A von , a e () ers new ea / ers is s ivies
RECORDM a y 9 1 9 9 8
In this issue
Caution: Faith at work
3000 to attend "Century's End" camporee
The book Gifted Hands leads to a new life
Dwight 1 Nelson on satellite
I evangelism
edit o r i a l GROUNDHOG DAY AND ANOTHER CHANCE
Iver wished you could turn back or group they believe did them a dis- forgiveness produces genuine God- the clock? Ever spoken words service. Even years later, a person can given love. Jesus commented about F J that, as soon as they're said, still be influenced to make decisions Mary at Simon's party, "I tell you, her you say to yourself, Why did I say and choices in reaction to what was many sins have been forgiven—for that? done to them. she loved much. But he who has In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Christians need to give each other been forgiven little loves little" (Luke Murray portrays a man who repeats a another chance—to allow people to 7:47, NW). day in his life over and over again. start over again. While we shouldn't We're together in this. Everyone has Now that would be helpful every condone the wrong someone may said and done things that should have now and again to give us another do, we are bound by the scripture, been left unsaid, left undone, or said chance with our actions and words. "Where sin increased, grace increased and done differently. We have all For instance, I have the suspicion all the more . . ." (Romans 5:20, NW). failed in relationships one way or that some church members and lead- Christians are to be unendingly forgiv- another. We have hurt others or been ers may want to rethink how they've ing (70 times 7 times, Jesus told hurt by others in the church. treated fellow church members. That Peter). Jesus modelled forgiveness on Do we really know what it means 4 goes particularly for those who are the cross. to be church? Can you forgive the now no longer an active part of the Offering forgiveness, especially church members, the committees, the Adventist Church family. when it may not be deserved, says church boards and business meetings Over the years, like you, I have two things. First, those who forgive that may have insensitively treated had friends and relatives who, for one understand their own inadequacies you? And, if necessary, do you have or more reasons, legitimate or other- and failings that God continues to for- the courage to ask for forgiveness? It's wise, have parted company with the give. Christians who can't forgive do your choice. Adventist Church. Sometimes it was not yet adequately understand or fully If you're one of those church mem- gradual, graceful and voluntarily. In experience the forgiveness of God. bers, committee, church-board or other instances, the exit was accom- What about the words of the Lord's business-meeting representatives who panied by anger and rejection. Prayer? If we mean what we say, the (in hindsight) could have dealt with a Regardless of how it happened, the consequences are significant: "Forgive situation another way, have you the result is that thousands in the nations us our debts, as we also have forgiv- courage to seek forgiveness of the 4 of the South Pacific who were once en our debtors" (Matthew 6:12, NW). person/s you wronged? It's your active, are no longer worshipping This means, "God, please forgive choice. members of the Adventist Church. me to the extent that I forgive other As difficult as it may be, now is as The shame of it is that, in probably people." Is this how you and I really good a time as the majority of cases, it live? It's how we would like to be any for us to didn't have to end this way. treated. It's how we should treat oth- give each On reflection, maybe Christianity is ers if we know the gospel. other another intended to be like Groundhog Day. In the community of faith, called chance. As Christians, in our relationships with church, forgiveness is to be evident as others, we are, in a way, able to do it a way of life. Only when the church over again. Christians are called to for- gives evidence of a forgiving, grace David Foster give—to move on and not hold a orientation toward others, will it func- Personal Ministries/ grudge, even if what was said or done tion as the attractive community God Sabbath School was inappropriate and undeserved. intended it to be. God intended the Director South Pacific The lack of forgiveness experi- church to model how humans are to Division enced by some may unwittingly place live together and relate to each other. them under the control of the person And second, offering (or receiving)
Next week Official Paper Manuscripts Should be sent to The Editor, RECORD, South Pacific Division Signs Publishing Company, Warburton, Victoria 3799. ACN 000 003 930 Manuscripts or computer disks will only be returned if SEVENTH-DAY accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Editor Bruce Manners ADVENTIST Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 E-mail: Adventists and Senior Assistant Editor Lee Dunstan CHURCH CompuServe 74617,726 Editorial Assistant Brenton Stacey Internet 7461'[email protected] exercise: Staying Copy Editor Graeme Brown Editorial Secretary Meryl McDonald Subscriptions South Pacific Division, $A40.00 active for life. Senior Consulting Editor Barry Oliver $NZ73.00. All other regions, $A70.00. Air mail rates on application. Order from Signs Publishing Company, Vol 103 No 17 Warburton, Victoria 3799, Australia. Printed weekly by Signs Publishing Company. Cover Photo: L Dunstan
a 0 e .11 a 9. I 9 9 8
adventist life "THIS IS A BATTLE"
I) L a r i s a Brass
