MARCH 20, 2004 RECORD In this issue
TRYathlon features on Totally Wild
Cyclone destroys Adventist villages
Conservative, liberal or . . .
Bruce Marchiano, pictured portraying Jesus in the Visual Bible’s Matthew, will visit Australia and New Zealand from April 10. His visit will include a satellite broadcast to local churches. Jesus actor live from NZ Auckland, NZ n actor best known for playing the role of Jesus will share his testimony in Seventh-day AAdventist churches across Australia and New Zealand over Easter. Bruce Marchiano, star of the Visual Bible video series Matthew, will present a four-part seminar live via satellite from the Papatoetoe church (North New Zealand) on April 10. The seminar, called In the Footsteps of Jesus, “will highlight to members of the community that Adventists believe in Jesus Christ,” says Pastor Jerry Matthews, president of North New Zealand Conference. “And Easter, probably more so than Christmas, is a time when these people are thinking about Christ.” “Playing the role of Jesus in the Matthew series changed Bruce’s life,” says Adventist Media marketing manager David Gibbons, who has spoken with Mr Marchiano. “He now devotes his time and energy to sharing his testimony, which is pretty similar to that of [the Bible writer] Matthew.” Adventist The church in North and in South New Zealand has been advertising a free home viewing of the Who is Jesus? video—a 30-minute version of the Matthew series that includes an appeal to become a Christian—on television for the past three years. Local church members deliver the pilot soars video in person to those who respond to the advertisements. “The impact of Bruce’s seminar will be only as strong as church members make it,” says Pastor John Gate, director of the Adventist Discovery Centre. (Continued on page 5) to serve
ISSN 0819-5633 EDITORIAL Church was simple . . . when?
ife through nostalgia-tinted glasses tends at an unprecedented rate. It was a comfort- are traditional, some are otherwise. Some Lto be in warm tones. In slow motion able place to be. Some even reckoned you meet in large church buildings, some in sometimes. Life was just better back then. could tell who was Adventist simply by people’s homes. Life made more sense. Life was simpler. looking at them. We were proud, mostly, of The church of today is anything but For those of us who grew up Adventist, who we were. simple. it’s the church of the earlier days—of our But these were the days of revolution childhood—that tends to have that soft- outside. Authority was being challenged, as So . . . ? focus, endless summer look and feel about was Christian orthodoxy. The pill heralded Life, and church, is never as simple as we it. Church was simpler then. Wasn’t it? a sexual revolution and teens began to would want. However, there is a missing dictate popular music and culture. element in these descriptions of church Beginnings . . . simple? Except for the challenges to Christianity, past and present that is an essential: God! Sometimes we forget that an internat- these issues were rarely addressed in a From a human perspective the Adventist ional organisation, such as our church, meaningful way. Our success meant they movement should have disintegrated began with a few scattered believers in a didn’t have to be addressed. We knew we before it began. After the 1844 disappoint- limited area of the United States. Sure, they were right and we could see what God was ment there should have been no-one left to had a message and a mission, and they had doing! Besides, the mellow sounds of the form the Seventh-day Adventist Church. daring and commitment. But they had little King’s Heralds, the Heritage Singers and But God already had the people and the else. Tennessee Ernie Ford coming from our plan in mind. The miracle is that they survived and radiograms muffled what was happening In every era of the Christian church’s attracted others to the cause. They had outside. history and our church’s history you find limited resources. They were shunned by Robert Ellwood, in The Sixties Spiritual human failings and weaknesses. They’re mainstream Adventists. Worse, they were Awakening, suggests the 1960s brought a easy to find. If you fail to also see God at ridiculed by their society for preaching and transition from modern to postmodern work, though, you miss the full picture. believing Jesus would return in 1844. They times, creating endless “ripples of private During the three periods mentioned you grew out of a failed prophecy. opinions in pluralistic puddles.” At the will find God’s people fulfilling His will. They were a nothing group that didn’t time, though, few recognised how well They’re promoting His kingdom. They’re believe in organising themselves. Adventist cocooned the church was from the realities changing the world—for Him. George Storrs summed that attitude up of the day. Or how those pluralistic puddles There’s no question that we can learn well early in 1844 in the Midnight Cry: “No would impact on the church later. from the past. We can build on the found- church can be organised by man’s inven- ation laid by those before us. At the same tion but that it becomes Babylon the Today . . . simple? time we need to focus on the One who moment it is organised.” The church of today is large, worldwide, guides the present and is our future. Only as others joined them did they at some 13 million members. Its complex- The church is a group of begin to ordain ministers and organise ities are visible. In any congregation there people commissioned to themselves in a way that would bring can be a variety of theological opinions. It preach a risen and greater unity of purpose and stronger is in danger of becoming an institutional- saving Lord. We await growth. Life was not simple then. ised church run by committees that wet- and proclaim His blanket creativity. There’s the threat of the return. Church Back in my day . . . simple? church being controlled by budgets instead will be simple My memories of being a teenager in the of ministry. then. Adventist Church in the 1960s are warm. Some congregations appear as if their life The church of that era in the South Pacific has been sucked out of them. Some have was riding high on success. It was growing an attractive and involving vibrancy. Some Bruce Manners
OFFICIAL PAPER Editor Bruce Manners Mail: Signs Publishing Company South Pacific Division Editor-elect Nathan Brown 3485 Warburton Highway Seventh-day Adventist Senior assistant editor Lee Dunstan Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia Church Assistant editor Kellie Hancock Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 ACN 000 003 930 Copyeditor Graeme Brown Email Letters: [email protected] Editorial secretary Meryl McDonald-Gough Email Newsfront: [email protected] Vol 109 No 10 Layout Kathy Chee Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Cover: The Visual Bible SPD news correspondent Brenton Stacey Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. Web site www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 March 20, 2004 FLASHPOINT
