August 22, 2009 In this issue “Book It In” launch at congress
Teen stress resource released
Created for a greater purpose Literature evangelists from Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia and other Pacific nations met in Christchurch for their annual congress in July. Literature evangelists meet in NZ Christchurch, New Zealand
iterature evangelists from Australia, for the South Pacific Division (SPD), who New Zealand and French Polynesia took the morning and evening devotionals; gathered in Christchurch recently Cameron Johnston, speaker, stress fitness for their annual Literature Evange- coach and co-author of Cooling Down Teen listL Congress. The congress was held at the Stress (see page 6), who presented a number Living Springs Conference Centre from of seminars; and area managers, who took July 20 to 26. A number of literature evan- sessions on a variety of topics, which Pastor gelist managers from the Pacific Islands also Terry Goltz, director of Adventist Publish- Church raises attended the congress, as they were in the ing for the SPD, describes as “the nuts and region for leadership meetings. bolts of our programs.” With the theme of “Trust the Lord: Never, A team of representatives from Signs Pub- awareness never, never, never give up,” attendees were lishing Company also gave presentations, “inspired” by devotionals, meetings and sharing information about the future of workshops. Guest speakers included Pas- Signs (“Long-term future for Signs secured,” of abuse tor Lawrence Tanabose, general secretary (Continued on page 4) ISSN 0819-5633 editorial
I hope your explanation of what you believe actually sounds like “good news.” I hope . . . Part 2*
hope . . . I hope we can find better ways to remem- I hope we can learn from other religions, I hope we do justice, love mercy and ber and share Sabbath, and better things to faiths and traditions, respecting their best walk humbly with our God. do on Sabbath afternoons. and seeking their good. I hope Christianity is real—to you. I hope you are seriously bothered by in- I hope you enjoy and share some kind of II hope we can better seek, celebrate and justice, poverty and oppression—and are art, creativity or similar passion. create beauty in our world. moved to do something about them. I hope we can become a church that val- I hope we can learn to listen better—to I hope you rejoice you’re a Christian. ues fresh questions more than tired answers. God, to each other and to our communities. I hope we aren’t so busy running a church I hope we aren’t just another brand of I hope we really believe that “it is more that we are forgetting to participate in the Church Inc. important to be kind than it is to be right.” kingdom of God. I hope we can develop a faith that is more I hope we can focus more on faithfulness I hope you watch less TV. ordinary and everyday—and, in this way, than our various measures of “success.” I hope we can learn to address hard ques- ordinary and everyday can be redeemed. I hope we can admit that “we don’t tions, to disagree well and to embrace those I hope we can come up with—or bor- know”—that we don’t have all the answers who are different. row—better reasons why we do and believe and that’s OK. I hope your explanation of what you be- some of the good things we do. I hope we can be less worried about con- lieve actually sounds like “good news”—to I hope you believe we can change the trol and more interested in community. you and to others. world. I hope we can one day recognise women I hope we can find our voice as a church I hope we maintain a sense of wonder at as equally human, equally Christian, equal- and begin to speak out on things that matter the hugeness, variety and miracles of life. ly capable and equally called. in ways that our community understands. I hope faith, hope and love still remain. I hope we spend less time reinforcing our I hope there is a stage of life between I hope “right temporarily defeated is walls than building our centre. bright young thing and old hack. stronger than evil triumphant” and that I hope you’re a treehugger, both literally I hope you’re vegetarian—for so many it is possible to overcome evil with good. and metaphorically. reasons. I hope in Jesus, His life, His death and I hope we have stopped “selling” God. I hope we are a church that serves the His resurrection. I hope our first response to disaster is to world, not panders to the noisy few. I hope to see Him some day. help the hurting, not pull out our proph- I hope we can lament. I hope and I pray. ecy charts. I hope we still “believe in Christ, live I hope . . . I hope we can learn to be more hum- the life.” “Much dreaming and many words are ble, more generous, more courageous and I hope you read a good book this week. meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of more joyful. I hope we can practise the art of apol- God” (Ecclesiastes 5:7, NIV). I hope you watch the sunset sometimes. ogy—and the art of forgiveness. I hope you don’t believe everything you I hope we are aware of how technology *”I hope” was published as a guest editorial in Record, read in Record. changes us and that we resist blindly pursu- August 21, 1999. I hope we don’t really think music is as ing the latest gadget or fad, instead seeking important as some would have us believe. what is most real. Nathan Brown
Official Paper of the South Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company Pacific Division Seventh-day Editorial assistant Adele Nash 3485 Warburton Highway Adventist Church Editorial assistant Jarrod Stackelroth Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia ABN 59 093 117 689 Copyeditor Talitha Simmons Phone: (03) 5965 6300 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 www.adventist Editorial secretary Kristel Rae Email Letters: [email protected] connect.org Layout Kym Jackson Email Newsfront: [email protected] Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Vol 114 No 32 Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Cover: Sone Mariner Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 August 22, 2009 news Church raises awareness of abuse Warburton, Victoria “Most people have some experience with domestic abuse, whether it’s happened to his Sabbath is Abuse Prevention Em- them firsthand or they know someone who phasis Day, an initiative of the General has suffered or perpetrated it. We hope Conference (GC) that aims to raise that, through this issue of Edge, young awareness of the issue of domestic people will gain a greater understanding Tabuse, as well as encouraging abuse preven- of how domestic abuse can manifest itself. tion. This year’s focus is on violence against If they are in an abusive situation, we hope women, and the GC’s Women’s Ministries they’ll be able to find the help they need.” department has supplied material about the Mrs Johnson says, “I hope and pray The Some of the more than 600 women who issue, which is available from their website, Edge will be read widely and do a lot of marched through the streets of Apia to
