preparation that have gone into this program. We’re not-for-profit, God. What is the principal going to say? As I rubbed at a stubborn patch, an unruly thought tumbled into my mind.: Does God varnish floors? Wouldn’t that be wonderful, to come back in the morning and the ugly strips of bare floor would be in
keeping with the remainder of the floor? Peta Taylor
12 September 18, 2004 LETTERS
Support for sibling schools example (John 13:14, 15). He didn’t say And then there’s the commercialising of Trevor Robinson, PNG this example was only for adults. the “Spirit of Prophecy.” A letter from At the Last Supper He told us, “Do this James White to Ellen White records his I find great hope in the initiative of in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). He delight at the way the sales of their books establishing a program for schools in didn’t say, “Do this in remembrance of were filling the family coffers—and Australia and New Zealand to develop me—except if you’re a child.” continue to do so to this day relationships with schools in the Pacific Similarly, Jesus said, “Teach all nations, I would suggest getting rid of your own (“Adventist schools to become siblings,” baptising them” (Matthew 28:19). But we “log” first, remembering that Jesus has Newsfront, August 21). The aims of act as if He said, “Teach all nations, called us to unity in His body and that “by sharing resources, developing long-term baptising the adults.” this all will know that you are my relationships, developing understanding Maybe our unbiblical action of leaving disciples, if you have love for one of other cultures and even exchanging kids out of the church’s ceremonies is part another.” Now, how about “[rejoicing] students, are worthwhile and timely. The of the reason many young people later with those [other sisters and brothers in mission schools will certainly benefit from leave the church out of their lives. Christ] who rejoice”? this involvement. But the association will be of great blessing to Australian and New After all, mission is about participation and Zealand students as well. The education involvement. department has found an innovative way to get people in Australia and New Worship success Annette Jones, NSW Zealand reconnected in a more personal When worship albums succeed in way with the mission field. I will pray that June Court, NSW Christian culture and make a splash into this program is a success and that similar What a nasty piece of sour grapes was secular culture, praise God—Jesus’ name programs may be developed to link other the editorial, “Worship for sale” (August is being lifted up publicly. groups in our church as well, to churches 28). The tone of the piece was set by Principles of analysis and clear thinking in the Pacific. After all, mission is about calling the album a “collection of worship help keep one “grounded,” instead of being participation and involvement. tunes,” which immediately makes them caught up in the hype and sensationalism of sound devoid of any words of worship or marketing. Biblical principles of worship worthwhile worship music. And as for keep me on course when it comes to Including children taking the moral high ground on worship ideals, both concrete and abstract, Phil Ward, Qld commercialisation, here we have arrant philosophical and factual. If we really want hypocricy. to know about worship, we have to keep The involvement of junior in the Seventh-day Adventism has always been coming back to the Bible. Much of what is Communion service at Castle Hill church in the forefront of commercialising its criticised in worship today is in fact (Flashpoint, August 14) is commendable. message. How about the commercialising biblically based. Yet most Adventist churches don’t allow of the health message via the Sanitarium? The risk of contemporary consumerism children to participate in the Communion And let’s not forget the five-star hospitals infecting our choices needs to be countered service. When Jesus washed His disciples’ that have always been financially geared to with our own personal spiritual maturity, feet, He said He was leaving us an the upper end of town. integrity and honesty with God. You can't stop Christendom from making poor choices, because they are too lazy to make Just a coincidence good ones. And this danger is across the board of our whole lives. When it comes to the “machine” behind the artists/songwriters/worship leaders using God’s children for their own ends (greedy money-making), judge the machine if you want, but don’t judge faithful, gifted worship leaders passionately expressing their relationship with God. We can’t see their hearts but God can, so leave the judging to Him. Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author’s original meaning will not be changed. Not all letters received are published. See masthead (page 2) for contact details.
September 18, 2004 13 NOTICEBOARD
Dennis (Mount Gambier, SA), Judy Wedding Heinicke (Ipswich, Qld), Sandy Castle Positions vacant (Loxton), Derylee Bottrell (Kurwongbah, Robertson—Peterson. Adam Grant Qld), Pat Hill (Kalgoorlie, WA), Brenton ▲ Primary School Teachers—Cairns Adventist Primary School (Cairns, Robertson and Jessica Rae Peterson were (Mount Gambier, SA), Bev Groavac Qld). Committed, enthusiastic and qualified teachers needed in 2005. Great married on 18.7.04 at Dan Gleeson Memo- (Albury, NSW) and Karen Steele (Capala- opportunity! Exciting, go-ahead school! Terrific location! (Snorkel the reef, explore rial Gardens, Townsville, Qld. ba, Qld); and his brother, Merv (Barmera, the rainforest, enjoy a relaxed tropical lifestyle and get paid for the experience!) For Roger Ward SA). Dean was a fantastic role model to his further information contact Ruth Jackson; phone (07) 4779 3988; or email children and grandchildren whom he
14 September 18, 2004 NOTICEBOARD
a$h with AC Warm yourself with delicious pies, ur C F In yo ve savoury rolls or schnitzels this winter, ct $tm te e many varieties makes mealtime easy. Many ro n P t$ other products available. Phone for fundraising possibilities. Go Veg, 21 Berry Ministry with a difference! Street, Clyde NSW; (02) 9897 0000; 10 am–4.00 pm Wednesday to Friday, Sunday by appointment. Interested? Tour Bible lands for three weeks from April 19, 2005. Travel in comfort and safety and see the pyramids, Cairo Muse- um, Luxor, Sinai, Petra, Bethlehem, Read on . . . Jerusalem, Galilee. Optional one-week Great Rates dig in Israel with David Down. Vegetari- an food and Sabbaths free. Phone for The Glen Innes church (Northern Tablelands, NSW) desperately brochure (02) 4950 5603; Diggings, PO needs missionary-minded young adults and young families ACF Box 127, Toronto NSW 2283; (retired pastors welcome as well)! Investments
September 18, 2004 15