• Homes of Hope connects with community in Newcastle • Mongolians to benefit from auction •Four sets of twins keeps nursery busy • Police refuse to protect Adventists • and more —Compiled by Kellie Hancock—
● The Homes of Hope ● Bundaberg Adventist (HOH) program has given TRYathlon features on Totally Wild Primary School, Qld, has the Newcastle Samoan- been awarded a government Multicutural church in he 2003-04 Sani- block grant of $A50,000, NSW an opportunity to Ttarium Weet-Bix which, coupled with the create networks and links Kids TRYathlon® school’s resources of the with the community, and series has almost same amount, will allow the through these lead people to concluded after school to upgrade with new Christ. Adapting the HOH touring Canberra, principal/administrative model, they came up with a ACT, Sydney and offices, a disability toilet and threefold model of small Central Coast, NSW, a home economics room groups that includes: com- Melbourne, Vic, with kitchen.—June Botha munity groups comprised of Hobart, Tas, and social and recreation clubs; Perth, WA, between bridging small groups such as November 16, 2003 ● Pastor Darren Slade youth choir, Cafe and Friday and March 14. could be the minister of the Night Live programs; and More than 5000 Adventist church in Esper- church small groups children have so far had the chance to prove their running, swimming ance, WA, as printed in including Sabbath school and cycling skills, make new friends and have a great time. “The series Flashpoint, February 28—it classes, and other Bible-study has been incredibly popular and attracted huge amounts of interest is his home church—if he groups. They have 30 non- from the media,” says Julie Praestiin, Sanitarium’s corporate were not chaplain of the Adventists attending communications manager. The Canberra event was filmed for the Adelaide, SA-based Pres- church each Sabbath and children’s program Totally Wild, and broadcast on February 18 and 19. cott College and minister recently celebrated the bap- This series saw the first TRYathlon event for Tasmania in its capital of the Murray Bridge and tism of Monalisa (17 years city of Hobart on February 29. Emma Smith, aged 12, from Devonport, Trinity Gardens churches. old) and Neimisha (20 years says, “My twin brother and I love sport, especially swimming, so two “Garry [Hodgkin, president old) Sevese, whose first link years ago we decided to have a go at triathlons. The Sanitarium Weet- of the South Australian to the church was through Bix Kids TRYathlon is really good as it encourages everyone and no-one Conference] and I are most joining the youth choir.— feels like they have lost.” impressed with Darren’s per- Northpoint The TRYathlon series—designed to be challenging yet safe and formance as he is kept achievable—aims to lift the self-esteem of all participants by acknow- extremely busy in our ledging that inside every child there is a winner conference,” says Lynn ● An auction has ensured This series concludes at Brisbane, Qld, on April 4. For more Hawkes, personal assistant that the 10 members from information see
March 20, 2004 3 FLASHPOINT
● Police have refused to protect an know if it will be safe to hold a service as Adventist pastor in Nakhichevan, usual next Saturday. Local Muslims have Off the record Azerbaijan, who’s been threatened by threatened to sacrifice Babaev as a local men with death or being driven out holy duty and to halt Adventist religious ● Year 5 students at Avondale School- of the community. “People phone and activity in Nakhichevan. If Pastor Babaev Primary have been studying “Mulga come to my house to threaten us, but the holds another service, he has been told Bill’s Bicycle” in class and recently the authorities have refused to help,” says that a mob will be collected to attack his poem came to life with the visit of Col Pastor Khalid Babaev, who fears for the house. The police have refused to discuss Gibson and his penny-farthing (pic- safety of his wife and son, and does not the threats or say what they would do to tured). The children were relieved when protect church members from the threatened violence.—Forum 18 News Adventist school Service commended for its ● The State Foreign Literature Library in Moscow, Russia, received a copy of The prayer power Gospel According to Luke, a new Russian translation from the Greek, in a special ceremony last month. The publication was taff at Edinburgh Adventist Primary sponsored by the Scripture Union of SSchool, Vic, spend a lot of preparation Scotland and Northern Ireland. Scholars their teacher told them they would not time in prayer and acknowledge the at the Institute of Bible translation at have to ride a penny-farthing on their enormity of their responsibility as tools Zaoksky Adventist Theological Semi- annual 17-kilometre bike ride around for Christ. nary carried out the translation from the Morisset Peninsula. Staff continually pray for one another, Greek to Russian. Russian Orthodox priest for the school in general and for students Georgy Chistiakov called this translation (such as those pictured) and their “careful according to the Greek original ● Kathryn Ashton, a 17-year-old families. A parent prayer group meets and absolutely transparent according to the member of Hillview church, NSW, is each week at the school to also pray for content of the Gospel.”—ANN showing signs of developing into an the teachers, students and the families accomplished represented. public speaker. She One parent says she ● Dave Hollandsworth has a unique was chosen to do a is confident she’s found hobby. Like most people, he has a daily Bible reading for the the best school possible job—but he also has a passion to share Newcastle Grammar for her sons because of music from a generation that has been School’s carol the Christian values forgotten by many Christians. His web service after receiv- both demonstrated and taught, the site
4 March 20, 2004 NEWSFRONT Jesus actor live Cyclone destroys Adventist villages Port Vila, Vanuatu from NZ says Bob Larsen, secretary for the Vanuatu he cyclone that hit the South Pacific Mission. “All but two or three of our (Contined from page 1) Trepublic of Vanuatu on February 26 church members’ houses have been blown “We’ve been encouraging them to invite has destroyed at least five Seventh-day out to sea. One of our primary schools and to the seminar the friends they’ve made Adventist villages. one of our churches also lost their roofs.” through their video ministry,” Pastor Gate Three of the villages are on the island of Pastor Larsen has received no reports of explains. Ambrym. One is on the island of Epi and injuries, but he is still to make contact with The seminar will complement Sow 1 the other on Tongoa. All islands are Adventists on two of the hardest hit Billion, a worldwide church initiative to islands, Maewo and distribute, by the end of the year, one billion Pentecost. Bible-study invitations. Church members “My heart goes out to will be letterboxing four million of these Tr y our members and Jesus cards in Australia and one million in ministers,” he says. “The