“Women the world over are < Teens and domestic abuse > under our noses and no-one mestic abuse was conducted. The discussion < Surviving childhood abuse > < Ice Age 3 > making this a special awareness suspects or checks what’s hap- was chaired by the Minister of Women, day,” she says. “I’ll be conduct- The August 22 issue of pening. We need to be vigilant Community and Social Development of ing two retreats and a leader- The Edge deals with and make sure our young peo- Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa. ship training program in Papua the problem of abuse. ple—as well as those who are Mrs Johnson was a member of the panel New Guinea, with a special program about older—understand what abuse is.” and says, “It is really sad that there is as much the problem of abuse.” In June, more than 600 Adventist women abuse in the church as there is outside it. Youth magazine The Edge, which is avail- attending the Trans-Pacific Union’s Wom- Domestic abuse happens wherever we go, able in churches today, also deals with the en’s Congress in Apia, Samoa, protested regardless of the society we’re in.” issue of abuse and features articles from against domestic abuse. Holding flags rep- The GC has a number of statements re- Pastor Trafford Fischer, director of Family resenting their countries and islands—as lating to domestic abuse on their website Ministries for the SPD, and abuse survivors. well as anti-domestic abuse banners—the
the Garden City Shopping Mall. ◆◆TV advertising for a free view- Caboolture church provided the ing of the Search videos will band and choir with a sumptu- screen on the south island of ous lunch. Concerts put on for New Zealand on TV1, Septem- primary-aged students were a ber 5 to 13. lot of fun for Avondale’s band and ◆◆Avondale’s High School Band choir, as well as their audience, ◆◆As part of the curriculum, the the grave of John Tay, whose and Choir (NSW) have returned with a repertoire of classic themes “Pacific ChurchH istory” class of vision and dedication paved the from a successful tour in Queens- from well-known children’s films. Fulton College, Fiji, visited some way for Adventism to spread in land. The tour was musically The group visited Aussie Rides, of the historical sites that marked the South Pacific. The significance demanding, with concerts for Australia Zoo and various shop- the arrival of Christianity in Fiji. of viewing the cemetery may not a range of different audiences. ping centres. All enjoyed tenpin This included the Fiji National be entertaining but the students Locations of the performances bowling on Saturday night. Stay- Museum, the chiefly island of were inspired and challenged to included Brisbane Adventist ing together for such an extended Bau and Viwa Island, where two recapture the spirit of the mis- College, Northpine Adventist time made for a great opportu- missionaries, John Hunt and sionaries who gave their lives College’s performing arts cen- nity for friendships within and Sioeli Pulu, are buried. One of for the sake of building up God’s tre, Noosa Christian College and across year levels.—Susan Rogers the most inspiring visits was to church.—Ronald Stone
Have you subscribed to signs @ www.signsofthetimes.org.au
August 22, 2009 3 news Financial support Literature evangelists for church in Fiji meet in NZ “encouraging” (Continued from page 1) next 12 months. Mr Malai believes better Suva, Fiji education can prevent a life of crime. He News, July 18). said, “We spend a lot of money on prisons n spite of the global financial crisis, eco- Pastor Goltz says, “The literature evan- and prisoners but we want to steer young nomic downturn in Fiji and the 20 per gelists expressed their appreciation for the people in the right direction before they cent devaluation of the Fiji Dollar, Ad- Signs folk attending congress. They’re ex- come to that. We’ve decided the best plan is ventists in Fiji are continuing to tithe cited about the Adventist Media Network’s to work on prevention, rather than ‘cure.’” Ifaithfully, according to Semi Francis, media plans to increase book production, as well He also shared his testimony about be- development officer for the Fiji Mission. as the investment in a new press for Signs. coming an Adventist. Pastor Goltz says, The Fiji Mission’s chief financial officer, They’re very positive about this aspect.” “It was an honour to have Simeon there.” Semiti Taoi, says tithes for the past three RECORD editor Nathan Brown spoke to Congress attendees also took the time months have surpassed the 2007 and 2008 attendees about the change in his role and on the Thursday night of the congress to figures for the first five months. Adventist Media Network’s renewed focus celebrate the work Pastor Goltz has done Pastor Wame Sausau, the mission’s gen- on book publishing. He invited input from with literature evangelism. Pastor Goltz eral secretary, attributes this to members literature evangelists regarding resources will retire at the end of the year, after “inspiring each other every Sabbath to fully they would like to see and received their working for 39 years in literature evan- support the Fiji Mission’s plan for confer- feedback from their interactions with peo- gelism, including 11 years as its leader for ence status come 2010.” ple they meet on a daily basis. the SPD. The tribute to his work included In a recent fundraising event organised by According to Pastor Goltz, one of the speeches and sharing stories. Pastor Goltz the Kalekana Adventist church, members highlights of the congress was the attend- worked in the South Queensland, North were “surprised” when the Village Women’s ance of the administrator for the New New Zealand, South New Zealand and Society—made up of women from different Guinea island province of New Ireland Greater Sydney Conferences prior to his denominations—joined the Dorcas Soci- New Britain, Simeon Malai, and his wife, current role. He snaps his fingers and says, ety’s women to donate more than $FJD300. Delmai. “It sounds like a long time but it seems it Church members were grateful for the Mr Malai spoke about how his local gov- went by just like that.” support of the societies and thanked them ernment has heavily invested in books from The congress attendees also had a day out for their support.—RECORD staff/Semi the literature evangelist service. The gov- at Hanmer Springs, with jetboat rides and Francis ernment plans to put half a million Kinas’ soaking in the hot pools. One of the group More @ http://missionfj.spdweb worth of books into schools there over the also braved bungee jumping.—Adele Nash ministry.org