t's one of those days. Too tired "I followed Him," reminds David, winning side." and discouraged to tackle anoth- "and I was a hunted, hated man." And through my tears, the Son Ier obstacle, I sulk in my self-pity. "I followed Him," says Isaiah, "and begins to shine. la I wallow in my perceived loneliness. He let me die in a hollow tree." I wrap my arms around myself and "I followed Him," weeps Jeremiah, hide from a world that's out to get "and I traded peace and quiet for a Larisa Brass writes from Greeneville, me. life of complete rejection." Tennessee. Adapted, with permis- The weather matches my dismal "I followed Him," says Hosea, sion, from the Adventist mood. A weepy sky. Just cold enough "and He told me to marry a prosti- Review. to get a chill. Just dark enough to tute." keep me in my own little cell. "I followed Him," cries John the Along with Jesus' disciples, I Baptist, "only to watch the promise whine, "This is a hard teaching. Who fulfilled through prison bars." can accept it?" (John 6:60, NIV). "I followed Him," whispers Mary, It should be just a bump in the "and I became an road, but to me it's a gigantic failure. unwed mother." Things were going well, perhaps too "I followed Him," says "Lord, I'm not sure Stephen, "and they used I can do this. Is death to there an easier silence me." "We fol- way to follow You?" lowed Him," say James, well. I should have seen this com- Peter and ing. I should have known, should Paul, "and they have braced myself, should have killed us for our prayed more. That's a lot of good loyalty." "should have dones." "The Spirit gives "Lord, I'm not sure I can do this. life; the flesh counts Is there an easier way to follow for nothing," Christ says (John You?" 6:63, NIV). "Follow Me." He answers me. Not right away. So there it is. Not easy. No He has to pry apart the stubborn skating along with the wind in layers of my cowardice. And when my hair and the sun on my back. He does, He offers me no soothing "Look," He reminds me, "this is words or anaesthetic peace. a battle. If you're not fighting, But through my inner fog come you've already lost. And victory the voices of those who've gone won't be sweet until the end. before me . . . those whose lives "But," He says to me, sitting were never theirs . . . those whose beneath my rain cloud of self- way was never easy. preoccupation, "this is what I've 0 "I followed Him," says Abraham, called you to do. I've called you "and He asked me to kill my son." to pick up the sword of the Spirit "I followed Him," says Joseph, and start flailing. I've called you to "and He led me through slavery, be a kamikaze, a fearless warrior, a imprisonment and separation from soldier who stops running from the my family." enemy and starts fighting for Me. "I followed Him," cries Moses, "You're going to get hurt," He "and I died alone on a mountain, says, "but let Me take care of that. kept from my only dream." I promise you this: you're on the Did youhear scribed to ■ mechanical engineerwhosub- an AdventistDiscoveryCentre and that'swhereIsawanadfor become moreinterestedinthe gelist whohelpedstraightenouta course. Igetalotoutofthe was untidyandshedis- more thanayearandhalf! ■ been talkingtomeaboutitfor now studyingtheBible? on Beverley,atHastings(NNZ) customer's life? course. Thanksforsendingit. with herandmadeagospelpre- was tryingtocopewiththeevent. tressed. Herteenagedaughterhad two yearsago,hesaysherhome sentation. importantly, hestudiedtheBible introduced theCoxvideosbut, Bible," hesays."Afriendhas "Christ spentthemajorpart has oftenreversedtheorder Looking forwardtothenextpart" recently overdosedandBeverley multitudes. Thechurchtoday by startingwiththemultitude could seeherlifewaschanging. of Histimeonearthwith to winasmallgroup." small groupstoreachthe Quotable • Church calendar Earlier thisyear,shewasbaptised. "He subscribedto "Over thepastsixmonthsI've ... Aboutthe28-year-old ... Abouttheliteratureevan- When StephenStaplescalled Steve soldhersomebooksand Beverley's familyandfriends May 16-23:Adventist Health —Rob Steed,in Bits'n'pieces # e Signs oftheTimes Group Network Adventist Small Signs for me, 4 and is Week ?
Australian Energy News was higher. Marital statusofAustralianAdventists ures—Religion inAustralia:FactsandFigures), Erhe resultsofthe1996AustraliancensusgivemaritalstatusAdventistsas attending categories(whichwerenotlistedforAdventistsinthesourcethese level, Easternreligionslower.Fordenominationsthathadlistedattendingandnon- Adventist conservesandwins was forreducingelectrici- Australian Sports Commission (ASC)overa Corporation, theaward cent andgasconsumption church memberGeoff five-year period.Energy Mr Bullockhas also ty consumptionby10per the ACTEnergyandWater use wasexpected to by 25percentatthe conservation. Presentedby increase by15 percent. Bullock (pictured)recently received anawardfor 1 above.Inthedivorcerate,mostChristiandenominationsareataboutsame Canberra National(ACT) Percentage of population 15yearsofageandover 75 is Marital Status Adventists Married flashpoint Avondale Collegeand AIS. Elders tomeetagain services managerforthe shaving morethan10per will beafeaturedspeaker, Sport (AIS).Theplant, Australian Instituteof affirming time together," at LongburnCollege(NNZ), and otherstrategicinvest- Queensland Conference Conference (1TUC)has Watson Park(theSouth camp-ground). DrGeorge cent oftheirmillion-dol- cogeneration plantatthe Knight fromAndrews Bullock isthebuilding lar-a-year energybill.Mr University (Michigan,USA) the Adventistmessage was meetings inJanuary1999— ments, hasledtotheAIS born." "Thiswill beafaith- presenting thetopic,"How planned aseriesofelders installed theACT'sfirst Separated The Trans-TasmanUnion of Seventh-dayAdventists Divorced III Population divorce figuresamongnonattenders M a Widowed 73 6 4 say thecouple."We "Wherever wegostu- President thanksAsianAid dents, teachers,principals extend ourthanksto (pic- The over- Aid fortheirworkin Southern AsiaDivision, this work." them, tothechurches and the praisesofAsianAid," tured). and pastorsaresinging all theme al secre- Watts, havethankedAsian Graeme ciate secretaryofthe individuals who support ingful Biblestudy. is aboutdevelopingmean- Bradford India andNepal. tary, Pastor RonandDorothy Pastor reports theTTUCministeri-
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4 flashpoint
Students donate uniforms president Kelly Fischer, The Avondale Nursing and SAH linen service Meet Gary Hodgkin, president Students Association manager Sylvia Mantova. (ASNA) donated 32 new the time of uniforms (valued at $A70 Ahis interview, each) to Atoifi Adventist Pastor Gary Hospital (Solomon World church Hodgkin (pictured Islands) recently. Former with his wife, nursing students Jan Clark Nicotine•free treatment Colleen) had been and Sandy Sidney asked Dr Linda Ferry from president of the fox a change of uniform Loma Linda University South New Zealand (California, USA) has Conference for six developed the first nico- weeks. In that time tine-free pharmacological he has had to han- treatment for smoking. dle camp and min- The treatment has been isters meetings, as assisted by the develop- well as attempt to ment of bupropion, a settle into a new drug recently approved by home and country the United States Food (he was a pastor in the North New South Wales and Drug Conference before becoming president). Administration.—AR
to SAFI How did you feel when asked to be president?
