Volunteering: Sti t e atest rage
RECORDNo v ember 21 I 9 9 8
In this issue
My venture into the world of youth
Outback town uses Signs—and how!
Healthwatch edition
10 "What do You mean, 0819-b633 N
F `Touch him?" 11 edit o r i a 1 ELLEN WHITE AND HER CRITICS
ecently I received a copy of a the charges levelled at Ellen White, criticism," where Douglass deals letter in which the writer asked and faithful members are confused openly and candidly with many of is church board to take his and disheartened as they repeatedly the problem passages that have puz- name off the church roll. A major hear or read criticism and doubt zled readers around the globe. reason for this step, he indicated, expressed in regard to Ellen White's Another section I found valuable was the Adventist Church's insistence ministry. However, help is on the was "The continuing relevancy of "that the church stands or falls on way. God's messenger." At times, Mrs the visions of Ellen White, being of Earlier this year the White Estate White is spoken of as though she God." released the book Messenger of the was important only for the fledgling Among other things, he was trou- Lord by Herbert Douglass. This book Seventh-day Adventist Church 100 bled by stories concerning Ellen of nearly 600 pages has been written years ago, but that she was no White's physical feats—for instance, to replace T H Jemison's book A longer relevant to the church at the holding a big Bible during some of prophet among you as the standard end of the twentieth century. At the her visions. He wrote: "Unfortunately college textbook on the gift of age of 80, she wrote, "Whether or there is no eyewitness accounts (sic) prophecy. Though written with col- not my life is spared, my writings of such feats and even the White lege students in mind, it contains a will constantly speak, and their work Estate admits that they do not have wealth of information of benefit to all will go forward as long as time shall any evidence of this and other super- last" (page 52). natural feats." The relevance of Douglass adds, "When considering I was surprised when I read this, the Adventist message and mission, since I have in my files a recent arti- Ellen White for the the relevance of Ellen White for the cle by Dr Roger Coon who, at the present and future present and future is as certain and time of writing his article (1990), was as needed as the trunk is to the an associate secretary of the White is . . . certain. branch. For as long as the branch Estate. He names two eyewitnesses needs the trunk, so Adventists will (Otis Nichol and James White) who church members and church leaders. continue to sense the security and recorded just such feats. Unfortunate- Major chapters in Messenger of the strength found in her writings" (page ly, there are many such false and Lord deal with the question of Ellen 20). I misleading rumours and charges cir- White's inspiration, her contribution The book also contains 16 appen- culating around the world. to the Adventist Church and the prin- dices dealing with such topics as False charges against and criticism ciples of how to interpret her writ- "the shut door" and Ellen White's of Ellen White and her ministry are ings. In the section "The real Ellen growth in understanding her own generated by various kinds of peo- White" we get to know her as the visions. It is my conviction that the ple. Some are troubled by her use of wife who considered her husband book Messenger of the Lord will con- other sources; others fail to apply to James to be "the best man that ever tribute to a better understanding of her writings accepted rules of inter- trod shoe leather" (page 52). While Mrs White's life and work. Hopefully, pretation for inspired writings and "Mrs White is best known as a it will also restore confidence in the I therefore come to wrong conclu- remarkable public figure, for those messages of the Lord's servant to the sions; while still others have certain who knew her best she was a con- remnant church. presuppositions about how a sistent Christian mother and wife prophet should function and find it who maintained a close and tender hard to fit Ellen White into their par- relationship with her husband and Gerhard Pfandl ticular mould. children" (page 60). Spirit of Prophecy Church leaders, pastors and elders I was particularly interested in the Coordinator are, at times, unable to respond to section entitled "How to evaluate South Pacific Division
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 jag Amok Manuscripts or computer disks will only be returned if Being Adventist Swami-DAY accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Editor Bruce Manners ADVENTIST Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Senior Assistant Editor Lee Dunstan CHURCH Fax (03) 5966 9019 and facing up Editorial Assistant Brenton Stacey [email protected] Copy Editor Graeme Brown to social Editorial Secretary Meryl McDonald Subscriptions South Pacific Division, $A40.00 Senior Consulting Editor Barry Oliver $NZ73.00. All other regions, $A70.00. Air mail rates on responsihii application. Order from Signs Publishing Company, Vol 103 No 15 Warburton, Victoria 3799, Australia. Printed weekly by Cover photo: Austral—International Signs Publishing Company.