schools and a retirement home. ◆◆Despite the flagging glo- The highlights of the tour were bal economy, the Seventh-day the concerts and especially the Adventist Church is reporting a school visits. There was also time 13 per cent upswing in Global for “tourist” activities between per- Mission donations for the first formances and a lot of time for six months of 2009, compared ◆◆A dedicated team of 51 Lily- bonding as they travelled togeth- life. All the stories are interesting to the same period last year. dale Adventist Academy (Vic) er by small buses and vans around and some are funny. Resident The growth in giving also illus- choir and band members, plus Tasmania.—David Jones Col Pitches recounted his experi- trates the conclusions of several supporting staff, spent 10 days ences as a soldier in World War II recent surveys suggesting that touring and performing around ◆◆As part of the service program and how he watched the Sydney faith-based organisations may Tasmania during the June school at Nunawading Christian Col- Harbour Bridge being opened. continue to fare better amid the holidays. It was a busy schedule lege, Vic, some students chose Other service activities include recession than other non-profit with 12 performances, including to visit with people at Advent- music, clowning, beautifying the entities. The 2009 Giving USA concerts in Launceston, Smithton care Whitehorse and, in pairs, school grounds and regenerating Foundation survey found that and Hobart, two church worship interview residents and type up the banks of the creek that runs while two-thirds of public charities services, and visits to two Catholic a PowerPoint display about their past the school.—David Jones experienced decreased donations
Days and offerings: ◆ August—Signs Month
4 August 22, 2009 news New ADRA Pathfinder “Book It In” unveiled honours “motivate at congress youth to serve” Christchurch, New Zealand Silver Spring, Maryland, US
uring the recent Literature Evange- n an effort to encourage young people list Congress (see “Literature evan- to become more involved in their own glists meet in NZ,” page 1), a new communities around the world, the Ad- party-plan initiative for sales was ventist Development and Relief Agency Dofficially launched. Called “Book It In,” The set up for one of the four “Book I(ADRA) unveiled a new and updated set the program is somewhat similar to the It In” parties, which feature material of ADRA Pathfinder honours at the Inter- system used by Tupperware and features available from literature evangelists. national Pathfinder Camporee, held in Os- people hosting “parties” in their homes to and it reached a different market to the hkosh, Wisconsin, US, from August 11 to 15. share the material available through litera- usual,” says Pastor Goltz. “This includes The ADRA Pathfinder honours encom- ture evangelists with others. folk who aren’t home during the day or pass a range of topics that emphasise ADRA’s Pastor Terry Goltz, director of Adventist aren’t comfortable with letting someone mission of service and relief work. To earn Publishing for the South Pacific Division, into their house to sell them something.” the ADRA Master honour, candidates says, “We expect this will enable many There are four different themes for must first complete six of the nine ADRA more in our church to have partnerships the parties: emotional and psychological; honours, as well as one in the categories of with our evangelism ministry. We hope that parenting and relationships; naturopathic Cultural Diversity, Cultural Heritage, Lan- as the plan takes off, one or two members and complementary (health); and physi- guage Study, Temperance or Junior Witness. from each church will use it as an avenue cal and spiritual. Pastor Goltz says, “The The ADRA Pathfinder honours were to invite community members along—we favourite has been the ‘naturopathic and created in partnership with the General think of it as outreach in a relaxed setting.” complementary’ party. There’s a swing in Conference’s (GC) Youth Ministries depart- “Book It In” has been in the pipeline for the community to health and wellbeing. ment, and aim to encourage young people to the past three years and is now being rolled ‘Parenting’ has also been popular.” be leaders in their communities and make a out around the Pacific. The program was A training session for those interested difference in the world. piloted in the South Queensland Confer- in learning how to run the parties will be “Youth Ministries considers it a privilege ence, with literature evangelists Wendy held on August 24 in Sydney, with train- to work with ADRA to provide these hon- Kent and Angela May, along with area ing seminars planned. Bookings for the ours,” says Baraka Muganda, director of manager Sone Mariner, working on it. parties have already been made in Sydney Youth Ministries for the GC.—Nadia McGill “We had a very good response to the trial and New Zealand.—Adele Nash More @ www.adra.org
in 2008, religious organisations ◆◆Prisoners in Botswana now president of the Botswana Union violence recently. Church members reported an increase of 5.5 per have access to Hope Channel Mission, said the gesture was an plan to visit and pray with families cent. While the climb came slightly because of a partnership between effort to help rehabilitate prisoners. in the area and pass out “Hope later for Global Mission, which the television network and the —ANN packages” containing a Bible and experienced a lean year in 2008, nation’s Ministry of Home and Christian literature. The groups will donations to date for 2009 look Labour Affairs. The ministry has ◆◆A growing economic crisis cou- also head to local clubs and bars promising, Adventist Mission lead- welcomed the church’s participa- pled with a spike in crime and to pass out religious music to the ers said. “This increase is coming tion in the rehabilitation of inmates violence is motivating Jamaican venues. “We hope that through not so much from new donors in the country’s 23 prisons, church Seventh-day Adventists to turn this special outreach, the faith of but from our regular donors who leaders said. Minister Peter Siele an annual day of prayer into members of the community will are giving even more,” said Nimfa recently thanked the Adventist community outreach, including be strengthened in this time of Sumagaysay, donor response Church for its donation of televi- home visits and distribution of fear,” said Pastor Levi Johnson, manager for Adventist Mission. sion screens and satellite receiv- religious materials. Many church secretary for the Central Jamaica Along with donations received ers, and commended the church members focused their August Conference. The “Day of Prayer” by mail, Global Mission is seeing for its development of health and 1 efforts in Central Village near is an annual event celebrated by an increase in online donations. educational programming, church Spanish Town, a region that has Christian denominations in the —ANN leaders said. Paminus Machamire, seen an increase in gang-related West Indies region.—Nigel Coke
Download current and past records @ www.record.net.au
August 22, 2009 5 news Christian radio station Teen stress resource released gives support to Billy Christchurch, New Zealand