New Zealand. The church will be offering a cyclone has not only viewing of Who is Jesus? and an invitation to decimated their houses complete the new Bible-study course, Tr y but their gardens as well. Jesus, to those who respond to the invitation. They’ve lost everything. It The Rhema radio network and its sister will take them a year to television station Shine TV will air recover.” advertisements about the seminar free of But, according to Pastor charge. Larsen, the ministers who “The Christian community are excited lost their houses say their about Bruce’s visit,” says Pastor Matthews. greatest loss is their Bibles, “Many in the community have tried books and ministry unsuccessfully to get him to New Zealand resources. Bob Larsen Cyclone Ivy damged this satellite dish on the Adventist mission before.” compound in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The news agency, “Getting Bruce to New Zealand to speak Reuters, reports Cyclone to Adventists is pretty big,” says Mr between 100 and 175 kilometres north of Ivy claimed one life and forced the Gibbons. “He has only ever shared his the capital, Port Vila. evacuation of 2000 after winds gusting testimony in North America and South “These islands took the brunt of Ivy, more than 200 kilometres per hour hit Port Africa. He’s never recorded which is the strongest cyclone I’ve ever Vila, situated 2200 kilometres north-east of his testimony or had it experienced in my eight years in Vanuatu,” Australia.—Brenton Stacey broadcast before.” Mr Marchiano (pic- tured) has spoken at a Learning centre extends Adventist Jewish outreach number of Adventist n an effort to increase contact with people of the churches in the United IJewish faith, the Seventh-day Adventist Church States. opened the Shalom Learning Center in Hollywood, “He just wants to lead people to Christ,” Florida, USA, on February 20 and 21. Adventist says Pastor Matthews. “Bruce says that as an administrators came from all over the world— actor he not only learned how Jesus lived including France and Israel—to attend the opening. His life 2000 years ago, but how Jesus The centre is located on the same property as the would have him live his life today.”— Temple of Advent Hope congregation. Along with Brenton Stacey weekly, messianic, Sabbath worship services, the centre will hold training seminars throughout the year, Visit
March 20, 2004 5 NEWSFRONT Adventist pilot soars to serve
Charleville, Queensland range of 1500 kilometres. His home base is “I’ve got no problems flying on Sabbath.” Seventh-day Adventist is one of the Charleville, which services more than He mentions the Bible story of Jesus Ayoungest pilots ever to fly for the 620,000 square kilometres, an area the size healing on the Sabbath then challenging Royal Flying Doctor Service in of the United Kingdom, extending from the Pharisees about whether or not they Queensland. the New South Wales border in the south, would rescue their ox if it had fallen into a Conan Jerrard joined what he calls the to the Northern Territory and South well—“If someone gets hurt, you go and “pinnacle of general aviation” at the age of Australian borders in the west, to the pick them up.” 26, fulfilling a 20-year dream. “My uncle in Carnarvon Ranges in the east. Mr Jerrard joined a flying doctor Johannesburg owned a small children’s club while in primary aircraft and invited me to go school and began writing to the flying with him,” says Mr Jerrard, service in high school. “I asked who was born in Pretoria, South what I needed to do to get a job. I Africa. “I was only six, but I knew wrote again whenever I reached I wanted to be a pilot.” an academic or aviation The turning point came milestone or changed jobs.” But during Mr Jerrard’s first class as a he believes God played the major business student at Avondale role. College. “I lasted half a “My wife, Amanda—my morning,” he recalls. Jerrard girlfriend at the time—was transferred to the School of studying in Cairns, but I was Aviation, graduating with a working in Mount Isa. I found certificate in 1995. the distance separating us hard to Mr Jerrard worked as a pilot in Conan Jerrard with his Royal Flying Doctor Service plane in deal with.” He was about to resign Charleville, western Queensland. Papua New Guinea for four when the service called and said it years, including two with the Goroka- A typical week includes flying doctors would fly him to Brisbane to sit for an based Adventist Aviation Services, after and nurses from Charleville on “clinic interview with its chief pilot and human completing his study. He returned to runs” to remote communities. “We cancel resource manager. A test flight followed. Papua New Guinea after completing his the clinics if we’re called to an emergency, The Jerrards worship with a small group diploma at Avondale. Work as the chief most of which coincide with the tourist of Adventists in Charleville. “My work pilot for charter companies in Cairns and season,” says Mr Jerrard. The flying mates know Amanda and I are in Mount Isa followed before Mr Jerrard doctors in Charleville conduct more than Adventists.” Mr Jerrard speaks of not being joined the flying doctors in February 2002. 7500 patient consultations per year. “wishy-washy.” “Stick up for your beliefs. One of 31 pilots in Queensland, Mr Mr Jerrard is on call on the days— People respect you for it.”—Brenton Jerrard flies a Pilatus PC12, which has a including Sabbath-—when he is off work. Stacey Amazing Facts available in Chinese
he Adventist Discovery Centre is now offering the 27- Tlesson Amazing Facts correspondence course in Chinese. But it’s not just for Chinese members. “Any church members can invite their Chinese-speaking friends, neighbours or work acquaintances, to apply for this course,” says the Discovery Centre director, Pastor John Gate. The Chinese course will be advertised on a Discovery letterbox card for an equivalent English-version Discovery course, with a tick box for the Chinese version. In Australia and New Zealand, as of the last census, there are 427,256 Chinese people who speak their native language at home.—AMC