Pho I was blown away, really. It took six days and five Hit 175,000 times sleepless nights to accept the call. At my age, and I'm for Sydney Adventist An Adventist site on the just pushing 40, it sort of came as a bolt out of the blue. Hospital (SAH) student World Wide Web is aver- nurses early last year. aging 175,000 hits per What's the best thing about South New Zealand? Approval was given, but week. TAGnet is a sup- I love the slower pace of life. And the people are so ASNA had to pay for the porting ministry based in accepting. old stock. So the students northern California that started fundraising. Result? provides Web services and What have you found difficult to come to terms More than $A1300, but other support for church with as a president? short of the $A2240 need- entities that want a pres- Being isolated and not being able to meet real per- ed. However, the hospital ence on the World Wide sonal needs. At conference level you tend not to be waived the rest of the fee Web. TAGnet can be working with personal needs as much. One of my great- because the nurses, in the found at http://www.tag- est fears is to primarily become a professional adminis- middle of their exams, net.org—AR trator rather than primarily a pastor. As a former youth volunteered their time director and pastor, my heart is very much with personal during a bushfire emer- contact in the parish and in youth ministry. Being one gency last December (fire step removed from that is one of the harder things to threatened 84 elderly resi- News extra come to grips with. dents of a nursing home). Pictured are ASNA treasur- Millennium competition What do you see as your biggest challenge? er Tim Shelton, ASNA St Paul's Anglican Two things! To see revival touch the church. I would Cathedral in London has rate this as our greatest need. And to fully utilise the started a competition to ability and talents of the many unpaid ministers of the Briefly find a new hymn to cele- church. Apart from the Spirit of God, people are the brate the new millennium. central resource of the church, not buildings, money or ■ Sydney: Sydney There are prizes of institutions. Adventist Hospital has $A1875 each for the launched a new five-star authors of the best words What's your dream? menu that is low in fat and the best music. The Most of all I want to witness my Lord's return. But in and high in fibre. "This winning words and music the waiting time, I would like to see each church have new vegetarian menu will be used at the cathe- its own pastor (and, in South New Zealand, that's no promotes a healthy dral's main millennium small objective). For each church to fully minister with heart," says head dietit- program in the year clear vision and creativity, and each church committed ian Angela Saunders. 2000.—New Life to nurturing its young people. p M a I 9, 1 99 8 .) a J features CAUTION: FAITH ATwork by Tenille Di Florio
hen Wolfgang Jenke was in months to make an investigation into his teen years, he dreamed of his crime. In January 1972, his court becoming a missionary for case was finally heard. Wolfgang WGod. However, the laws of his faced charges of trying to bring the country, communist East Germany, country into disrepute—it was a forbade any citizen from leaving. So, political crime to want to leave the when he turned 18 years of age, he country without permission. decided he would attempt to "The charges were ironic. There escape—to fulfil his dream. were no possible avenues of obtain- "The borders in East Germany ing legal permission at that time!" were all fortified," recalls Wolfgang. At the end of the court case "There were minefields, trip-wires, Wolfgang was asked what his inten- explosives and automatic machine tions were once he had paid the guns to prevent anyone from escap- penalty. ing." "I told the authorities that I would He decided, in July 1971, to try to get to West Germany in a legal escape East Germany through way. That reply angered them great- Hungary, because the Hungarian ly. I was sentenced to one year and Wolfgang Jenke. 4 borders were thought to be less nine months imprisonment. I didn't secure. know what would happen, but I put the Sabbath rather than work in the "Once I arrived in Hungary, I my faith and trust in God. I believed factory. made my way toward the.border. God was watching over me and that "I was more than willing to make But I soon saw that the Hungarian He would keep me out of harm's up for any loss in production time, borderline was quite well secured, way if I just stayed close to Him." but my request was just shrugged off so I began approaching it with As a Seventh-day Adventist, and I was told that while I was a extreme caution. Wolfgang's first obstacle arose with prisoner I would do as I was told, "I was hiding behind bushes when the issue of work on the Sabbath. and that when I was released I could a guard with a machine gun saw me The Ten Commandments, including worship as I pleased." I and signalled for me to put my the fourth, were important to him. When Wolfgang had the Friday hands on my head and to walk in He had always kept the Sabbath. afternoon shift, he turned his front of him." "The problem I encountered was machine off and put down his tools So much for his plans to be a mis- that every three weeks my factory when he noticed the sun beginning sionary for God. shift work conflicted with the to set. "The border police quickly noti- Sabbath hours. "I just sat there quietly, and the fied the East German consulate in "The Sabbath day is very impor- prison guards soon noticed. They Budapest," he says, "and informed tant to me, for it is a day that God came over and asked me what I them that they had caught another created for us as a memorial of His thought I was doing. I told them that person attempting to escape." creation. It was set aside for us to I had mentioned to them previously He was transported to Budapest remember our Creator and worship about not being willing to work on and placed in custody at a Him. The Sabbath allows us to have the Lord's day, which had just started Hungarian police station. He waited a rest from our everyday routine so for me." there until East Germany could that we can have a day specially Wolfgang was ordered into the arrange for Wolfgang and several devoted to God." office at once and a prison official others who had been caught Wolfgang was not willing to com- came down to convince him that attempting to escape to be flown promise his beliefs, so right from the God would understand that he was back. start he asked the prison guards if in prison and therefore could not The authorities took some five they would allow him to worship on worship in the way he would out- f e a t u r es
side. He was threatened with solitary requirements, then they would be Wolfgang was baffled as to why confinement if he didn't get back to exempt from the amnesty and the prison officer was suddenly so work. would have to sit out their full unconcerned about the issue. "I just sat at my machine for the prison term." "The only explanation was that he rest of the shift and the prison Several of Wolfgang's prison already knew who was on the next authorities didn't take action. I con- friends urged him to start working few transports to West Germany and tinued doing this each time the fac- on Saturdays so he wouldn't jeopar- that I was one of them. As a result tory work conflicted with the dise his early prison release by not he must have decided to smooth the Sabbath hours." complying with the rules. issue over." For some reason the authorities "I told them that that was not pos- Wolfgang was finally released in never punished Wolfgang, which sible. I hadn't worked on the Sabbath January 1973 after he had served puzzled him for quite some time. He before and I wasn't about to start." one year and six months—three eventually noticed a board with the That Friday afternoon, Wolfgang's months short of his full prison term. percentage of work achieved by cell was called to get ready for The prisoners were all informed that each prisoner written on it, along work. As they were leaving, their East German citizenship had with what percentage of work was Wolfgang's name was called out and been withdrawn, as they were no actually required. he was ordered to stay back. longer wanted in the East. They "Even though I worked fewer "All the prisoners thought they were sent to a refugee home in West hours than the other prisoners, I had seen me for the last time. Germany, where they each received was still doing 120-150 per cent of However, I was brought back into a small sum of money, proper cloth- what was required. The authorities my cell and I did not hear from the ing and a passport. must have realised that punishing authorities all night. "We were told that we were now me was not going to achieve any- "The following day the prison free to do as we pleased. What we thing, as it would decrease the work officer called me into his office and didn't know at the time was that output of one of their best workers!" said, 'Wolfgang, we have talked to West Germany had kindly paid Wolfgang was further tested in you many times about the Sabbath. 40,000 marks for each prisoner to September of 1972. All prisoners What is your attitude now that you get out of East Germany to the were informed that the chancellors know about the amnesty's condi- West. They wanted to aid those in of East and West Germany had tions?' East Germany who were not happy reached an agreement to grant an "I told him that my attitude was with the regime. This was a very I amnesty for political prisoners. unchanged, and he reassured me selfless gesture." "There were no other details that they would not stand in my As soon as Wolfgang could, he given to us except that if anybody way as I was entitled to freedom of inquired about going to a missionary didn't strictly follow the rules and conscience in Germany." school. However, he was told that they primarily trained local people from Third World countries. "I then decided to become an active person in the church and to help those in need in any way I I could." And active he has been. Since moving to Perth, Wolfgang has been involved with fly'n'build projects in Vanuatu, Fiji and Nepal. He has also helped run programs such as the Revelation and Prophecy Seminars. Wolfgang's beliefs and values were tested in that German prison, but he was able to stand firm. "I believe it's so important not to compromise on the principles that we may uphold," he says, "whether it involves the rules of society or, more importantly, God's given rules of the Ten Commandments." RI
Tenille Di Florio is a freelance journalist who writes from Perth, WA.