• a , e 2 November 21 1 (8
adventist life ROAST COOKING AND CUTLERY DRA WERS by David R i 1 e y
our mother-in-law is always story. The second drawer is fairly hand-me-down insights will not do. right, right? straightforward. All the big things Thomas (the doubter), when told A newlywed Englishman are obviously kept in this drawer— that Jesus was alive, responded that noticed that his wife always cut the rolling pins, large knives, cleavers he wasn't going to believe it until end off a roast before putting it into and the occasional chainsaw—no he saw his Lord in the flesh. the oven. He dared to ask why. arguments here. "In fact," he added, "I want to "Because that's what my mother But the third and fourth drawers feel his nail-scarred hands." always did," she said, and implied are often confused, so let me set the When Thomas did see Him, Jesus that he shouldn't question her judg- record straight. The third drawer is didn't castigate him for not believ- ment. for your cling wrap and aluminium ing, but He looked Thomas straight But he wanted to know. Next foil, and the fourth is for your tea in the eye and said, "Touch me and time his mother-in-law came over, towels. Don't even try to swap these see" (Luke 24:39). I he summoned all his courage and around—it won't work and your life God is someone that I have to asked her about the techniques will be a failure (and don't even experience for myself, and He's behind her superb roasts and, by think about storing the tea towels in looking me in the eye, saying, the way, why did she cut the end a linen closet!). "Check me out and see what I can off them? Just do it the way my mother do in your life!" M "Because my mother did it that does it. She's never wrong. way," she said, and implied that Other people's knowledge is fine everyone knew that and it was a for some things. I have my accoun- David Riley is a young businessman who time-honoured tradition that tant do my accounts because he writes from Sydney. He attends the stretched back to Eve. knows the laws. Whenever I'm sick, Kellyville Adventist church. So he asked his wife's grandmoth- I see my doctor, who provides er about it, wondering if he would details on what will make me well. ever be allowed to understand this And my friend who gives me veg- Secret Women's Business. etables from her own garden, tells Grandma said, "Because I had a me that it's best if they're organi- tiny oven . . ." cally grown. Fifty years of roasts were hacked But what about about because no-one had ever spiritual opinions? stopped to ask why they were That's up to doing it that way. me! Why are we such creatures of Second- habit? I asked myself this once hand informa- when drying the dishes. tion is fine In the home that I grew up in, when it comes the utensil tray was laid out from to topics like left to right with spoons, forks then tax, medicine and knives. That was the natural, pre- carrots. But when ordained way it was always done. it comes to things You can imagine my shock to of an eternal learn that, weird as it may seem, nature, some ignorant, twisted people do it in a different order! This makes it incredibly difficult when I'm wiping up the dishes at a nonconformist's house. If they don't have the correct sequence, then I'm putting spoons in their fork section, forks with the knives, and I don't have any idea where the knives are going! The three drawers underneath the utensil compartment tell another Bits'n'pieces f 1 a s h p o i n t Did you hear . . . ?
■ . . What happened when police called organisers of GO Ray Eaton meets Rayeaton UK to report the behaviour of Adventist youth attending the event. astern Solomon Islands Mission president "They didn't ring to complain," EPastor Ray Eaton (right) met his namesake, says British Union Conference Rayeaton (left), at the organising of one of the mis- youth director Pastor Paul sion's newest churches on October 3. Tompkins, "but to say how The Tenaghau company, which meets in its own impressed they were with the bush-materials building, grew to more than 40 behaviour and performance of the members before being organised into a church. group!" "The members are all young," says Pastor Eaton. More than 1000 youth from "The senior elder isn't even 25! across the country attended the "We have many areas opening up to the gospel event, aimed at involving them in because churches are hiving off from their par- the outreach of the church. —ANN ents." Clippings Minister ordained in Victoria According to its musical III The list really worried," said Tom Victor Acuna (pictured, director, Reynold Gilson, Paulin, the musical director Ten ideas to build your with his wife, Anne) was MAB played exceptionally of the two-time defending Sabbath school class: well—it received the sec- champion Kew band. "We 1.Meet during the week. ond-highest number of thought we'd lost the cham- 2. Organise a worship service. points of any band for its pionship to Melbourne 3. Form prayer partners. hymn selection. "We were Advent Brass."—Intravic 4. Work on an external project. 5. Meet members' families. ordained at the Ringwood 6. Celebrate birthdays. (Vic) church on September The NET '98 feel-good file I 7. Develop an atmosphere of 5. Both were members of having no criticism in class. the Christian singing group • Crowds of more than 20,000 in Lae, Papua New 8. Organise a breakfast. Endless Praise before tak- Guinea, have forced NET '98 organisers to move the 9. Share the lesson load. ing up tertiary study. Pastor program from the National Stadium to the larger Eriku 10.Keep an empty chair. Acuna graduated from the- Oval. "Last night was much more than that figure," Source: Trans-Australian Union ology at Avondale College reports Papua New Guinea Union Mission NET '98 coor- Conference Sabbath School Teachers in 1993. Trans-Australian dinator Benson ToPatiliu. "Some were even sitting at the Association Newsletter Union Conference presi- bus stop on the other side of the oval." Some 40,000 dent Pastor David Currie people are meeting in Port Moresby; 15,000 are meeting I preached the ordination in Mount Hagen. Wrongpoint sermon; Victorian • Only seven members normally attend the Conference president Darlington (England) church, reports British Union • The Sydney Adventist Hospital Pastor Darrell Croft prayed Conference NET '98 coordinator Pastor Dalbert Elias. But public relations and marketing the dedication prayer. seven visitors are attending NET '98. team write: Pastor and Mrs Acuna One drove from Scarborough to Heathrow Airport, "We stand in awe of your arti- began their ministry at the dropped off his parents who were returning to New cle ("SAH operates in Mongolia," Moonee Ponds church Zealand, turned around and drove back to York in time Flashpoint, October 17) claiming (where they continue to for the night's NET '98 meeting—a round trip of about the Health Care Outreach Team minister), and planted the 950 km.—ANR performed 111 open-heart opera- Werribee company.— • A minister placed a NET '98 advertisement at a tions in two weeks. How inspir- Intravic petrol station in Romania. The owner was the first to ing! They must have been work- read the advertisement and started giving answers to ing around the clock to reach Silver for brass band customers' inquiries. "This is something big," he told such an impressive figure." Melbourne Advent Brass them. "It's a satellite broadcast from the United States." (MAB) finished second in C No, they weren't. The team He attended the first night alone, brought his family grade at the Victorian performed 11 open-heart opera- on the second, and then some of his employees on the Championships, held at fourth.—ANR tions during the trip. Ballarat on October 11.