new resource to help teenagers Cart Grand Prix deal with stress in their lives was Lilydale, Victoria launched at the recent Literature Evangelist Congress (see “Literature elbourne Christian radio station Aevanglists meet in NZ,” page 1). Cooling LightFM has signed on as a spon- Down Teen Stress was written by Delight sor of this year’s Lilydale Advent- Johnston Chandler with Cameron John- ist Academy’s (LAA) Weet-Bix ston and was first published in the United MBilly Cart Grand Prix, which will be held States. It has been adapted and reprinted South Pacific Division general secretary at the academy on August 30. for the South Pacific Division (SPD) by Pastor Lawrence Tanabose (second from LightFM has featured advertising about Signs Publishing Company. left) prays at the launch of Cooling Down the Billy Cart Grand Prix and a special Teen Stress, written by Delight Johnston Pastor Terry Goltz, director of Advent- Chandler with Cameron Johnston (far left). broadcast from LAA on August 14 to ist Publishing for the SPD, says, “We saw launch the grand prix. They will broad- the book and felt it’d be worthwhile for the in classes on personal development, as well cast live from midday on August 30 at the market in the South Pacific. The book has as for school libraries. Pastor Goltz says, academy. been adapted for the Australian market and “We hope we can place a copy of Cooling David Jones, event coordinator, says, can act as a companion to Vital Facts For Down Teen Stress with every young person “We are blessed to have had the support Boys and Vital Facts For Girls. from Year 10 up—every Year 10 student of Sanitarium and, in particular, the Weet- “We feel it fills a need for young people should have a copy.” Bix brand over the past 11 years. We both today who are facing stress. It deals with Cooling Down Teen Stress is complement- have the same aim of educating the com- the very issues young people face today ed by a training kit for teachers. There are munity about how to live a healthy, active through the story of a young girl who’s the hopes of expanding the book’s market from and productive life.” president of her class. She has to deal with Adventist schools to every school. Glen Signs Publishing Company (SPC) is in- friends who are taking drugs and suicidal, Reed, chief financial officer for Adventist volved with the grand prix again this year as well as her father having a heart attack Media Network, was heavily involved in through the production of advertising ma- and having to pass school.” bringing the book over from the US. terials, as well as supplying copies of Signs The first order for the book was for 500 Cooling Down Teen Stress is avail- of the Times magazine. copies by a literature evangelist in Port able throughout the SPD from literature Special guests at the grand prix will in- Moresby. A number of schools have also evangelists and Adventist Book Centres. clude the Veteran Car Club of Australia. purchased quantities of the book to be used —Adele Nash —RECORD staff/David Jones
◆◆A Roman Catholic nun has troversy after disciplining the other undergarments or equip- apostle. Paul was said to have been caught speeding at 180 Brazilian team for overt displays ment with political, personal or been buried with Peter in a cata- kilometres per hour in Italy. of Christianity during a match. religious slogans on them but comb on the Via Appia, before Her speed was more than three Stars including forward Kaka and there is nothing that outlaws being moved to a basilica erect- times the limit and the nun was captain Lucio revealed T-shirts prayer or other religious displays. ed in his honour. For centuries it not travelling alone—there were with devout slogans such as “I —Australian Christian Channel was believed his remains were two other sisters in the car at the Belong to Jesus” and “I Love buried beneath the basilica’s time. The nun told police she was God” during the Confederation’s ◆◆Fragments of bone which main altar, under a slab of marble anxious to be by Pope Benedict’s Cup final in June. According to have been kept in an under- inscribed in Latin with the words side at his holiday home in north- Daniel King, writing for Britain’s ground sarcophagus for nearly “Paul, apostle and martyr.” It took ern Italy, where he is recovering Daily Mail newspaper, FIFA sent 2000 years have been “identi- three years for archaeologists to from an injured wrist.—BBC a warning letter to the Brazilian fied” as the remains of St Paul. subject the remains to the first- football federation “to remind Pope Benedict XVI said scientific ever scientific tests and estab- ◆◆The soccer world’s govern- them of the relevant regulations, tests confirmed shards found in lish that they belonged to Paul, ing body—FIFA (The Fédéra- so that such incidents do not the underground chamber at a Jewish Roman citizen from tion Internationale de Football recur in the future.” FIFA rules spe- the church of St Paul’s-Outside- Tarsus, in what is now Turkey. Association)—has sparked con- cifically ban the use of T-shirts or the-Walls in Rome were from the —The Telegraph
IS your church doing something Exciting, innovative or inspiring? Email [email protected]
6 August 22, 2009 news NNZC and IIWO 50 years for Melrose Park create jobs for Adelaide, South Australia
fter much preparation and organi- Bible workers sation, the Melrose Park Adventist Manukau, New Zealand church celebrated its 50th anniver- sary on July 25. Past and present he North New Zealand Confer- churchA members and pastors, as well as ence (NNZC), New Zealand Chris- leaders from the South Australian Confer- tian Foundation (NZCF) and local ence, were present on the day. churches or districts have taken steps The Melrose Park Ensemble supplied the Tto provide three Bible-worker positions in music for the day, including musical items Melrose Park church celebrated its connection with an It Is Written Oceania and to accompany the signing. Pastor Garry 50th anniversary on July 25. (IIWO) evangelism training opportunity. Hodgkin, president of the South Australian niversary attendees to catch up and share Graduates of the It Is Written Evange- Conference, interviewed the local Mitcham memories. lism College, based in Sydney, Australia, councillor John Sanderson, who told attend- Gary Mordaunt, communication secre- who feel called to Bible work can apply ees he “really enjoyed” the day. tary for Melrose Park church, says, “The to NNZC for approval under the shared Other “highlights” of the day included afternoon program was more relaxed and sponsorship plan and, if successful, will the church’s international group singing cordial, with PowerPoint slides and videos work for a year in NNZC. “Near the cross” for the mission segment bringing back old memories of years past.” In addition, there are currently 10 all- in Sabbath school and Pastor Robert Por- The afternoon program also featured a expenses-paid scholarships available to ter’s granddaughter, Chantelle Porter-Dab- sharing time, where people spoke about New Zealanders wanting to study at the rowski, playing “Ancient words” on the their time at the church, which was formerly college. The four-month training course violin. Pastor Porter gave the sermon, which known as the Southern Memorial church. will begin in late February or early March was titled “The lighthouse on the rock.” Mr Mordaunt says, “We at Melrose Park and is valued at $A4000. The program was recorded by the church wish to thank all those who accepted the Applications for the scholarships are media team from College Park church and invitation to come along and make this a open to residents of New Zealand and close was broadcast on a screen in the church’s day to remember. We thank all those who October 31. Applicants must be over 18 hall for the overflow of visitors, as well as participated in the program, especially years of age and are encouraged to include online. One church member’s sister watched the pastors past and present, who helped details of why they should be awarded the the event online from the United States. make this a blessed and memorable day scholarship, their CV and supporting ref- The morning program was followed by for all who attended.”