4 4 .! features SALVAT ION REA% N THE su rf 4 by Glenn Townend
ate afternoon. We were midway nothing but disturbed sand. I came "to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10); through a two-week camping holi- up for a breath—it seemed like min- the apostle Paul says humans are day at the beach. The waves were utes had passed. The others had "dead in transgressions—it is by grace small, but constant, and the family recovered from the freak wave and you have been saved" (Ephesians was in the water. could see how frantic I was. They 2:5); he also says we're "saved from 4 I Travis, our two-year-old, began his could see I didn't have Travis. I dived God's wrath" (Romans 5:9). beach experience running away from again, toward shore. I stayed under Sin, meaningless and eternal death the small froth of each wave as it and searched in vain. With chest are the human turbulent white water. merged into the sand. But now he aching I surfaced. Sin doesn't allow humans to reach ran straight into the surf. He'd even Relief! There was Travis, coughing, the fulfilment they desire. Sin doesn't taught himself to surf the small shore but alive in Pam's arms. Somehow he allow humans to approach a holy waves with a boogie board. had surfed in and hit her legs, twice. God on their own. He wouldn't venture out further; a She reached to feel what it was and Sin means we deserve death. ducking in a wave or two had cured was grateful she had when she pulled Enter the substitute, Jesus. God him of such adventure. But if Mum or him, feet first, from the water. sent his Son to save His people from Dad carried him, he was willing. Travis was saved from drowning, their sins. The Gospels record the "Why don't we bring him out?" I even though he was not aware of the perfect, sinless life of Jesus. He met said to Pam, my wife, as Travis danger. All he said was, "I can't see the requirements to approach this 4 played under the watchful care of an in water." holy God. uncle, in the froth and bubble on the As we talked and prayed over the His death was no ordinary death, sand. "It isn't real rough and he'd incident that night, we were so thank- but a sacrifice. He became the One enjoy it." ful our son's life had been saved. who took the punishment for human I picked him up and came out past And we too had been saved. sin. In this way Jesus met the require- the white water to the small swell. He Saved from the stigma of being ments of God's justice. was happy to be with the family. responsible for our child's death. Jesus saves those who believe in Beyond the white water, the water Saved from the blaming guilt that Him—whether we understand fully was just over waist deep and mainly eats at one's mind like a cancer. what it means to be saved or not. 4 clear. When a wave came we some- Saved from the ongoing blame of Jesus met the requirements complete- times had to jump a little to keep our working out whose fault it was. ly. heads above water. Saved from the loss of a son. Saved Saved? Yes, saved from the eternal Travis clung to me and was soon from the trauma of staring into an consequences of sin—death and sep- enjoying it, telling me whether a big open grave, knowing that life's aration. Saved from punishment. or a small wave was coming. potential could never be fulfilled for Saved to live for God. Saved to live I'd moved out a little deeper to your child. Saved from the grief of forever. Saved to tell others. Saved to avoid the waves breaking on top of the empty bed, the unworn clothes, show that God's plan does work. us. I negotiated a couple of waves the toys no longer played with. Saved to show that God truly loves and then began working my way We humans want to be saved— • humans. back to the rest of the family, closer from poverty, economic decline and Jesus, the lifesaver, rescues us to shore. natural disasters. We try to save the when the undertow of sin threatens I didn't notice the wave. planet from over-exploitation. to pull us down for the final time. Suddenly it was upon us, and I And we Christians say we are And when we're saved, we're more had to jump as high as I could. As I saved. From what? than thankful. ill did, the lip of the wave caught Travis Christians are saved from eternal and dragged him out of my arms. consequences. Listen: "Jesus . . . will Panic! save his people from their sins" Glenn Townend is the pastor of the Geelong I dived to find him, but I could see (Matthew 1:21); Jesus said He came church, Vic. 4 • Al I P
features IN COD'S HANDS by Barrie and Debbie Baronian
merica Star, America Star, rising swell could easily crush a Pitcairn calling. Do you leg between the longboat and read?" the side of the ship. "America Star. Go ahead, We all made it safely and Pitcairn." began the task of transferring the "What's your ETA, America supplies into the longboats. We Star?" didn't have much time. "We have rough weather and Suddenly, literally out of the have slowed: ETA is 1500 hours blue, another ship appeared and tomorrow. Out." hove to nearby. It was the SV Eye of the Wind. Eye had been Lonely Pitcairn Island has no expected weeks before, but we'd protected harbour where ships can had no radio contact and almost anchor. The only way ashore is by forgotten about her. Suddenly, a longboat small enough to ride just the day we needed her, she the breakers to the jetty in tiny appeared over the horizon unan- Bounty Bay. The entry is narrow Moss heads out of Bounty Bay. nounced! We decided to transfer and shallow. That's why sea condi- as much of our cargo as possible tions are critical to getting on or off basin. So fierce were they, people on to Eye, which wasn't in as much a the island. the jetty were drenched. Others hurry as America Star. On supply-ship days, if the sea is counted the waves in each set, calcu- Finally, Moss, loaded to the gun- too rough for the longboats, supplies lating the gaps that would allow a wales, left for Bounty Bay, and can't be transferred and so the ships longboat through. The boats had to America Star weighed anchor and sail on to Panama, to return months go. Now. headed east for Panama. O'Leary later. Pitcairn has three, but some- Moss was first. Crew and helpers stayed anchored alongside Eye, times only two, supply-ship calls a scrambled, bracing themselves in where we were offered a warm, dry year. They bring in everything. anticipation. The signal was given; bed. For the next two days as the This report from our supply ship the throttle was opened—wide. Moss swell fell, we recovered our goods wasn't promising. America Star had was hardly in the water before the from Eye, and took them ashore at been due to arrive