• a e 4 November 21 1 9 9 8
flashpoint
Follow-up! LEs "last days" program Adventist Media Centre Missionary dies from burns evangelist Pastor Geoffrey ad card in a Bible Youlden will present a Liham Barnett, lecturer and Education Department Xtory book led to "Last-day issues" program G head at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) (Papua New four people from the on February 13 next year at Guinea), died on October 28 as a result of burns sustained I one family being bap- the Ridley Convention in a petrol explosion on October 2. tised in the Pine Rivers Centre in Adelaide. And if "Many of you have joined with us in a prayer vigil for (Qld) church recently. it is anything like what Graham during the past three-and-a-half weeks, and we Literature evangelist happened in Brisbane earli- thank you for that," says PAU vice-chancellor Dr Harold (LE) Gary Carr followed er this year (2000 people Peters. "We invite you to continue to pray for Graham's up the lead card, and attended, 40 signed up for wife, Jan, and their two daughters during this time of met Simon and Mary-Jo the introductory course in grief." Pascual. literature evangelism), liter- Mr Barnett received burns to 80 per cent of his body in The Pascuals were ature evangelists in the the explosion while refilling a generator during a power excited to meet Mr Carr, central and western areas interruption on the campus. He was initially treated at the reports Northern Area LE will be pleased. For more Port Moresby General Hospital then evacuated to Brisbane manager John Brereton. information about the pro- by a Medivac flight. They ordered The Bible gram, phone Pat Downey Story books for their son, on 0419 049 081. Christopher, and began from AIDS earlier this year Pathfinders are delivering weekly Bible studies (Newsfront, July 18).—On food and water to people in with local minister Pastor Mission the shelters. "Hurricane Michael Brownhill. World church Mitch is the worst storm to (The studies were later hit Honduras in 24 years," taken over by Pastor PM interviewed for AIDS video Largest union camporee ever says ADRA—Honduras direc- Clarrie O'Neill, who Thailand Prime Minister Some 7500 Pathfinders tor Walter Britton. At least Chuan Leekpai gave the from 200 clubs met, 32 people Adventist Development and October 8-12, in Rio are dead, Relief Agency (ADRA) an Grande do Sul, Brazil, for and many exclusive interview on the seventh South Brazil more are October 12 for a video on Union Conference cam- missing. AIDS awareness. Mr poree—the largest-ever Nearly Leekpai spoke for 10 min- held by a union confer- 53,000 vic- utes about the need for citi- ence, according to General tims have zens to support AIDS vic- Conference Pathfinder been evacuated from their tims and to treat them with director Pastor Robert homes. moved to the area as a respect. The video will be Holbrook. The event Global Mission worker.) shown on national televi- attracted radio, television Mrs Pascual's mother, sion and made available to and newspaper coverage. Catholic priest helps Adventist Michelle, was also inter- high schools and health TV Globo dedicated 20 A Catholic priest from ested in Bible studies, centres throughout minutes of their half-hour Italy paid for the full med- but found it difficult to Thailand, targeting the "at 12 o'clock telecast to live ical treatment of an understand English. So risk" age group of 15-50 coverage of the event.— Adventist from Amman, Pastor O'Neill ordered years. It features Umpai ASN Jordan, who had bone-mar- Bible studies from the Duitong (pictured), the first row cancer. He was flown, French Polynesia recipient of ADRA's human- together with his family, to Mission. itarian award, who died ADRA helps hurricane victims Italy after the priest found Mr Pascual is currently The Adventist out about his illness. The completing the "Like a Development and Relief hospital treatment cost Mighty Army" correspon- Agency (ADRA) is providing $A48,000. "The priest also dence course. temporary housing to thou- paid for the return flight Pictured (from left) sands of Hondurans fleeing from Greece of one of his are: Michelle, Pastor floodwaters from Hurricane sisters so she could donate Brownhill, Mrs Pascual, Mitch's recent two-day tor- her bone marrow," says Mr Carr, Mr Pascual, rential downpour. Local Amman church spokesper- Pastor O'Neill and Adventist members are son Kameel Hadad. "He's Christopher. making their churches and now well on his way to schools available for shelter. recovery."—ANR
November 21 1 9 8 I a • features h da D Hill
ed—as if on purpose—on the side ofthe room where the door opened oriAts hinges. Uncle Rob was hidden from the view of his room-mates and their guests. The ventilationithea room wasn't adequate. The odigur seemed thick, so the door was left partially opened. My first view upon entering the room was of the foot of Uncle Rob's bed. I could tell Uncle Rob was in a -foetal position. In spite of the bed- clothes I knew he was very thin. This observation, however, did not prepare me for the look on his face. On the way to the hospital I remembered Uncle Rob's full, round face. As with all my father's family, I Uncle Rob had a wide smile that proudly displayed beautiful white teeth. He was 175 centimetres (five feet nine inches) a year earlier when I had seen him, and he weighed about 80 kilograms (180 pounds). He had a dark complexion, the same as all my father's people, with beautiful, flawless skin. But now I saw no more than a 1 human skull with smooth, black Lord, help me satiny skin outlining its bony struc- Before walking into Uncle Rob's ture. His brown eyes bulged from hospital room, I prayed, Lord, help their sockets below a crop of black- grey hair that flowed from the top have to remember what he looks I wanted to reflect of his head. like . . . I mustn't forget what Except for those familiar