—RECORD staff/ erences from local church pastors. a potluck lunch, which was used by an- Gary Mordaunt The scholarships covers all fees for the four-month program, including tui- tion, text books, accommodation and Adventist churches join Jesus campaign three meals per day. The course includes Sydney, New South Wales amazing opportunity for all the churches classes on personal and public evangelism in this state to unite under the Person of techniques, Adventist history and herit- dventist churches in New South Jesus.” age, health ministry, church planting and Wales (NSW) have joined more The Bible Society developed the cam- homiletics. than 1000 churches of other de- paign in 2003 to bring awareness and the In 2008, NZCF sponsored Marie Tim- nominations to be involved with the message of Jesus to the Australian com- mins to attend the college and she is A“Jesus. All about life” (JAAL) campaign. munity. It has previously been run in South currently employed by the South New The aim of the campaign, which will be Australia, the Australian Capital Territory Zealand Conference as a Bible worker, launched on September 15, it to promote and Tasmania, and focuses on getting peo- attached to the Garden City Fellowship Jesus to the people of NSW. ple talking about the relevance of Jesus to church plant.—AMN staff More than 80 Adventist churches have their everyday lives. registered to take part in JAAL, joining JAAL also aims to “facilitate a cultural For more information, contact Pastor Ed Gallagher, Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Uniting shift with the way Christian denominations director of spiritual growth ministries for the NNZC, Church members, Christian City Church, engage with the community.” Christians on +64 9 627 6052 or via
August 22, 2009 7 perspective
Chosen By Grace Review by Nathan Brown
ne morning early last year, interactions with and responses while visiting Avondale College, I to many of the featured works. was privileged to share a quiet con- He points out how art has con- versation over breakfast with Pas- tributed to and expanded peo- Otor Stuart Tyner. He was the guest speaker ple’s understanding of the sto- for one of the college’s regular “Festivals ries of God at different times in of Faith” and, as someone whose writing history, and uses these stories and speaking I have come across from to illustrate aspects of God’s time to time, I was pleased to be able to interactions with humanity. hear him speak to the students, as well as Befitting his overwhelming focus on ments (see Exodus 20). talk with him personally about his current grace, Tyner does not set out to attack his Like a work of fine art itself, Tyner’s writing projects. critics or even to answer their criticisms. book has been carefully developed and A project that particularly had his at- Instead, he graciously points us all toward Chosen By Grace is awash with biblical tention at the time was a book surveying the God of grace, Whose love, goodness material, quotations and references. Of different portrayals of God’s “remnant” and actions are the basis for all our hope course, this is a great strength but, at times, peoples throughout the Bible. Tyner and understanding. In approaching the it gives the book more of the feel of a study shared with me some experiences that had issues and questions in this way, Tyner guide than a reading text. The sections of prompted him toward writing the book, enacts his central theme—that even when storytelling help readers through the more including criticism he had received from describing God’s faithful people, we are verse-by-verse sections. some quarters for the emphasis he has really talking about God’s amazing grace. Chosen By Grace points out that the there placed on the grace of God in his ministry For many Adventists, the topic of the have been “remnants”—groups of people and previous writing projects. Prompted “remnant”—and particularly various state- who respond faithfully to God’s grace and by this conversation, I have awaited the ments that have sounded like claims to be call—at many points of human history and release of his book with interest and was “the remnant church”—has been a source that an end-time remnant will primarily pleased to recently get my hands on a copy of discomfort, feeling a bit too much like be faithful to that same call in many of of Chosen By Grace: Seven Portraits of End- arrogance or at best claims we would all the same ways. As such, this book is less Time People. struggle to live up to. Tyner’s emphasis on focused on end-time prophecy than some Tyner is pastor for family ministries at the nature and initiative of God is key to readers might expect from its themes but the La Sierra University church in Riv- moving beyond this. When we recognise this is one of Tyner’s main points. erside, California (US) but has been a the story as really being about God, we are The call of God’s grace is always the regular visitor to the South Pacific. He freed to humbly acknowledge His call to call to live faithfully by God’s grace and acknowledges his interactions with both live as His people, as well as how we often for God’s glory in our time and place— Avondale College and Papatoetoe Advent- fall short of that call. and that includes maintaining our focus ist church (NZ) as having contributed to From that understanding, we are able on and growing in our understanding of the development of this book. But Tyner to rely on, grow in, rest in and work from that incredible grace. Chosen By Grace is a is also furthering his own ministry passion the assured foundation of His grace. In useful devotional book for those purposes and the book is something of a sequel to Tyner’s depiction, even the Sabbath—so and worth Tyner’s passion for the task. R his Searching for the God of Grace (2006) in often criticised for its overtones of legal- format, style and biblical approach. ism—is pictured primarily as an act of Chosen By Grace: Seven Portraits of End-Time Peo- The central motif of Chosen By Grace is resting in God’s provision. He points out ple by Stuart Tyner, Pacific Press Publishing Association, art. Tyner is a connoisseur of fine art and that the Sabbath was first enacted in this 2009, paperback, 156 pages. Available from Adventist Book Centres, price $A33.95 or $NZ43.95. each of the seven sections of the book are way by the Israelites in the weekly cycle introduced with a story from the great art of manna (see Exodus 16) before it was and artists of history, as well as Tyner’s own established as law in the Ten Command- Nathan Brown is editor of Record.