around 6 am. first wave hit. She went almost verti- our leisure. Only some rat bait and Now it looked as if we'd run out of cal, then crashed down with a bone- fuel went on to Panama. daylight in which to unload sup- jarring thud. Spectators watched, We'd prayed to God that he would plies. But this was a minor problem awestruck. Some prayed. calm the sea. But He had a better compared to that of the ugly sea Moss picked up momentum now idea: Instead of removing all obsta- conditions. and pounded through the turbulence cles, He left them for us to deal with, For several days Bounty Bay had of three more enormous waves. With comfortable in His strength, and He been inaccessible, with huge breakers Moss in clear water, it was O'Leary's provided an alternative way to crashing into the jetty. We could do turn. This was easier as, briefly, the receive the supplies in the shape of nothing but wait and pray for the waves relented. the Eye. conditions to settle. We'd been pray- In the lee of the island where the The Lord doesn't always calm our , ing for good conditions. Now it was boats were to rendezvous with seas, but He will always provide a time for faith—to know God would America Star, conditions were better. solution to our problem, often in provide. But there was still a swell. Moss rose unexpected ways. IT4 The new day dawned. The swell and fell on four- to five-metre swells, • had dropped a fraction, but hardly moving several metres toward and enough to make a difference. away from America Star's steel hull. Barrie Baronian was the education officer Tension showed on the faces of the We stood inside the longboat, for and government adviser on Pitcairn Island, boat crews preparing to launch. No there's no decking. That made it diffi- and Debbie Baronian the editor of Pitcairn smiles anywhere. We gazed glumly at cult to manoeuvre onto the rope lad- Miscellany during 1996 and 1997. They currently live at New Plymouth, NNZ. huge breakers smashing into the der dangling from the deck above. A
M a r 9 . 1 9 9 8 a i e 9 n e w s f r o n t NET '98 TACKLES A BROKEN GENERATION
ellite evangelism comes down- "afraid" of God? So:nder on October 10 when at There's a fear that least 130 churches in Australia and humans are born with. New Zealand join several thousand We do all kinds of things around the world and tune in to to stifle that fear. The sec- NET '98. NET '98 will be beamed ular mind abandons the from Andrews University, Michigan, thought of God, while USA, and is aimed at younger audi- every major religion por- ences. trays God (not intention- The speaker, Pastor Dwight ally) in the posture of a Nelson, was in Australia and New Someone you don't want Zealand recently. RECORD caught up to cross, because you're with him in Melbourne. in the fire forever if you do. Who is Dwight Nelson? The picture of God the I'm 45; I have a wonderful wife, world lives with is fear- Karen, who is a nurse; two kids, inducing. This generation Kirk, who is 18-going-on-25, and has found a way to shut Kristin, who has just turned 12. I'm that completely out—so a fifth-generation Seventh-day now there is no God. But Adventist. For the past 15 years I've I still believe that for this been the senior pastor of the generation the relation- Pioneer Memorial church on the ship paradigm is what's campus of Andrews University. going to touch them. It's NET '98 speaker Pastor Dwight Nelson. where they're most in Mark Finley presented both NET need. Are you satisfied NET '98 will '95 and NET '96. Why Dwight This is the most broken genera- work? Nelson this time? tion in the history of the human When NET '95 came along, in I don't know. I didn't make that race. Baby boomers, baby our congregation—Pioneer decision. I have a feeling it has busters—every demographic cate- Memorial church at Andrews something to do with changing the gory you can name—is a broken University—we said, "No-one is venue—from a professional career- category. They have the highest going to come to this thing! This is evangelist to a professional career- divorce rates, the most dysfunction- really crazy." We grudgingly put the pastor. I'm in with 3000 people in al families, latch-key kids etc. If screen up—and oh boy, were we the "trenches of life." As a pastor, ever there was a generation hungry wrong! that brings a "hands-on" perspective for the relational paradigm, it's this People are living today in a hi- to the human church. Which is not one! tech, computer-generated age. They to say one is better than the So, let's go! Let's take that mes- go to the movies and watch things. other—it's just two different spiritu- sage. The world needs a paradigm They go to their computers and al gifts. shift about God. By the way, that watch things. They rent videos and doesn't take five weeks, it doesn't watch things. We're the most What do you speak about when take 10 months, to achieve. It can screened generation in history. So you run an evangelistic cam- happen in an instant. It just takes a why can't the Adventists put up a paign? new piece of knowledge. screen? The compelling portrait of God The people came out night after that Scripture paints. I'm convinced Is this approach something night. There was an altar call; peo- that at the heart of every major new? ple went forward to the screen! Bible theme—every major Bible I don't suppose it's new at all. It's truth—is this picture of a God who as old as God Himself. It's an ever- What's the presentation format? is not Someone to be afraid of, but lasting gospel, but it's easy for the We start Friday evening October Someone to be a friend of. That's picture to get heaped over with a 9 [Saturday morning, October 10 in why NET '98 will be called whole lot of human caricatures of Australia and New Zealand]. It's "Millennium seminar: Finding a for- God. NET '98 goes to Scripture and coming out of a local church—not ever friendship with God." says, "We would like to take a look a gymnasium, not a hotel ball- at the picture again. Just maybe room—it's got to look just like you. Why do you say people are there's a bigger picture." You have a pastor, you have a local n e w s f r on t