large I Uncle Rob looks like. God's love to my brown eyes, Uncle Rob did not Three of us went to the hospital dying uncle. But resemble the man I had known., to visit Uncle Rob. It was suspected Indeed, he didn't "look like himself." that he had acquired immune defi- bow? In the foetal position Uncle Rob ciency syndrome, the cursed AIDS. appeared to be so much smaller and I was warned that he didn't "look me not to fall apart, no matter how weigh only half his normal weight. like himself." To say that a person bad it is. I inhaled deeply, tightened God is an answerer of prayers. At doesn't "look like himself' is a my grip on the Bible in my hand, the very moment when my insides strange expression. If they don't and walked into his room. started to curdle, my prayer was look like themselves, who or what There were three beds: two were answered. No frightened gasp do they look like? I felt the need of on the left side of the door; and the escaped my lips, no cringing, no divine strength. bed where Uncle Rob lay was situat- dizziness from the shock of seeing
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Uncle Rob. Every human instinct It was simple Touch him! and emotion normally experienced As the sound of a coin hitting the When I opened my eyes, Uncle in response to the horror I saw was concrete draws everyone's attention, Rob was looking at me. He seemed replaced by the divine compassion so came the answer to my fearful to be a little more relaxed, but there and love of an all-merciful and lov- question. God said to me, "He's was still that look of need in his ing God. going to die, and he needs Me." eyes. Instantly fear set in. How could I What now, Lord? I silently prayed. To be a comfort help Uncle Rob now? Sure, I could Once again the answer was instan- A nurse was bathing Uncle Rob at read the promise to him, but would taneous: "Touch him!" our arrival. As we walked in, she the promise mean to him what it "Touch him?" I yelled in my moved about the room robotically in meant to me? mind. "What do You mean, 'Touch what must have been a daily rou- As I continued looking into Uncle him?" tine: peeling the protective gloves Rob's eyes and listening to those "Touch him," came the gentle from her hands, tossing the gloves "comforting" clichés, I silently response. into the bright-red container, tossing prayed, "Lord, help." The nurses wore gloves when the linen she had removed from I gently pushed past one of my they bathed him. One of my com- Uncle Rob's bed into the same con- companions to the head of Uncle panions touched his shoulder atop tainer, and washing her hands. Rob's bed. "Uncle Rob, I'm going to the sheets of his bed. The other One of my companions stood at read you a text that may help you companion held on to the bedrail. the head of the bed, and I took my get through your pain." Even as we prayed, we all had our place at the foot of the bed. Did I say "may help you'? What hands on the sheet on top of Uncle My companion spoke to Uncle kind of hope was that? I wondered. I Rob. But the warmth and softness Rob in a tone meant to bring com- realised how inadequate Moses of a real human touch was only a fort: "God is the Great Physician; must've felt when he was asked to memory in his mind. just pray . . ." go before Pharaoh. All sense of fear vanished. My This seemed to me to be one of "Then," I said, "I'm going to pray uncle Rob, whom I loved, had not those comforting clichés we for you." had a human touch for who knows Christians routinely say when we're He responded in a frail voice, how long. I had just been touched at a loss for other words of comfort. "OK." by God as I prayed for His peace— This cliché, as others, sounded as As I read the promise of God's and His perfect love had cast away hopeless as the look of doom por- peace, I could feel Uncle Rob's eyes all my fear. God had blessed me to trayed on the face of the one who searching my face. What was he be a blessing. said it. looking for? What were his desires? I gently started stroking Uncle As my companion spoke, I started Of course he wants to be healed. Of Rob's hair. From his forehead to the leafing through my Bible, looking course he wants to be pain-free. pillow on which he lay his head, I for a promise to leave with Uncle When I finished reading, I silently stroked his head. Rob. After what seemed like hours prayed, "Now it's on You, Lord." "You've always had pretty hair," I (actually it was only minutes), I Then I started praying for Uncle told him. found the promise I was looking Rob: "My Father and my God, I pre- He seemed to melt at my touch for, a promise I'd often claimed in sent my Uncle Rob to You. Father, and relax. He was no longer a my life, a source of strength for me: he's sick and in a lot of pain. First, skeleton clothed with a layer of "Peace I leave with you, my peace I Lord, I ask you to forgive the sins in skin, but a child of God, made in give unto you: not as the world his life and accept him as Your child. the image of his Creator. giveth, give I unto you. Let not your Then, Father, I ask that You allow heart be troubled, neither let it be him to accept You as his Saviour. What now? afraid" (John 14:27). Father, then grant him peace of mind Uncle Rob lived another week After reading it silently, perhaps after that. He died of complications more for me than for Uncle Rob, I Interruption. related to AIDS. focused once again on what my In a voice that trembled—no When I received the news of his companion was saying. longer tenor, but not quite baritone— death, I didn't feel sadness, nor did I I glanced at Uncle Rob and Uncle Rob spoke. He interrupted my feel the urge to cry. I fully intend to became aware that his eyes were prayer with a humble prayer of his see Uncle Rob again and enjoy him fixed on me. Initially it seemed as own: "Father, forgive me. I accept throughout eternity. though he was merely looking in You as my Saviour. Please accept me Praise be to God! 111 my direction. But when I looked at as Your son. Amen." Uncle Rob, he was looking directly I can't remember how I ended my at me. His eyes seemed to cry out prayer—or even if I did. I didn't Brenda D Hill wrote this from for help, and I thought, 0 God, what break down and cry, but a flood of Douglassville, Pennsylvania. Adapted, with do I do? peace flowed through my body. permission, from Adventist Review. • November 21 19 8 I f • features MY VENTUR E INTO THE WORLD OF Otan by John Oakla nds