6 March 20, 2004 NEWSFRONT Politicians meet retirement US teacher becomes an Aussie pastor village representatives Wantirna, Vic Nunawading, Victoria teacher from the United States who epresentatives of Adven- Avolunteered to follow his calling to Rtist Retirement Villages ministry in Tasmania was ordained on Victoria shared morning tea December 20 in the Wantirna church, Vic. with Australian Prime Pastor Mike Collum was born in Minster John Howard on Birmingham, Alabama, February 24. and graduated with a Chief executive officer Mrs BSc from Loma Linda Ruth Welling, chairman Pastor University in 1991. Denis Hankinson and two “I really felt the call board members, Wayne to ministry as a Stanley and Wal Folwer, student,” says Pastor joined members of the Collum. “I graduated community to meet with the Mr Wal Fowler (left), board member of Adventist Retirement in 1982 and was Villages Victoria, with Australian Prime Minister John Prime Minister. Howard at a community morning tea. accepted to go to Pastor Mike and Karen At a time when aged care Andrews [Seminary], Collum. again hit the headlines, this meeting was Lord is my Shepherd.” but I lost the vision temporarily and part of a week in which federal politicians “Mr Barresi was moved by the words and changed direction a few times.” showed an active interest in the church’s quality of singing by our residents. He He came to Tasmania in 1994 as a aged-care facilities. expressed deep appreciation for their replacement for a room-mate at summer The following day, February 25, the contribution to his visit.” camp who was asked to do volunteer work federal member for Deakin, Phillip Barresi, Coronella resident Paul Winzenried elsewhere. Importantly, having been a spent time with staff and residents at echoes this report. “Everyone present teacher, he now had a passion for ministry. Coronella Adventist Retirement Village. enjoyed and appreciated his sincere interest He served as the youth pastor at Launces- Robyn Stanley, chaplain at Coronella, in our village, and in the present new ton and Scamander churches for two years. said the surprise visit was a special day for building program,” he comments. In 1996 he married Karen (nee Webb). village residents. “During the visit, Mr Mrs Welling took Mr Barresi on a tour of They were called to Victoria as an assist- Barresi chatted freely to individual the new building site and was able to spend ant youth director and pastor of the Glen- residents,” reports Mrs Stanley. “But then to time with him, explaining the challenges of huntly church. He was then youth pastor his surprise, our residents joined in to aged care. at Lilydale church and chaplain to Lilydale present to him the well-known hymn, “The Mr Baressi’s impressions of aged care at Academy before ministering at Horsham Coronella were very positive, and Ararat. At the beginning of this year according to Mrs Stanley. “We they moved to Queensland to serve the trust these impressions will go Park Ridge and Beaudesert churches. with him to Canberra, to enable “I love sharing the hope we have in Jesus,” continuing government sup- says Pastor Collum. “My personal mission port for aged care,” she statement is to share Jesus with others and to comments. equip them to be His disciples.” The MP’s visit was He is proud of the fact that he is now an accompanied by media Australian citizen, from June last year. personnel and was an oppor- “As I look back, it’s great to see how God tunity for residents to express led me into ministry—He’s got me where their appreciation to Mr Barresi. He wanted all along.” “Mr Barresi has vigoursly Pastor Graeme Christian, ministerial promoted the needs and secretary for the Australian Union Confer- benefits of our village,” says Mr ence, presented the charge to ministers at Mr Phillip Barresi (left), federal member for Deakin, Winzenried. “The event was a the ordination and Dr Denis Hankinson, inspects building works at Coronella Adventist Retirement huge success.”—Nathan Brown the Victorian Conference president Village with ARV chief executive officer Mrs Ruth Welling. with ARV staff presented the sermon.—Bruce Manners
March 20, 2004 7 FEATURE Where Jesus walked
by Charlotte Ishkanian
f Jesus were to return to the places He fronts, in homes. But despite Iknew as a child and as an adult, what their humble meeting places, would He say? What would He do? Would Adventist believers do not go He tear down the concrete and wire unnoticed in Israel. Recently fortifications separating communities, just a full-page article appeared as He chased the sellers and money- in the weekend edition of the changers from the temple? Would He walk largest newspaper in Israel, along the shores of Galilee, talking to the featuring Adventist believers people who dared to follow Him? Would and their faith. anyone dare follow Him today, in the face Most of the Adventists in of car bombs and suicide bombers? Israel are immigrants who If Jesus walked in Israel today, where have come to work for a few would He go? Where would He worship? weeks, a few months or The temple in which He worshipped while maybe a few years, to earn on earth no longer stands, replaced money for their families in centuries ago by a mosque poor countries around the commemorating one of Islam’s most holy world. Many are Romanians, places. Filipinos and Africans. These people work hard and send Among the lowly their earnings back home to Jesus sought out the lowly, the meek and their families, keeping only the searching. He healed the sick, the blind enough to live on. They and the hurting. If Jesus walked in His cannot afford to build a homeland today, He would do much the church for themselves or same. He would seek out those who need those who will follow them. His love, His tender touch and His encouragement. Growing rapidly Perhaps He would climb the stairs of a After decades of near-stagnant numbers, several ethnic and multinational clean white building, knock on the door, the Adventist Church in Israel is growing congregations will at last have places to and be ushered into a crowded hall where rapidly today. Most of the growth comes meet. Romanian believers would welcome Him. among the immigrants who share their If Jesus were to return to His birthplace, Perhaps he would walk down the street to faith with fellow workers and with their would He find faith? That answer depends, a store front where Filipino believers Jewish employers. at least in part, on you and on me. Do we gather to worship. Or perhaps He would As part of a strategic plan to enable the care enough to support the work in Jesus’ slip into the West Bank or Gaza, walk up a Adventist Church in Israel to grow, leaders homeland? Do we care enough to give hill and knock on the door of a simple have set out to establish new congregations generously this Thirteenth Sabbath to stone house. There He would find just a throughout the country, in both Jewish and make thousands of people’s dreams for a handful of believers worshipping in a Arabic regions. In addition, two young church in which to worship a reality? simple living room. congregations that have just been What should we tell these people? What If Jesus were to return to Israel, He established will be strengthened through should we tell Jesus? r would find believers. But He would not the funds given on Thirteenth Sabbath. find Adventist churches. He would find If we help, many dreams will become The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering—to be collected on congregations dotting the cities, towns and reality. East Jerusalem and Nazareth will March 27—will fund three projects in the Trans- European Division, including the establishment of 12 villages, but He would not find signs to have Palestinian congregations; the congregations/churches in the Israel Field. direct Him to their places of worship. Ethiopian Jews of Rehovot will have a There are no church buildings. place to meet. Jews of Nazareth, Tiberias Congregations meet in halls, in store and Tel Aviv will have churches. And Charlotte Ishkanian is editor of Mission.