church. We do it together. Has the NET '98 concept caught simply the existence of a modern It will run for 60 minutes. It will on in Australia? method of communication that God have a young adult host [not yet I sense an attitude of readiness to is offering the church and the chosen] who will give a welcome try something different—to go to church is seizing. and introduce the theme for the the public with a new picture of But the secret of NET '98 is going night. There will be carefully chore- God. You've used the archaeology to be reduced to a solitary bottom ographed music that will enhance model effectively here. We've used line—our personal and corporate the message for that evening. Next the apocalyptic model in the US. dependence on God. That's why there'll be some "man-on-the-street" But could it be that now is the time the motto of NET '98 is "Forward video interviews, whether from to go with the relational model? on Our Knees!" God is ready to go. Sydney, Moscow or LA, answering Same subject, eventually, same questions like, "What do you think great themes, same prophecies— What do members need to do (or about death?" Or "What do you but at the heart we're looking for be) to be ready? think about Jesus Christ?" Then I'll this compelling picture of God. Three-fold strategy: Number one, come on for the lecture for 30-35 There seems to be an eagerness to "Go forward on their knees." We minutes and after the lecture try something new. can't go to six continents, let alone there'll perhaps be one more music our own neighbourhoods, without number then an appeal. The host Can you give an example of the earnestly asking God to pour out wraps up and the 60 minutes are "relational" model? Himself, to clear the decks of our gone. As Adventists, we talk about a lives so that He is front-and-centre. There will be screens and I will love for Jesus—number one—and Number two, ask God for His move to what we hope will be hi- an honouring of the Sabbath. What passion for the lost. Can we have tech graphics—but not picture, pic- is the Sabbath about? At the heart the heart of Jesus, who loved to be ture, picture—and we'll insert video of the Sabbath is this passionate with tax collectors and sinners? He clips as the occasion warrants. I God who longs to have uninter- hung around them to the point won't be just a "talking head." where people accused Him of The music you're going to hear If your church is not being a drunk. will be comfortable whether you're And number three, give us grace to in Australia, the US or Germany. running with NET '98, build bridges now to specific human The music will be fresh; it has to contact your conference beings. Begin, with names and faces be contemporary, but it will reflect office for the church in mind, to intelligently build a bridge the glory of the portrait [of God] nearest you that is. of love to that life in the hope of I'm painting on the night. pointing that person to Jesus. rupted time with His human cre- What's the general message ation. So He gives an oasis in time. What's your vision? you're presenting? For six days, He says, "Listen! This little community of faith, that Christ's Object Lessons, page 415, You've got to live—but the seventh you and I are a part of, is ignited by says: "The darkness of misappre- day, it's just you and Me." God, energised by the Holy Spirit hension of God . . . is enshrouding What kind of a God is this? The and lifted up into a final mission to the world. Men are losing their God the world sees couldn't care communicate with this civilisation. knowledge of His character. It has less. But Scripture portrays a God We exist for one reason, and that's been misunderstood and misinter- who, in the cool of the evening, to communicate a picture of God. preted. At this time a message from comes down to the garden to walk I dream with you, that Jesus will God is to be proclaimed, a message with Adam and Eve; who gives the come. That He will not come to an illuminating in its influence and Sabbath as a day for celebrating His earth that isn't ready for Him or saving in its power. His character is friendship. At the heart of the Ten wanting Him, but that He will come to be made known. Into the dark- Commandments is this relational to millions and millions of men, ness of the world is to be shed the paradigm. The Ten Commandments women and children who are say- light of His glory, the light of His are about protecting relationships— ing, "Yes! This is our God." That's goodness, mercy, and truth. . . . one through to 10. what I dream of. A finished chapter. The last message of mercy to be There has to be a generation that given to the world, is a revelation What could limit the success of goes for broke. I've got 3000 young of His character of love." NET '98? adults in my parish; I know this This message has nothing to do Somehow, that we will conclude generation; they're ready to go for with the speaker, it has nothing to as the community of faith, that the broke if we will call them. I dream do with the venue, it has nothing success of NET '98 will be based on of the day when in a single genera- to do with satellites—it has every- technology. That is a dangerous tion we go for broke and we no thing to do with the fact that God trap, because its success will have longer build our kingdom, but we is ready to wrap it up. nothing to do with technology! It's go for His.—Lee Dunstan new s f r on t Church wants DOCTOR'S GIFTED HANDS two million LEADS TO NEW LIFE FOR MAORI volunteers Maori young man, whose elled to Australia and eventually by 2000 Achief ambition in life had secured work at a fish factory in been to do as little work as possi- Brisbane. he Adventist Church wants two ble, has turned his life around While there he visited a relative Tmillion young people involved in after reading Gifted Hands, by of his best friend. She recognised volunteer service by the year 2000. Adventist neurosurgeon Dr Ben his depression and decided to The two-million-by-2000 goal is Carson. give him the book Gifted Hands, part of the General Conference (GC) George Gray, who late last year which had been a present from Youth Department's new worldwide told his story her parents- "Heart, Hand and Mind: Youth in on New in-law when Mission" campaign, launched in Zealand TV's they were vis- January this year. "The Holmes iting from "We're trying to make mission a Show," recent- New Zealand. lifestyle in the lives of our youth," ly graduated "I read this says GC youth director Pastor Baraka with a book and Muganda. Bachelor of found I could The new campaign is issue driven, Human relate to many and deals with the challenges facing Biology from of the author's young people today. Auckland experiences It is aimed at reaching into youth Medical when a communities who do not have access School. teenager," to overseas or distant mission pro- He obtained George says. jects, and whose only contact with high marks "Then it mission and volunteer work is and now occurred to through their church. hopes to com- me that if "There has been so much empha- plete study to George Gray at his graduation last year. someone as sis in