went to the 18-plus tent at camp time. I didn't know most of the They also noticed the sincerity and this year—at the North New South songs, but tried to join in. loveliness of the young people IWales Conference camp-meeting The music was interspersed with involved. They commented about the (October 1-10). Although I'm a drama and other items of interest. enthusiasm for Christ and for the recently retired minister, I saw many The actors were quite outstanding, Adventist Church. I older than me there. and the message they portrayed was By my second night I'd warmed to In fact, the tent was full of people spiritual and challenging. There was things even more and the crowd was from every age group. The person so much enthusiasm and energy. yet bigger. By now I knew the songs making the announcements and the The speaker, Pastor Dick Duerksen a little better. I began to attend the musical director expressed amaze- from the North American Division, morning meetings with their discus- ment that we would be there. At the held our attention—even the children sion panels and dramas, which same time they made us feel wel- listened in. sparked off further dialogue on the come. During camp I spoke with others topics presented. They even let an The music wasn't exactly my in my own age group concerning 18- old fellow like me join in. choice. However, I did notice the plus tent and what was happening I was amazed at the way these skill of the instrumentalists and of the there. Some had gone to hear the young people upheld traditional young singers in the choir. And they speaker and hadn't liked the music. Adventist beliefs. Some of the areas I displayed sincerity and a love for But they began to join in with the focused on were adultery, divorce, Jesus, and they were having a good singing and were soon enjoying it. Sabbath-keeping and Christian living. PUMPED UP AT NYC by Brenton Stacey
The scene The script Newcastle Youth Church (NYC), a community hall in Casey: When Cardiff, NSW, Friday night. we first started, most people said The cast a weekly youth Macquarie College chaplain Casey Wolverton. meeting where Macquarie College Year 11 student Kieren Jackson. teaching from the Glendale Technology High School Year 12 student Bible was the Casey Wolverton. Julie Laytham (also part of the NYC welcoming team). main focus would Newcastle University first-year environmental science fail for lack of enthusiasm. Actually, the very opposite has I student Anthony Spinks (assistant). happened. More students are clamouring to get involved than ever before. The summary Narrator: Casey or other core leaders teach from the Casey and a team of Newcastle-based students and Bible for 20 to 30 minutes each program. young adults are running a weekly Friday-night youth Julie: The talks are really at our level. You know how program for Christian young people who want to grow sometimes you go to church and only pick up bits and spiritually. The programs are based directly on the pieces? Not here. Bible. Narrator: Major themes so far have included service,
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Their convictions on these issues con- expounded on the firmed what I'd perceived of them in biblical principles the evening meetings. of "Achieving I began to understand why so financial freedom." many older people were attracted to He skilfully held the meetings, especially at night and our attention and / on the Sabbath—they were discover- interpreted the ing spiritual food in a different for- Word of God in a mat. clear and meaning- And Sabbath morning was a special ful fashion. time with these youth, God's young I came back the people. Some 1700 people were pre- following week. sent. A spirit of reverence and deep To my surprise, spiritual worship pervaded the con- Casey preached on gregation. tithing. He empha- Attending the 18-plus tent at camp- sised that the tithe meeting led me to respond to a flyer should be returned I distributed that told of Friday-night to a central organi- Lydia and Barbara Nowicki at Newcastle Youth Church. meetings of the Newcastle Youth sation—the confer- Church in Cardiff, near where I live. I ence through the church they attend. the Adventist Church. attended. I wondered if he would lose half God is working in and through our The hall at the Christian his congregation. But no, they stayed. youth. They may not always do Contemporary Centre was crowded Later I talked with one of the musi- things our way or to our liking, but with young people—some 150. I was cians. He said it was the first sermon why criticise them for that? Why not greeted at the door by several fine he'd heard on tithing, and he wanted see and encourage the positives. young people. The same band and to know more. He was keen to apply There are so many. Believe me, I've singers from camp were performing. I this instruction to his life. seen it for myself. ili received a blessing as I joined in with I had to remind myself that about the singing. 30 per cent of those attending Casey Wolverton, the Macquarie Newcastle Youth Church are not John Oakland is a retired minister and College chaplain, presented the first Seventh-day Adventists. And I saw Avondale College lecturer who writes from of a series of three sermons. He the need for more youth leaders in Cardiff, NSW.