8 August 22, 2009 feature
The Songa face man by joy Butler
he good news is out—the ugly no running water, no proper toilet facili- mass of cartiligenous and bony material “Songa face man,” whose name is ties, no bedding and no food for patients. from Mwilambwe’s face. Fortunately, it Mwilambwe Kalonda, is on his way Two doctors, and a few nurses and faith- was benign. It was a surgery of mercy and to recovery, better looks and health. ful workers, try to care for patients with this young man feels new. Now his little TWith his wife and small daughter, Mwil- love and compassion—and a few medi- daughter, Kakudji, can look at her father ambwe walked many hundreds of kilome- cal supplies donated by the government without the huge disfiguring growth dis- tres to the Songa Adventist Hospital, deep through agencies. Families provide food, torting his and her vision. in the rural area of the southern part of bedding and care. Hundreds of people Thanks to the Adventist Media Net- the not-so-Democratic Republic of Congo. live near and on the hospital estate, which work staff in Sydney and to Sue, who His face was totally disfigured by a huge covers more than 20 square kilometres in alerted them to this need, this family has a growth—chondrosarcoma of the max- beautiful country. hopeful life ahead of them. And the staff, illa—which made life miserable for him. But praise God for kind, compassionate with Dr Jesse at the Lubumbashi clinic, His future was bleak. The growth people in the world. When the word got have opened their hearts to this family would eventually disfigure him completely out that Mwilambwe, a 30-year-old young and hope to find work for Mwilambwe. and he would die. But he had come to man, had no chance of help if he stayed at The work of Adventist mission hospitals the famous but old and crumbling Songa Songa, generous donors provided enough is not over. The Adventist Health System hospital to look for help. A group of us money for the necessary surgery and trans- is here in East Africa to help make a dif- from the East-Central Africa Division had port for Mwilambwe and his family to get ference for those who cannot help them- come to survey the antiquated and almost- to the Lubumbashi Adventist Clinic, more selves. This is the work of Jesus. R forgotten hospital when we saw this poor than 700 kilometres away. man with a desperate-yet-hopeful look in After a tedious six-hour truck trip For more information about Songa and the Advent- his one good eye. from Songa to Kamina town, a wait for ist Health System in East-Central Africa, visit < www. Investigations revealed the surgery re- some weeks, then a three-day train trip ahsafrica.org>. quired was too difficult and could not be to Lubumbashi city and to the clinic, he done in this hospital. Songa had been a saw the surgeon, Dr Jesse Tabaranza, Joy Butler is a former departmental place of refuge for many since it began in who was willing and able to do this in- director for the South Pacific Division, who now works with the Adventist 1927 and is one of the oldest mission hospi- tricate surgery. Health System in the East-Central tals in Africa. But it is now in a desperate In early July, Dr Jesse, together with Dr Africa Division, based in Nairobi, state of disrepair. There is no electricity, Felicilda, spent five hours removing the Kenya.
August 22, 2009 9 feature Spice up your diet with antioxidants he term “antioxidants” is used seven times higher than the value for to promote all sorts of products from a small fresh tomato. Spices therefore processed foods and supplements are a great way of topping up the through to face creams. But there’s antioxidant content of a meal and Tno need to look to expensive foods and po- have the added benefit of reducing tions to get your antioxidant fix—they’re the need for salt to flavour recipes. found naturally, packed into plant foods that are already in your fridge and pantry. Antioxidant research Vegetable paella New research on antioxidants is What are antioxidants? constantly emerging. There are thousands 1 tablespoon olive oil Antioxidants are substances found mostly of antioxidants found in plant foods that can 1 brown onion, diced in plants that stop the process of oxidation. contribute health benefits—and we are still 1 clove garlic, crushed Oxidation leads to the creation of free radi- learning about them. What we do know is 1½ cups mushrooms, sliced cals, which damage cells, including DNA. that the greatest health benefits are likely 1 green capsicum, deseeded and diced While the process of oxidation is natural and to come from eating a wide variety of plant 1 yellow capsicum, deseeded and diced a certain amount of free radicals is needed foods, as each food contains a different set of 1 cup red lentils, rinsed for our bodies to work properly, excess free antioxidants that work together in unique 1 cup brown rice radicals and the damage they cause have ways. For example, while pomegranate may 1 teaspoon paprika been linked to a range of diseases and certain be high in one type of antioxidant, broccoli 1 teaspoon cumin cancers. Oxidation can also be accelerated may be high in another. 1 teaspoon coriander by stress, smoking, alcohol and pollution. Researchers are also looking at how com- 2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice So antioxidants are compounds that help binations of two or more antioxidants in a 2 cups water round up free radicals and stop them from food work together to create more powerful pinch saffron threads causing damage. Many of the compounds benefits than if they were taken out of the ¼ cup currants found in foods are considered to be antioxi- food and consumed individually. ¼ cup toasted pinenuts dants, including some vitamins, minerals To get all the benefits of antioxidants, it’s 100g snow peas or green beans, cut into and phytonutrients. essential to eat a wide variety of nature’s thin strips whole plant foods every day. And next time 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves How do you measure antioxidants? you want to add some extra flavour to your In 2007, the United States Department favourite recipe, head to the spice cupboard 1. Heat oil in a large deep frypan. of Agriculture published the antioxidant to give your meal an antioxidant boost! R Cook onion and garlic until soft but activity of selected foods using a method not brown. called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity If you would like credible and practical advice about 2. Add mushrooms, capsicums, len- (ORAC). Basically, the ORAC value for a health and nutrition, or if you’re just looking for healthy tils and rice. Cook for 2 minutes. Add meal ideas for you and your family, contact us at the food is its potential to round up and neutral- spices and stir through. Sanitarium Nutrition Service on 1800 673 392 (in Aus- 3. Combine pineapple juice, water and ise free radicals. The higher a food’s ORAC tralia) or 0800 100 257 (in New Zealand). Alternatively, value, the higher its antioxidant activity. you can email us at