8 March 20, 2004 VIEWPOINT Conservative, liberal or . . .
by Kent Kingston
pastor had just been appointed to a enough. They want to take the church back running from Genesis through to Anew church. On one of his first to 1950 or 1890, when they should be Revelation. Try confronting them with Sabbaths there an elder sidled up to him taking us back to 31 AD. Instead of these and they’ll come up with a myriad of and inquired in confidential tones, “Are challenging us with the gospel in its primal excuses as to why this or that text doesn’t you a left-footer or a right-footer?” He apostolic form—surrendering daily to an apply. Basically, these “conservatives” tend wasn’t asking about the pastor’s soccer skills untamed Jesus, forsaking everything and to swallow their truth whole; if a book or or skateboarding stance. giving to the poor, emphasising spiritual evangelist said it, then it must be true. Left, right, wet, dry, liberal, conservative. gifts as the essential building blocks of the There’s no chewing or digestion involved. These words are bandied about in church church—they tend to harp on about Then again, many of us are guilty of only circles. Of course they were originally musical styles and the evils of cheese … listening to what we want to believe. political terms, but I’m talking about not that there’s anything wrong with the religious differences here. discussion of such issues. It’s just that Liberalism Like any good high school or university focusing on relatively minor debatable So what about liberalism? It’s a bit essay, we must first define our terms. This topics can detract from the important slipperier to describe, but I’ll give it a shot exercise is fraught with danger as the basics of Christianity. anyway. mention of “liberal” or “conservative” can It gets worse when some of these Liberals are inspired, perhaps, by the produce emotional responses. example of the apostle Paul, See if you agree with my who quoted familiar pagan definitions. poets to his Greek listeners so that they could relate Conservatism better to what he was saying Conservatism is the easiest (Acts 17:22-31). In Ephesus to define because the he hired out a local hall, a meaning is apparent in the more neutral venue where word itself—conservatives both Jews and Greeks could seek to conserve, to preserve, hear the message. to ensure that essential truths In a similar way, the are not lost. Conservatism at apostle Peter was instructed its best provides us with an by God to break his Jewish anchor to our beliefs and traditions by visiting a history. Gentile home and even The Bible gives many eating there. This theme of examples of godly living Christianity differently conservatives in action, in different cultures and particularly in the Old being “all things to all men” Testament where prophets (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) is a warned against pagan major emphasis of the New practices that were corrupting Testament. Judean/Israelite worship. Liberalism becomes a There were also good kings (2 problem when the focus is so Kings 18:1-7, 23:1-25) who, much on “fitting in” that when they realised how far they were from “conservatives” are lazy when it comes to important Christian doctrines are eroded. God’s law, took a conservative line. They Bible study and thinking things through for Theologians at the extreme end of the tore down idols and led their people in themselves. They use one or two “proof liberal spectrum will explain away biblical spiritual cleansing and repentance. texts” or E G White quotes to show they are miracles using scientific explanations or by The difficulty with many so-called right about something when there are writing them off as “metaphorical conservatives today is they don’t go far bucketloads of opposing or “difficult” texts narratives” rather than real history. In this
March 20, 2004 9 VIEWPOINT
way, they deny central Christian teachings Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Elijah, mother wouldn’t have approved of them; such as Creation, the virgin birth and Jesus’ Jeremiah, Daniel, Mary, John the Baptist, nor would your friends. resurrection. Some liberal theologians don’t the apostles? Each of these people Jesus looked people straight in the eye even believe in God—well, not as a literal underwent distinct discomfort—even and quoted scripture at them. He cut Being anyway. Instead they might describe suffering—in obeying God. They didn’t through the religious debates of the time God as a “cultural construct.” This is what settle back into their traditions, they with, “It is written. . . .” Often ignoring the happens when we interpret the Bible using challenged them! They didn’t seek to nitpicking and elitist traditions of the only the intellectual tools of Western blend unobtrusively with the “in crowd,” Pharisees, Jesus was sustained by the secularism/rationalism, rather than they stuck out like sore thumbs! inspired writings of the prophets and a listening to the Holy Spirit. The “extreme” vital, urgent prayer life. end of liberalism really isn’t extreme at all— The real example No, Jesus was not a conservative; He was it’s mainly about compromise, an attempt Jesus is the ultimate example. He kicked an ultra-conservative. And if anyone asks to cram the Bible into contemporary ways over cultural barriers to reach people. He whether He was a liberal, you can look ’em of thinking. The result is a fairly bland, defied religious traditions, trashed the square in the eye and say, “Nope, Jesus was over-cerebral mediocrity that you really temple marketplace and publicly a radical.” r can’t stake your life on. humiliated the hierarchy. To gain access to This kind of liberalism, however, is the “A” list”? To fit in? To look cool? No rarely seen in the Adventist Church— smoke machines or strobe lights here folks. Kent Kingston is a social worker and youth leader in we’re scorned by the true liberal as But no padded pews, wearily sung hymns Cairns, northern Queensland. “fundamentalists” with a naively literal and predictable order of service either. Viewpoint allows RECORD readers to have their say. perspective. But you don’t need to write Jesus hung out with dorks, dweebs, The views expressed are not necessarily those of the off the supernatural completely to be rejects—provincial hicks, prostitutes, editors or the denomination, but readers are influenced by liberalism. In an effort to corrupt tax officials, ex-terrorists. Your encouraged to respond. make church attractive to potential converts, we sometimes ape popular culture without thinking about whether our packaging enhances or distracts from Father . . . the Gift inside. by Kate Croft For example, we may title or promote a Father, But I stay youth program by using a reference to a I have sinned Enticed recent popular movie or TV show in a Again Held way that screams, “me too!” as we By my choice desperately attempt to be relevant to And I come to you Against my will contemporary culture. More worryingly, Again we may appear to condone the dodgy To