humility, faith sharing and the Bible's perspective on money. Narrator: Music (a band and choir—the choir sang in the Anthony: The talks seem to be on my level. I can relate 18-plus tent at the recent North New South Wales Conference to them. camp-meeting, some members of the band played also) and Narrator. And they're not aimed just at Adventists. multimedia presentations are often incorporated into each Anthony's a Baptist. program. A small group ministry is being developed. As of Anthony: If I didn't realise it was an Adventist thing, I December, four home churches will operate. probably wouldn't be able to pick it. The people are really Casey: I'm a big believer in the power of the pulpit to open, and they stick to the important points of Christianity. uplift and motivate a congregation if there's a certain level They don't go into technicalities. of consistency in the speaker and the style of presentation. Narrator: He also gave a testimony recently. NYC's proving that young people can digest an ever-deep- Anthony: The NYC team gets there four hours before the ening volume of spiritual food once there's consistency in program starts and spend an hour in prayer. This really these areas. seems to pump people up. Narrator.: NYC conflicts with some local church programs, Narrator: The enthusiasm is infectious. Many of those but most churches have adjusted their programming. who come to NYC are bringing friends. Average weekly Casey: NYC and local churches form a great partnership, attendance is between 120 and 140. since they're more suited to encourage young people's Kieran It's good to see friends and people from school social and emotional development through local youth corning along. They add a new dimension, a new point of activities—we're more suited to disciple young people into view, to the program. Christ through biblical teaching and corporate worship. Narrator: Julie's taken a few of her friends and started a small group. The end (not really, it continues this Friday night). Julie: One of my school friends has been coming to a few meetings. That's how I started coming to church, through one of my friends. Brenton Stacey is the editorial assistant for the RECORD.
A Photos: PhotoDisc R Study confirms week hada200percentincreased with anexcessriskofcoloncancer. meat-eating links between colon cancer,andthatwhitemeatis sumption ofwhitemeatalsoleadto showed increasedlevelsofcon- sumption ofredmeatandcolon evidence isbothredandwhitemeat establish alinkbetweenthecon- and cancer times higherforthosewhodo the linksbetweenmeat-eatingand their studyofAdventistsconfirms have similarrisks—aroundthree higher risksofcoloncancer.The American JournalofEpidemiology, cancer," saysDrFraser."However,it risk.—Jonathan Gallagher/ANN identify highermeatconsumption Drs GaryFraserandPramilSingh not eatmeat." just aslikelyacauseredmeat. let so. Manyofthepopularhealth writ- T Adventists arehealthierthan ever before. Unfortunatelythismay notbe dence. ers buildcredibilityonpoor evi- Those eatingmeatfourtimesa "Our studyisnotthefirstto In anarticlepublishedinthe The Adventist Health Department esearchers atLomaLinda University (California,USA)say tapes andvideosshouldmean he plethoraofhealthbooks, , e 10 All thatis"natural"not These leadtoincorrectassumptions about physiology(howthebody of thecause specificillnesses,and consequently acceptance ofinappro- cal processesinbodyfunction). works) andbiochemistry(the chemi- ly, onlytofindmisunderstandings reviewed oneofthesebooks recent- R Another newantioxidant! "preliminary," "might"and"some documented evidenceandthenon- should notdrivecarsoroperate evidence." ly reputablesources(forinstance, the newspaper)isoftenlackof assessment isthisanalgesicmay next wonderdruginheartdisease recognition ofwordslike"may," releases suchasthisfromsupposed- prevention. Orwillit? skin discolouration(aspigments in arteries.Paracetamolmaybethe with alcoholorothercentralner- accumulate) withdrynessandflaki- are intoxicating,causingdrowsiness, vous systemdepressants.People have an"antioxidant"effect,thus heart disease.Theresearchers' preventing theformationofplaques drinks areusedmuchasalco- cause reddenedeyesandayellow ety, relaxesmusclesandnumbsthe WATCH OUTFORKAVA mouth whenchewed.Largedoses ness. blurred vision.Chronicusecan nausea, muscleweaknessand for religiousceremonies.*Kava holic beverageselsewhere. Mdrink usedintheSouthPacific h ealthwatc The report,circulatedbyReuters The problemininterpretingnews Kava shouldnotbecombined In smalldoses,kavareducesanxi- ecent paracetamol mayhelpprevent ava rootextractisatraditional research seemstoindicate N o v e on "movementofenergy,""detoxifi- cation," "unseenorunexplainable forces," and"secretremedies." treatment modalities. not.—Percy priate therapyandrefusalof proven Percy Harrold warns againstmakinglifestylechoic- for heartdisease?Readwisely.— approach istolookattheoriginal possibly moreimportantmeasures. said theresultswere"preliminary, es onjustonereport,orevena All thatisclaimed tobe"natural"is number ofsimilarreports.Asensible relation toknownbenefitsofother research andevaluatetheresultsin done on12people.Theresearchers ity. altered reflexesandjudgmentcould will.—National CouncilAgainst but worthinvestigatingfurther." Zealand. requires acertainamountofgullibil- some futuretime.Bus,taxiand Health FraudNewsletter,May-June lead totragedy,cangetkavain truck drivers,pilots,railwayengi- health foodanddrugstoresat Without legalrestrictionsorknowl- news agency,wasbasedontests or Xanaxforanxietystress. edge ofitseffects,kavaisatime- Be waryoftherapiesthatdepend neers andmanyotherswhose bomb thatwillsurelyexplodeat 1998 promoted asanalternativetoValium machinery undertheinfluenceof kava. Kava isnotavailableinAustraliaorNew Is paracetamolreallyapreventive The AdventistHealthDepartment Believing everythingyouread The problemisthatkavabeing Harrold (