10 August 22, 2009 feature
Created for a greater purpose by Rob Steed
ave you ever asked yourself, a rudder—a waif, a nothing, a no man.” for our lives, in spite of the wrong deci- “Why am I here?” Having a clear purpose for your life can sions we make on a daily basis. This must If I could ask my dog, I’m sure make a huge difference as to how you live frustrate God’s plans. Yet, in the end, God’s her immediate response would out your life. ultimate plan will be fulfilled if we allow Hbe she’s here to run around the backyard, William Booth, the founder of the Sal- Him to work in and through our lives. fetch a ball, eat dog food and treats, and vation Army, expressed his purpose for One classic example of this principle chase her tail. life. “While women weep as they do now, is seen in the story of Jonah. Jonah, the If I were to ask my 10-year-old neigh- I’ll fight; while little children go hungry runaway prophet, did everything to avoid bour, his answer might not be too different as they do now, I’ll fight; while men go to God’s plans for his life. Instead of going to from my dog. But the ball is probably on a prison, in and out, I’ll fight; while there Nineveh, he boarded a ship sailing in the computer screen and I hope the food is of yet remains one dark soul without the opposite direction. Hiding in the cargo higher quality. light of God, I’ll fight to the very end.” It’s hold of the boat, he tried to sleep off his If I were to ask a senior high-school stu- evident that Booth’s purpose was matched depression. dent, the answers would probably be dif- by his passion. In the midst of a severe storm, the captain ferent but would depend on a number of In his best-selling book The Purpose Driv- woke him. “‘How can you sleep at a time variables: their family background; educa- en Life, Rick Warren outlines the benefits like this?’ he shouted. ‘Get up and pray to tion; friends; career advice; or simply the of knowing one’s purpose in life. He says your God! Maybe he will pay attention to geographical area of the world in which having purpose: us and spare our lives’” (Jonah 1:6-8). they live. • Gives meaning to your life; The crew then cast lots to identify who For those of you who are nearer to the • Simplifies your life; the gods were angry with and the lot fell finishing line of life, with much more ex- • Focuses your life; on Jonah. Then Jonah was asked a series perience, I wonder what your answers • Motivates you life; and of questions that reached to the heart of would be. Is it any clearer now than when • Prepares you for eternity. the matter: “Why has this awful storm you were a young 18 year old? Or have you The Bible teaches that God has a clear come upon us?” “Who are you?” “What stopped asking such questions? purpose for the Christian life. “For we are is your line of work?” “What country are I have spent a lot of my time as a personal God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew you from?” “Why are you on this boat?” coach asking Christians the same questions. in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good When we, like Jonah, forget who we Some give me clear answers, while many things he planned for us long ago,” (Eph- are—the children of God—and where our struggle to be specific. esians 2:10*). citizenship is—God’s heavenly family—we Thomas Carlyle once said, “The man I must confess, I don’t know just how this lose purpose and direction. Jonah’s problem without a purpose is like a ship without works. But I do know God has a purpose was that he wasn’t living his life in accord-
August 22, 2009 11 features
ance with who God had called him to be, and was therefore con- fused and fearful about what he had been asked to do. When we forget who we are and live just like any other citi- zen, we live within our limits and energise below our maximum, behaving below our optimum. The parable of the wicked serv- ant (see Luke 19:11-27) is all about developing our talents to their maximum potential for God’s purpose. To help you through Ellen White understood your journey, you’ll the huge potential that ex- ists in our church when need other trusted she wrote, “In the common walks of life there is many a Christian friends toiler patiently treading the round of his daily tasks, un- to encourage you. conscious of latent powers that, roused to action, would place him among the world’s great leaders. The touch of a skilful hand is needed to arouse and de- velop those dormant faculties” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, page 511). So what does God want you to do with your life? If, like the majority, you are finding this difficult to answer, here are some suggestions: 1. Take a careful look at yourself, your talents, personality and spiritual gifts. Do a personality test. Ask those close to you for feedback. 2. Decide on the type of person you want to become. What values do you want to live by and be known for? Start to identify your passions; this may lead you to have a better understanding of where God wants you to serve. 3. Find a friend, a spiritual mentor or a personal coach who can work with you. Ask them to hold you accountable—to encour- age you to be bold and to live your life like a child of God. 4. Through this process, spend time in prayer. Pray that God will open doors, create opportunities and send someone to support you in your journey. Your happiness depends largely on knowing who you are, hav- ing an awareness of your calling and learning to make the right choices. Unfortunately, many Christians fail to discover their pur- pose or lose sight of who God has called them to be. In so doing, they fail to serve God at their best and miss out on the experience of being the person God created them to be. A word of caution: your vision or calling can be easily extin- guished through the busyness of life and discouragement. To help you through your journey, you’ll need other trusted Christian friends to encourage you. The great Nobel Peace Prize winner and medical missionary Albert Schweitzer once said, “In everyone’s life, at some time, their inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” Do you have such a person in your life? R
*All Bible quotations are from the New Living Translation.