ask forgiveness Lord, never leave morals of that movie or TV show. And to be clean I beg you please Continue to offer that escape The real problem I marvel at the wonder of your love That helpline The problem with both conservatism I see the opportunities you give me For I see it— and liberalism boils down to the same To grow I recognise my salvation thing: an unhealthy obsession with “my To reach out and escape the lure comfort.” Perhaps I want the church to Of evil Who knows return to the doctrines and worship style Maybe someday of a seemingly simpler and safer era, I see the chances to avoid the tempter I will take the chance when the truth was clear and you knew You hear my unspoken prayer To run with you exactly what to expect when you rocked You answer my heart’s desire To fly on eagle’s wings up on Sabbath morning. Or I want the Though my fleshly desire crushes the worship service to smoothly segue from sound And then Father my weekly diet of TV, computer games Of my cry for help I will cry aloud for joy and shopping sprees into spiritual matters And praise your name without jarring my sensibilities or I almost grasp hold For your goodness abounds forever. reminding me of daggy words like sin, I almost run selfishness, salvation and surrender. Either With you way, it’s all about comfort. Away Kate Croft writes from Old Reynella, South But did following God make any of From sin Australia. these people comfortable: Noah,
10 March 20, 2004 FEATURE Blind and deaf need you
by Brenton Stacey
he Seventh-day Adventist those who are deaf or who TChurch has been have hearing impairment. ministering to the blind and vision impaired since 1899. It Do you have plans to officially recognised the expand or upgrade Chris- ministry in Australia and tian Services? New Zealand in 1973 by LR: We’re considering the establishing Christian feasibility of spreading the Services for the Blind, which service beyond Australia and expanded in 1986 to offer New Zealand to the Pacific services to the hearing islands. And we’re still impaired as well. Christian looking at fully Services for the Blind and computerising our library. Hearing Impaired continues We’re also looking for as a ministry, but one that opportunities—such as at the needs your help, as director annual Christian Resources Dr Percy Harrold (PH) and Exhibition in Sydney—to manager Les Relihan (LR) promote the service and to explain. network with organisations Chris Winzenried Providing Christian services to the blind and hearing impaired: (left to right) such as Christian Blind Maree Ronan, Dr Percy Harrold and Les Relihan. What do you offer the Mission International. blind and vision impaired? impaired? LR: We provide a library of books that I PH: We provide information about the Where do the funds for the ministry care for, Bible-study courses and Sabbath help available for communicating more come from? school lessons recorded by Percy on effectively with the hearing impaired. We LR: We receive personal gifts and cassette tape—the lessons are also available also provide printed materials such as donations from our members and in large print on request. We send an Bible-study courses and Sabbath school supporters and an offering every two years average of 230 talking books to the 450 lessons in plain English for those who are from church members in Australia and members of our library each week. And profoundly deaf and who have language New Zealand. It wouldn’t be possible to 325 people ask to receive the Sabbath and reading disorders. continue the ministry without this help. school lesson on tape each month. The size I like to help local churches and aged- of the library is increasing and now has care facilities to install hearing loops. And Church members in Australia and New nearly 1000 titles on about 4500 tapes. We we will encourage Adventist Media to Zealand gave more than $A80,000 to estimate about 1200 tapes are in circulation include subtitles or sign language Christian Services for the Blind and each week. You should see the bags of mail interpreting on more video and DVD Hearing Impaired during the most recent we receive! But we urgently need more programs. We’re also inviting conferences offering in 2002. volunteer readers so we can keep adding to identify church members with special “It’s been said that people don’t care what titles to the library. Most of our resources communication needs. Our plan is to you believe until they believe that you appeal more to the elderly since blindness develop a database of hearing-impaired care,” says Mr Relihan. “Won’t you help us or vision impairment is often an age- Adventists that will help us establish a to continue demonstrating our care?” r associated problem. But we also subsidise support network. We’d like to organise New Vision Camps—run by local retreats to help those with hearing loss The Christian Services for the Blind and Hearing conference Youth Departments—for share their concerns, while at the same Impaired Offering is on March 27. See the advertisement on the back page of RECORD. children and youth who are blind or vision time provide spiritual and social impaired. reinforcement. And we’d like to develop a pool of people with sign-language skills Brenton Stacey is news correspondent for the South What do you offer the hearing and an understanding of the culture of Pacific Division.
March 20, 2004 11 FEATURE The members’ mission
by Joe Webb
remember chairing a church board pastor-dependent. I have noticed it more I am not saying everyone should be Imeeting some years ago at which I over the past few years, since I have been conducting Bible studies. Some people are introduced the subject of evangelistic goals. more focused on church member happy just to distribute cards and help I specifically asked about baptism goals. I involvement. Take particular notice of behind the scenes. We need these people wondered what the congregation had done churches without a pastor for a few weeks and thank God for them. However, we have in the past and what they wanted to or months. Many things church members neglected to equip and release church attempt for the New Year. could adequately handle are put on hold members to evangelistic ministries. To my surprise a number of church until the new pastor arrives. It is exciting to see the General leaders rather forcefully said they con- When I have asked about evangelistic Conference’s emphasis on training church sidered all Bible studies leading to baptism plans on my arrival at a new church, often members for the Year of Evangelism this to be the pastor’s job. the response has been, “We didn’t make any year. However, I wonder to what extent the Even the setting of baptism goals was seen plans because we didn’t know what you strategy is filtering through to local as the pastor’s job, because—of course—he wanted to do.” churches. or she would be doing the work. But this situation is most often not the Every conference has an army of church For the first few years in ministry I fault of the congregation. As