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n e w s f r o n t VOLUNTEERING FOR GOD: STILL THE LATEST RAGE A dventists volunteering for God— is still the latest rage (see Features, November 29, 1997). Some 927 people (including 250 island ministers working in the missions) from the South Pacific Division (SPD) are volunteering this year, compared to 652 last year, and 841 in 1996. To make it easier to join the rage (you must be over the age of 20, and met screening and selection cri- teria), a listing of every volunteer call around the world is now avail- able on the World Wide Web (www.adventist.org/gc/secretariat/vo lunteers). The listing "gives potential volun- teers some idea of the kind of posi- tions available," says SPD Volunteer Services coordinator Pastor Eric White. The calls are completely Volunteers in action. updated every September and October, and continually updated as positions are filled and new ones become available. According to Pastor White, the I greatest need is for English language and Bible teachers in the 10/40 win- dow area of the world, which includes China, Korea, and countries in South-East Asia. And it is challenging work. "Volunteering requires a commit- big issue. "Many volunteers have position so well. Now we'll wait and ment to learn about another culture, said how their year of service see how God uses them to build His to experience isolation, and to be helped them focus on the basics of kingdom." flexible enough to meet others' Christianity—prayer, Bible study and Not all volunteers enjoy the same needs as well as your own," says faith sharing," says Pastor White. "It experience. "Volunteers learn a lot Pastor White. also helps people who aren't sure of about humanity and themselves," Another option is available. More their career path to allow God to says Pastor White. "Significant people are becom- reveal their natural strengths and growth takes place when we're ing Taskforce vol- give them focus in their lives." placed in a situation where we have unteers. "Taskforce An example: to depend more on God." volunteers are A young couple feel God is call- Volunteer Services will release two those who work ing them to ministry. They apply to videos next year: Snapshots, a within their own go to a certain part of Australia. But seven-minute promotional video; country of origin," after discussions and negotiations and No experience necessary, a 20- says Pastor White. with several other people, it minute orientation video. Both will Pastor Eric White: "Like other volun- becomes clear their background and be available through conference "Volunteering teers, they're not experience make them ideally suited youth directors (who are also volun- requires a commit- paid, but are pro- for a position in another part of teer coordinators). ment to be flexible vided with accom- Australia. "The sense of being a volunteer enough to meet oth- modation, out-of- "The Adventist company in the and making a difference is very ers' needs as well as pocket expenses, your own." area are delighted," says Pastor rewarding," says Pastor White. and volunteer and White. "The couple feel God has led "Often it becomes a way of life. travel insurance." them to the place because their After all, volunteers keep on volun- But money—or lack of—is not the background and experience fit the teering."
n e w s f r o n t AUSSIE OUTBACK TOWN USES SIGNS-AND HOW! inns of the Times is an integral children in the Alice Plaza recently Spart of the "multidimensional" (Flashpoint, September 26). "The ministry of the Alice Springs (NT) face painting, balloon craft and pup- church. petry were all big hits," says Mr "Signs is a great tool because Johanson. we're so few, yet we're trying to They distributed more than 400 cover an area so large," says minis- pieces of literature (and now fund a ter Kenton Johanson. "Our ministry Signs rack in the plaza), and gave is multidimensional to suit the talks on the benefits of good diet demographics of the area." and fitness, and the dangers of Church members ran a three-day drugs. The plaza has now asked the Members of the Alice Springs (NT) church AdCare school holiday program for church to clown once a month. are using Signs as an integral part of their Members also set up a display "multidimensional" ministry. (with copies of Signs) at the recent Masters Games. This month, Mr stopped smoking," says Mr Camporee: the Johanson is presenting a series of Johanson. They also received a copy I health talks on Imparja TV. of Signs. biggest? The church also ran a Quit Now! Recently, two people have been program featuring presentations baptised, and a couple have been from local hospital staff, the regional married (more than 100 non- manager of the Ambulance Service, Adventists attended the wedding and smoking cessation director of ceremony). "Friends of the couple the territory's Health Department. couldn't believe the change in their "All of the participants successfully lifestyle," says Mr Johanson.
children Runaway slave EXPERIENCE Puzzle number: 45 Power Word Camporee director Pastor Allan It alshe Bible passage to read for this week: Philemon shows the amount of documents needed to Follow the lines to see which slave returns home. Call the slave Onesimus. run the event. ext year's Inter-Union Pathfinder NCamporee (to be held near Casino, NSW, January 5-10) should be the biggest ever held in Australia, says Trans-Tasman Union Conference youth director Pastor Allan Walshe, the camporee director. Almost 4000 Pathfinders attended the last inter-union camporee, held near Sale in Victoria eight years ago. Some 4400, from clubs such as Invercargill (SNZ) and Thursday Island, are planning to attend the latest. The committee has been meeting for more than two years to plan the Name Age camporee. "The fact this will be one of the biggest evangelistic and mem- Address ory events run by the Adventist Church for young people makes the time and energy all worthwhile," To join the Experience the Power of His Word Club, send your completed puzzle to: says Pastor Walshe. Experience the Power of His Word Club, Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga NSW 2076
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letters
Bill Clinton's response was precise: "I believe in a God who gives me a new start every morning."