promoting programs, insignias, become a disadvantaged and uniforms," says Pastor Muganda. qualified medical doctor. as Ben Carson could turn his life "Our young people are looking for George admits he had no pur- around, so could George Gray. something that will impact the issues pose in life when he attended "I returned to school, studied they are wrestling with every day. Tauranga Boys College. diligently and for the first time in We need to be issue driven, not pro- "In 7th Form I bombed out in my life achieved high marks." gram driven. Programs should be a all my exams, receiving only George now follows Dr vehicle to make those issues be met." between 22 and 44 per cent," he Carson's example and shares his Planning kits (which include a says. "My only real interest was experience with young adults in video and guidebook) are being sent rugby practice and getting as New Zealand schools, and at out to all the divisions of the church. much rest as possible in between other youth groups and Christian Local youth leaders will be responsi- training sessions. churches. ble for implementing the program. "Usually I had to sit up front in He recently told his story to the The South Pacific Division (SPD) class because I was so disruptive Tauranga (NNZ) church and heard has already used "Heart, Hand and and always looking at the clock from one of the members a posi- Mind: Youth in Mission" to create a and counting the minutes until we tive postscript to his appearance book on missions and youth evange- were dismissed." on "The Holmes Show." lism called Pacific Hope. After leaving school George A neighbour who had witnessed "Pacific Hope represents a shift obtained work at a meat process- the program ordered four copies away from the traditional doctrinal ing plant, but found the only each of Gifted Hands and Ben approach of the former Voice of good thing about his job was the Carson's later book Think Big to Youth series and focuses on relevant pay he received, even though he share with young people she felt contemporary issues for urban Pacific did as little work as possible. needed motivation. islanders, such as unemployment, Having lost his best friend in a Gifted Hands is available from lifestyle identity, and changing values car accident, George felt com- Adventist Book Centres.—Joy in sex and marriage," says SPD com- pletely down and out. He tray- Totenhofer munication director Pastor Ray Coombe.—ANN new s f r o n t AVONDALE OFFERS LEADERSHIP COURSES
vondale College has recently the best I possibly can," says Dr introduced graduate studies in James Chase, a communications pro- leadership and management—a first fessor from America. for the South Pacific Division. Guest lecturers from other institu- The program, offered by the tions in Australia and experts from Faculty of Business, began in March. various fields will also be instructors "We as a church haven't had any for the program. church-based leadership programs, The program has three areas of and this offers a unique opportunity emphasis: general business adminis- for leaders, managers and educators," tration, health services administration, says graduate studies coordinator Dr and education administration. Peter Morey. Students may choose an emphasis The program is made up of three from one of these areas for their indi- courses—a Graduate Certificate vidual course. (Leadership and Management), The courses are designed so that Graduate Diploma (Leadership and Avondale College graduate studies coordi- students can enter and exit at any nator Dr Peter Morey (left) and dean of the Management) and Master of Arts faculty of business Keith Howsen (right) time. The distance-education compo- (Leadership and Management)— discuss the new leadership and manage- nent allows students to do class work offered part-time over four years, ment courses. at their own pace, and means they with three subjects normally being can keep working full-time while offered each year. light the ethical and spiritual dimen- they are enrolled in the course. The program is offered in an off- sions of leadership and management. "It's a very attractive option for campus format. It combines a dis- It is, essentially, a study program those who work, but wish to contin- tance-education component from within a context of Christian values. ue their education," says Dr Morey. March to June, and an intensive- The program features instructors Some 45 students are expected to study component in July. from various departments at enrol in the program during this year. "Let me stress that the program is Avondale, as well as instructors from "It's an exciting prospect. This pro- not only for church people—others overseas who will specialise in cer- gram opens up opportunities that can also benefit from these courses," tain areas of leadership and manage- were not present before. says Dr Morey. ment. "Students can study the best practi- The courses focus on the integra- "I've been working very diligently cal means of making the great work tion of theory and practice, and high- even now to try to make this class we do even better."—Dustin Jones 3000 TO BE AT "CENTURY'S END" CAMPOREE ome 3000 Pathfinders are Pastor Kingston says hundreds of 10expected to attend the combined young people came to the front and union conferences "Century's End" publicly testified they wanted to camporee in January next year. give their lives to Jesus on the last Pathfinders from clubs in the night of the most recent TAUC cam- Trans-Tasman Union Conference poree in Albany, Western Australia. (rruc) and the Trans-Australian "All camporee staff would say that Union Conference (TAUC) will meet running a camporee is an incredibly on the coast near Casino, northern wearing event, but when you see New South Wales. hundreds of young people flooding According to TAUC youth director to the front, and when you see the Pastor Andrew Kingston, camporees commitment cards, it becomes very are a must for every Adventist satisfying." young person to attend. Pathfinders in action. The "Century's End" camporee is "When you take 3000 Pathfinders open to young people aged and staff, put them in a bush setting nightly program that is powerful, between 10 and 16. and challenge them with fun activi- relevant and spiritual, it becomes a For more information, see the ties, it's a great time. huge memory event that can literally Pathfinder director at your local "And when you add to that a turn kids' lives around." church.
II a V 1 9 9 S letters
In countries where 20 churches are looked after by t one minister, the church is growing. Is it because no- t one expects the pastor to do it all?