ministers we members and, in comparison, a small conformed to the expected role. I had have been somewhat reluctant to involve group of ministers in the field. It is clear studied with everyone who was baptised. church members in the work of evangelistic the army has the greater potential to reach Sadly this role was not only an expectation ministry. We have welcomed their help in the general population with the good news by church members. Some conference outreach activities, but evangelism has been about Jesus. leaders stressed the need for ministers to “our” realm. It is time that we as a church devoted produce baptisms. On one occasion, the Consider, for instance, letterbox Bible more resources to the specific task of conference leadership divided the number cards. Church members walk the streets training and equipping church members of baptisms in the conference by the and deliver the cards. The card comes back for front-line evangelistic ministries. In the number of ministerial workers. The average to the minister. Most often he or she makes light of our message and mission, can we was not good, and was more depressing the visit, conducts the Bible studies, and afford not to? r than motivating. conducts the baptism. Many times we stifle Many have been the attempts to motivate members’ enthusiasm for evangelism by ministers to greater fruitfulness, and some not encouraging their involvement in the Joe Webb is senior pastor of the Avondale Memorial ministers have become burnt out in cutting-edge work of Bible studies. church, Cooranbong, New South Wales. response. I attempted to be all things to all people at all times. That is, until I was assigned to a large church, along with two Just for children smaller churches in the district. At the end of the first year I was finished, energy-wise, as well as emotionally. Holidays Do you know... came just in time for me that year. I determined then that there must be a better Demas? way of doing ministry. I realised that no matter how hard I tried, how many hours I Demas was a man who worked and put in, no matter how much I neglected my travelled with the apostle Paul. family to get church work done, I was still Paul mentions in a letter to Timothy not winning many souls for God. how Demas left him to pursue While speaking with a church member his love for worldy things. one day, he lamented the fact that his pastor would not let him conduct a series of Bible Read Paul's words about Demas in studies. I realised then that we, as pastors, 2 Timothy 4:10 had over many decades made our churches Taylor Peta
12 March 20, 2004 LETTERS
Spirit of Prophecy senting truth. Nothing breaks down com- cirrhosis; few ulcers; no evil social D Martin, NSW munication as much as defensiveness— consequences of alcoholism; no drug especially in spiritual matters. overdoses; much less suicide; no hepatitis C I want to commend the RECORD and Dr and few cases of hepatitis B; fewer cases of Patrick for sharing their insights on Ellen David Pennington, NSW liver cancer; and a dramatic reduction in White’s writings. Much of this information stress-induced mental disease. Few of those isn’t new to those who themselves have Reading “Ellen White for today” “990 other things” would ever be needed. done research. But for the many who (February 28) brings to mind the phrase The readership should ask the question: haven’t availed themselves of the inform- “to damn with faint praise.” The statement “What is the agenda behind this series of ation in research centres, it may seem to be of Arthur Patrick—“Because Ellen White articles?” I doubt they will find anything new, while others may have preferred was shown 10 important things in her positive. silence to disturbing our people. great health reform vision of 1863 doesn’t I treasure the contribution of Ellen mean she knew the 990 other things we Honesty and openness seemed like a good White to my spiritual life. But she did not might find useful with reference to idea at the time. regard herself as the final authority in healthful living”—trivialises the most interpreting Scripture. For example, on a important portfolio of public health advice Anne Thomson, Qld number of occasions she wrote, “Do not ever put together by a person, outside of say Ellen White says . . .”—something that Scripture. I was disappointed to read the articles those who claim to believe her If all Australians were to faithfully supposedly affirming the Spirit of instructions often ignore. follow from birth the eight principles of Prophecy and Ellen White’s role in that In Selected Messages, Book 1, in respect to health outlined in the Spirit of Prophecy, capacity. Statements, not backed by much discussion about “the daily” of consider the following: evidence, cast doubt and disbelief, for Daniel 8, she wrote: “I entreat of Elders H, I, J, and others of our leading brethren, that “I cannot consent that any of my writings shall be they make no reference to my writings to sustain their views of ‘the daily.’” And again, taken as settling this matter.” “I cannot consent that any of my writings shall be taken as settling this matter.” The Death from coronary disease would be example, “Her writings on health offer reason she gives is that she had “had no uncommon; death rates from all cancers advice that is seen to be between about 70 instruction on the point under discussion” would halve; death from lung cancer would per cent and 95 per cent reliable.” (page 164). This, to me, suggests that she reduce by 95 per cent; there would be no I would ask, by whom? I also ask why hadn’t had a vision concerning the matter, AIDS or STDs and virtually no cervical use the word reliable, which infers her so she wrote as any believer might write. cancer in women; almost no type-2 writings, which are inspired by God, are That is also perhaps a reason why she was diabetes; far less hypertension and stroke; not to be trusted. Where is the evidence able to change her views. higher fertility and successful for such a sweeping statement? Please keep the information coming; we pregnancies in women; lower rates of birth- need truth. Don’t avoid trauma, for growth defects; no risk of diseases transmitted from Doreen Sinclair, WA comes with trauma. All should avoid con- animal flesh, such as trichinosis, tapeworm, troversy, but hold to the affirmative in pre- mad cow disease, brucellosis; little I believe Ellen White was a prophet and all her writings were through the Just a coincidence inspiration of the Holy Spirit. All the books and testimonies she has written were inspired by God. If the Holy Spirit directed us to borrow from someone else’s writings, that is in harmony with this view. I do not know what all the fuss is about, nor why we shouldn’t mention Ellen’s name in church because of newcomers. If a person were spiritually minded, they would accept her writings.
Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author’s original meaning will not be changed. Not all letters received are published. See masthead (page 2) for contact details.