Rob Steed is secretary of the ministerial association for the
Victorian Conference, based in Nunawading, Victoria. Taylor Peta
12 August 22, 2009 letters
when God affirmed, I “ will make your the Reformation assertions are part of a Two responses name great” (Genesis 12:2, NIV). cosmic setting (especially, see N T Wright, Indeed, much is good and distinctive Justification). Together with writers from Steve Parker, Sa about our church but our focus must not other fields, the Christian world has moved “No/what difference?” (Letters, July 25) be self-promotion. God will do the promot- toward a great-controversy scenario that asks why there is a difference between or- ing if He wishes; we should focus on living goes beyond individuals being passively dination and commissioning. Here is the in the covenant. “saved by grace through faith.” answer I would like to offer: Down through history, the interpretation Indeed, much is good and distinc- of Scripture has been dominated by men who did so through the coloured lenses of tive about our church but our focus patriarchy. The interpretation of the passages must not be self-promotion. of Scripture related to women and ministry have served the power and political interests of those who control religious institutions. Integration, breadth Jesus in Record? Of course, women are a useful resource to keep things running. But ordination would Eric Livingston, NSW Scott Charlesworth, PNG put them on an equal footing with men and “A double centre” can be thanked for “A double centre” appears to favour a give them too much symbolic power they some helpful points. But on re-reading focus on the gospel in relation to the in- might actually assert. the original article (“Was Jesus a legalist?” dwelling Spirit in preference to Advent- So, to make women feel as though they Feature, May 23), it appears a meditative, ism’s understanding of the righteousness are valued but distinguish them from the biblically-based appeal to rectify imbalance. of Christ in relation to the law—almost powerful masculine symbol of ordination, We need to hear all the provisions of grace. conveying the impression that these are in the idea of commissioning was created. We continually need the reassurance of the opposition. Its view seems to be that pro- Although there is no biblical basis for love, mercy and acceptance of God. How- claiming the gospel and the requirement such a distinction, the church has resisted re- ever, we have had our Christian experiences of obedience with equal emphasis results forming its practice and persists in labelling impoverished by a one-sided portrayal of in a new covenant of works. women as second-class quasi-pastors, even faith and grace, as if Christian experience is I think Jesus would beg to differ. The though many women have been gifted by limited to what God does for merely passive cross should never be far from our view but the Holy Spirit with the same skills as men. recipients. This has come from emphasising Sinai is the point of reference for much of I would encourage those who have ques- one aspect of truth over its complement, the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus acts like a tions about women’s ordination to seek out rather than integrating them. Consequently, new Moses—standing on a mountain, He some of the excellent literature written by the freedom and joy from overcoming sinful proclaims the commandments in an even scholars inside and outside the denomina- tendencies has been curtailed; others have more exacting manner. In doing so, He does tion, who present alternative views to those suffered from our reduced witness and God not moderate His teaching with any Pauline of the dominant official view. has been robbed of His glory. theology of the righteousness of faith im- Jesus and all inspired writers were broad- puted at justification (see Romans 3:21-26; Bruce Price, Qld er, bringing to the forefront the active role of compare Matthew 5:6; 6:33) or the witness When God created male and female, He grace in our lives: “For the grace of God has of the indwelling Spirit (see Romans 8:9-17). made a big difference between them and appeared for salvation to all people, training Given its great importance, the former the roles they would play, both in the home us that, denying ungodliness and worldly in particular might be considered a serious and the church. The Bible is consistent in lusts, we live self-controllably and uprightly omission. Essential “safeguards” against le- teaching this both in precept and example. and godly in this present age” (Titus 2:11, galism hardly find expression, even in Paul. The only priestess was Jezebel! 12, literal translation). Throughout Ro- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus pro- mans, Paul makes prominent an active grace claims the law without qualification in the through faith (especially, chapters 2; 6; 12- starkest terms—and this is not exceptional God does it 15). From the introduction/conclusion: the in the gospels. But I wonder whether—on “gospel” and “grace” are “to bring about this letter’s reckoning—Jesus would get a Colin Maclaurin, Vic the obedience of faith” (see 1:1-5; 16:25-26, hearing in Record? “A double centre” (Letters, July 18) ar- NRSV); “faith” and “obedience” are inter- gues that Adventists “must not be tempted changed in 1:8 and 16:19. This is integration. Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent to make an idol out of the contribution of In the same 30-40 years that we have those of the editors or the denomination. Letters our uniqueness to Christian belief.” narrowed grace, faith and the gospel, the should be less than 250 words, and writers must The builders of the ancient tower of wider Christian world has broadened their include their name, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary require- Babel said, “Come, let us . . . make a name outlook. The “new perspective” on Paul ments, but the author’s original meaning will not be for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4, NIV). In con- affirms the necessary personal, legal justi- changed. Not all letters received are published. See trast, the focus was reversed for Abram fication through faith but also shows how masthead (page 2) for contact details.
August 22, 2009 13 noticeboard
PA systems etc. Lower prices for SDA Positions vacant Volunteers! churches, schools etc. Australia only. Rural Electronics (02) 6361 3636; or ▲▲Principal—Heritage College (Victoria). Adventist Schools Victoria invites
14 August 22, 2009 noticeboard
Max Hatton’s fi rst book, Understanding the Trinity, has been a blessing to many. Now, his second book is available on CD ROM.
The Trinity Doctrine for Seventh-day Adventists
Looking at Trinity issues in Adventist history.
Available for $A10, including shipping and handling. Order from: Cathy Kingston
August 22, 2009 15 1 Above beyoncand Î
IGNS SOF THE TIMES 2 0 0 9 Call: 1800 035 542 (AUS) 0800 770 565 (NZ) www.signsofthetimes.org.au