One big thank you there would be no shortage of funds. add 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 Roc HELIE Sit S, SA If 100 per cent of our people paid beaten eggs; 1/2 cup honey or malt; I read letters in the RECORD critical 100 per cent of their tithe where the 3/4 cup of milk (or So Good); 1/4 of our church employees and what Bible says (the officially organised cup of milk powder. Cook in a loaf they are doing or not doing, but my church), the problem would not exist. tin for 55 minutes at 175°C (350"F). husband and I would like to register There's another perspective. In Halfway through cooking, add a big thank you as parents of two countries where 20 churches are chopped walnuts. girls who went to Ankara (SA) junior looked after by one minister, the Those of us who have had soya- camp this year. church is growing. Is it because no- bean nutrition sessions would appre- They had a wonderful time, not one expects the pastor to do it all? Is ciate this addition to our cookbooks. just because of the fun they had with it because there is no officially paid all the things to do on the river person to blame when nothing hap- Thanks from afar Murray, not just the games and craft, pens or things go wrong? Is it BRANEIHR Saiumarr, PAKISTAN I but because of the caring attitude because, under such conditions, the I appreciate receiving the RECORD shown to them by the counsellors, people of the church "own" their on a regular and punctual basis. It pastors and their wives. church and have to rely on the real makes me feel part of the big Aussie There was an excellent "big family" source of power, the Holy Spirit? Adventist family. Being in the mission atmosphere about the camp and field, you read everything, including much evidence that the Holy Spirit Recipe for success the ads. You need to know that you was supportive in all that was done GWEN PARK, WA are making a difference in many peo- there. I have never seen our children I wonder if you would print the ple's lives, including ours. so strongly impressed to think about following recipe, which was shared It would be good for people in spiritual things. with REcoiln readers many years ago, Australia to come here and live for Neither of our children wanted to when folk shared their favourites? about a year or so in order to appre- come home. They wished camp It's for soya cake: Blend 2 cups of ciate all the benefits of Australia and could last forever. cooked, drained, mashed soya beans; the church in Australia. I Is this a Mstake? Just a coincidence MRS M CALVERT, NSW I see increasingly the use of Ms in the REcom). We now have Mr, Mrs, Miss and Ms. Why are we using the term Ms? I personally object to receiv- ing mail from anyone who uses Ms. I Ms is used if we can't find out if the woman referred to is married or sin- I701.1) THE gle. It is also used if that is the prefer- PASIDR r MT ence of the woman being referred to. NAVE ANY EX PERIENCE IN Looking for 100 per cent ABSMING - ERICK VAN SCHOONHOVEN, VIC BURIEWOULpNT One of the worst problems facing a LISEN conference president must be the lack of funds to provide ministers for churches, and the corresponding complaints from church members who don't have their own minister. Are such complaints justified? Instead of supporting each other in such negative thinking, each member Mail: RECORD Editor, Signs Publishing Company, Warburton Victoria 3799 E-mail: CompuServe 74617,726; can help solve the problem. If 100 Internet [email protected] Fax: (03) 5966 9019. Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those per cent of our people were 100 per of the editors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name, cent faithful in paying their tithes, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author's origi- nal meaning will not be changed. Not all letters received are published.
a n o t i c e b o a r d
children When is a pizza like EXPERIENCE
Power s W Special Bible passage to read for this week: Job 42 SIGNS OF THE TIMES?
Unscramble the following names mentioned in Job 42. Then unscramble the circled letters to find the name of an important person mentioned in Job.
1. Rozaph O 2. Dorl O 3. Ddialb 4. Peilzah O 5. Difichne O 6. Pachkerhupne 7. Zeikah 8. Mmjhaei
Pizza SIGNS C Spiritual base X not an option V Tomato base V X ink base Name Age Rectangular X mostly no ✓ always Easy to carry X too gooey Address V Olives an option V X To join the Experience the Power of His Word Club, send in your completed puzzle to: Educational X hardly ✓ certainly Experience the Power of His Word Club, 148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Refrigeration V for long life X Challenging X unless it's 2 am V anytime Residential property invest- Fattening V Advertisements ment. Buy the 1997 Housing Industry Association of Vic top award-winning Evangelistic X no way! ✓ yes! Please Note: Neither the editor, Signs Henley Properties "Home of the Year" as Publishing Company, nor the Seventh- an Investment Rental property in Victo- day Adventist Church is responsible for ria's fastest growth area with NO deposit Home delivered i/ V the quality of goods or services adver- and NO personal monthly repayments tised. Publication does not indicate (conditions apply) by receiving a five- endorsement of a product or service. year rental guarantee commencing at Yes, both can be home delivered. $190pw plus weekly tax rebates of Mortgage reduction. Is your bank between $150-$300 pw. Contact other Have SIGNS delivered to your home. keeping you in the dark? How many Adventist clients who initially thought it years do you have remaining on your was all too good to be true. For an oblig- It's easy! standard 25-year home loan? How much ation-free explanation and discussion will you repay over the remaining years? you are invited to phone Kelvin Gough 1. Fill in details below. 2. Include cheque or credit- Find out how most of our borrower (03) 9773 4125 to see if you qualify— card details for $A19.95 ($NZ22.25) for 12 months sub- clients reduce those years by at least most wage earners do. Legal & Gener- 50%—without increased payments. Save al Consulting—Residential Property scription. 3. Clip and post. 4. Wait by your letterbox. many, many thousands. For an obliga- Investment Consultants—at your ser- tion-free explanation and discussion vice. phone Glenda Kurts (03) 9773 4125 or Della Gough (03) 9727 1373. Legal & Advertisers Please Note: All adver- General Mortgage Corporation—at tisements should be sent to RECORD Name your service. Editor, Signs Publishing Company, Warburton Vic 3799. Advertisements Address To let—Holiday unit. Comfortable, approved by the editor will be inserted beach-side unit at Nambucca Heads, at the following rates: first 30 words, Postcode CI Ban kcard Ul Visa NSW. Directly above main beach, $A30; each additional word, $A1.50. For Please print clearly to avoid mail difficulties with walking access. 2 bedroom, your advertisement to appear, payment II MasterCard sleeps five. Well appointed—every- must be enclosed. Classified advertise- Enter card No. here thing supplied—just bring your own ments in the RECORD are available to food! Short or longer term. Phone Lee Seventh-day Adventist members, Dunstan (03) 5966 5851; fax (03) 5966 churches and institutions only. 2944. Signature Expiry Date Wahroonga/North Shore. For all your Clip and post coupon to: Signs, PO Box 201 car servicing and repairs at your home or Finally Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia office. licensed LPG conversions. Contact or Signs, PO Box 97-019, South Auckland Mail Centre Shane Wooller from Al Northside Mobile Feed your faith—starve Wirt, Auckland, New Zealand Mechanics. Phone 0419 855 899. AH (02) your doubts. 9456 4945. Australasian Conference Association Limited ACN 000 003 930
11 rt r 9 . 1 9 9 8 • a e IMAGINE: One jumbo jet, full of children under five, crashing every 15 minutes with NO SURVIVORS!
The good news is that though your generous support, ADRA's ministry of love prevents many of these tragedies from occurring. And every dollar you give will be matched with another three dollars.
,...yes! I wish to help children survive and bring them hope. 4
Please accept my gift (cheque/money order) of $ Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Address Every Dollar Goes Postcode ❑ Charge my BankCard/MasterCard/Visa with $ Every Dollar Grows
Card No I II I I Card type Expiry Date Signature Credit card payments may be made in Australia by phoning (02) 9489 5488 All donations to ADRA of $2 ($NZ5) and more are tax-deductible ADRA Australia ADRA New Zealand Reply Paid 61 Reply Paid ADRA PO Box 129 Private Bag 76900 Wahroonga, NSW 2076 Manukau City, New Zealand 41