March 20, 2004 13 NOTICEBOARD
Partner Helpin ur g A e O vo m nd co a e le Photograph Peter Hagen Peter Photograph B
GREAT PERSONAL LLookingooking outout forfor you!you! RATES S ERVICE Considering employment options? Consider church employment. Be a part of our employment database. ACF Investments LTD Online Applications: www.adventist.org.au/employment 23 YEARS OF SERVICE Inquiries: $33 MILLION IN DEPOSITS [email protected] HUMAN RESOURCES Phone: (02) 9847 3209 Contact Chris or Fay Peter Wrankmore, Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9989 8355 Fax (02) 9989 8340 [email protected] South Pacific Division • Sanitarium • Sydney Adventist Hospital PO Box 502, Wahroonga NSW 2076
Butler, Alfred George Herbert, born grandchildren, Senetenari, Fritz and Weddings Obituaries 10.7.1930 in Perth, WA; died 18.2.04 in Sene, Jr. Sene left a legacy of love and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth. In kindness. He was a committed church Arnold—Martin. Gregory Lee Arnold, Becin, Sofija, born 25.5.1927 at Curug, 1953 he married Joan Kent. He is sur- elder for many years at the New Lynn son of Spence and Barbara Arnold (Hat- Serbia; died 2.2.04 in Brisbane, Qld. On vived by his wife (Perth); his son, Terry Samoan church. Neone Okesene tonvale, Qld), and Kerellyn Louise Martin, 5.9.47 she married Milutin. She was (Fremantle), his daughter, Shelley Clark- daughter of Brian and Cheryl Martin predeceased by her infant son, Miroslav. son (USA), his son, Rod (Sydney, NSW); Jull, Mabel Constance, born 7.5.1935 at (Goulburn, NSW), were married on She is survived by her husband (Calam- their spouses; and his 10 grandchildren. Crows Nest, Qld; died 4.12.03 in Bris- 29.2.04 in the Goulburn Adventist church. vale); her son, Miladin; her daughter, George was a patient, committed Christ- bane. She lived a life plagued by pain and John Rabbas, Nicu Dumbrava Nadezda; their spouses; her brother and ian of North Beach church. Forty-four suffering and yet demonstrated supreme two sisters; her four grandchildren; and years ago a terrible bush accident left him Christian dignity and a great love for oth- James—Chedzey. Gregory Thomas one great-granddaughter. Sofija closed a quadriplegic. God brought him ers. Finally laid to rest in the Garden of James and Nicole Renee Chedzey (both of her eyes in the presence of her family through the wheelchair years with a Remembrance at Toowoomba. Kurri Kurri, NSW) were married on with that great hope of seeing her soon- sense of humour and a strong faith. David Price 22.11.03 at Kurri Kurri. Bert Cozens coming Saviour. Cyrus Adams Dragisa Vidacak, Dusan Milosavjevic Rankin, Beryl Joan (nee Hedges), born Sibarani—Bostock. Felix Justin Calais, Ronald Thomas, born 16.12.1927; died 22.2.04 at Gympie, Sibarani, son of Bowman and Davina Best, Pastor George Cartwright, born 27.5.1927 on Cerf Island, Seychelles; Qld. She is survived by her husband, Sibarani (Sydney, NSW), and Tennelle 18.6.1921 at Lancashire, England; died died 19.2.04 at Bunbury, WA. On 9.5.60 Ian Rankin; her daughters and sons-in- Ann Bostock, daughter of John Bostock 23.2.04 in Wyong Hospital, NSW. In he married Valerie Rowbotham. He was law, Judy and Greg Davis (Gympie, and Jennifer Baillie (both of the Gold 1945 he married Doreen Thrift. He is predeceased by his siblings, Phillippe, Qld), and Margaret and Des Garrick Coast, Qld), were married on 22.2.04 in survived by his wife; his daughter, Paul and Harry. He is survived by his wife (Kandanga); her brother, Allan Hedges the Chinese SDA church, Strathfield, Daphne Bruce (Canberra, ACT); his (Gelorup); his children, Merrylyn West (Lake Macquarie); and her four grand- Sydney, NSW. Adrian Raethel grandchildren, Nigel and Lorinda; and (Bunbury) and Phillippe Calais (Perth); children. Beryl worked as a youth secre- the members of his extended family. At his siblings, Gilbert, Hermence Harvey- tary before she was married, in Sydney Weber—Langer. Roland Werner the age of four George’s family moved to Brain and Jean (John—all of Perth); and and Christchurch, SNZ. She was a bus Weber, son of Kurt and Gertrude Weber Palmerston North, NNZ. He attended his granddaughter, Francine Calais-West driver for 16 years for the Mount Gra- (Auckland, NNZ), and Stephanie June both Longburn College and Avondale (Bunbury). Ron was a man of the sea vatt school while her children attended Langer, daughter of Reinhard and College, graduating from theology in who loved his Creator. He helped build there. She was quiet but hospitable and Muriel Langer (Hallam, Vic), were mar- 1943. After his marriage, he and Doreen the original Bunbury church of which he interested in health, though she suffered ried on 29.2.04 at the Tatra Hut, Mount ministered in South New Zealand, was a valued member for 46 years. from a debilitating illness for the last 10 Dandenong, Vic. Greater Sydney, Victoria, South NSW Robert Kingdon years of her life. She sleeps in Jesus Tony Campbell, Noel Bolst and, in retirement, North NSW. Noted awaiting the great reunion morning. for his love of music and dry sense of Fautua, Senetenari (Sene), born Mark Pearce humour, George endeared himself to all 15.8.1930 at Savai’i, Western Samoa; he met. His faith in the return of Christ died 1.12.03 in Waikato Hospital, New Stojkovic, Radmila (Rada), born Give God what’s right was steadfast to the end. Zealand. He is survived by his wife, 18.10.1927 in Yugoslavia; died 22.2.04 in —not what’s left Ross Goldstone Melive; his daughter, Carol; his son and Brisbane, Qld. In 1948 she married Tom. Lyn Thrift, Errol Thrift daughter-in-law, Mathew and Aniva; his She is survived by her husband; her son, David Judd, Clive Barritt son, Mahlon; his daughter, Pua; and his Michael; her daughter, Marianne Shaftoe
14 March 20, 2004 NOTICEBOARD
Position vacant The Springwood Adventist Choir ▲ Video editor/compiler—Adventist Media Centre (Wahroonga, NSW) is With the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra presents: seeking a Video Editor/Compiler. The successful applicant must be familiar with the video editing process with a good working knowledge and experience with Mac and PC computers, and understand video and multimedia interfaces. Experience with An of graphics programs such as Photoshop and After-Effects would be an advantage. For Evening further information contact the office coordinator for a copy of the job description and conditions. Phone (02) 9487 1844. Applications in writing should be forwarded to Adventist Media Centre, PO Box 1115, Wahroonga NSW 2076; email
March 20, 2004 15 That I might Support the CSFBHI Offering on Sabbath March 27
Post a gift to CSFBHI, Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia to enable us to provide this free service. Enrol yourself or a sight- impaired friend in our free talking-book library, or to receive the Sabbath school les- sons on audio tape. Support your local conference see youth leaders in running NEW VISION camps for vision- impaired and hearing-impaired • Free library service children and youth.
• New Vision camps
• Advice and support hear Gifts direct to us over $2.00 Australian dollars are tax deductible in Australia.
CHRISTIAN SERVICES the appropriate(Circle option) FOR THE BLIND and
HEARING IMPAIRED Name ...... Address ...... or email address Fax ...... I wish to: • Send a gift of $ ...... • Enrol for the free Sabbath school lessons on tape • Enrol for the free lending library of books on tape VISION camp • Help at a NEW