Unions reconsidered may still have to face up to the con- and the practicalities of finances com- DAVID ARTHUR, NSW sequences of my wrong choices, but ing to the fore, but please, let's not The article "What about unions?" on judgment day I'll still be hiding be too practical. In the future, I see by David Currie (September 26) was behind my God. myself stretched out on a bunk, tent interesting. Union conferences do sides down, smiling at kids skipping much to support the church and pro- along tent rows and hearing youth vide services for local churches. Memories of camp practising their item for the 15th time. However, the question is not LYNELLE LAws, QLD whether they perform a useful func- "Is it real?" (Poem, October 24) tion or not, but whether that function sparked again a forgotten warmth in Russian thanks could be performed just as (or more) my smile. Not only was Jayne AKTUR STELE, PRESIDENT, ZAOKSKY effectively and efficiently by either of Reynolds-Hunt's poetry beautifully THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, RUSSIA the other two levels of administration. expressive, but her love of camp- Praise the Lord for the support of Finding the answer to this question meetings is mine, too. Adventist friends in Australia! Peter requires study by some outside, inde- I've been to camp with my church- Koolik arrived a few days ago with pendent group rather than by those worker family since birth and have over $A50,000 for seminary students. in the organisation being examined. the best memories from these times. What an answer to prayer. With the Even now, with two small children of economic crisis in Russia, many stu- my own, with my pastor husband too dents, unable to pay their fees, had Jesus and Bill busy to help, and the tents too small been asked to leave. They begged, RUSSELL SCHULZ, NSW and dusty and impractical—I love it! "Please, let us study a little longer. Thanks for giving the gospel a con- The era of canvas-and-grass camps God will find a way." Many prayers temporary twist in "What would Jesus with hard, wooden seats may one were sent to our heavenly Father. say to Bill Clinton?" (October 10). The day cease due to creature comforts Donations came from many places. nine-point plan has simplicity, clarity and impact. Recently a television program Just a coincidence showed footage from a few years ago of the president attending church. A reporter inquired as to what meaning religion had for the world's most powerful politician. Clinton's response (( was precise: "I believe in a God who • gives me a new start every morning." During the attempt to place the man, his public sin, his power and I TOLD YCO I T his God in perspective, came the fol- WASN'T SW1-1 lowing comment: "The president can- A GOOD IDEA not hide behind his God." PIPNT I It was an indictment of wrong- doing, and a pressing demand for immediate judgment. Maybe it was nn only meant to be taken on the politi- cal level, but I couldn't help but take it to the spiritual. I've been hiding behind my God for years! This really is the only safe place to be—I can't hide anywhere else. inn Paul made it clear that: God made us alive in Christ; He forgave our Mail: RECORD Edi or, Signs Publishing Company, Warburton Victoria 3799 Fax: (03) 5966 9019. E-mail: sins; He cancelled the record against editoreal.com.au Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination. Letters us; He destroyed it by nailing it to 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 let- Christ's cross (Colossians 2:13, 14). I ters received are published.
November 21,
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John Nicholls Tribute Obituaries Positions vacant Celebrating 46 Years of Service Cramp, Mary Eirene (nee Hadfield), A Press operator—Signs Publishing Company is seeking the ser- born 19.9.1897 at Auckland, NNZ; died vices of a tradesman pnnter. Work includes single-colour to four-colour SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7.30 pm 25.10.98 in Charles Harrison Nursing printing of both large and small formats. Must have experience as leading Home, Cooranbong, NSW. On 28.4.37 hand on a Lithrone 40. Over-award rates apply. For more information or she married Stephen, who predeceased applications, please send your CV to Ray Portbury, Signs Publishing Lilydale International Club her in 1968; also her brothers, Bernard Company, 3485 Warburton Highway Warburton Vic 3799; phone (03) 5966 471 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale, Vic and Harold; and her sisters, Faith and 9111; fax (03) 5966 9019. Applications close December 4, 1998. Gwen. She is survived by her brother, Colin (Christchurch, SNZ); her nephew, $20 per head (light meal provided) A Secretary—The South Pacific Division is seeking the services of an Leslie (Ballarat, Vic); and her niece, experienced Secretary to assist the Division Associate Education Director Geneva Smith (Hornsby, NSW). Mary Bookings and correspondence to: Rob Wareham was a quiet, unassuming person with a (General and Government Affairs); assist the Education Department gener- c/o Nunawading Adventist College sweet disposition. She worked at the ally, and the Director of Education specifically, as controller for both the 161 Central Road, Nunowading 3131 Division office, Wahroonga; as assistant Macintosh computer system network and the MS DOS server provision Ph: (03) 9877 3555, fax: (03)987133776 editor of RECORD, Signs Publishing Com- accessed by the South Pacific Division Education Department. Further pany, Warburton, Vic; and also the San- information and application details may be obtained from Nat Devenish, RSVP: November 23 — Bookings essential itarium Health Food Company, Welling- Associate Secretary South Pacific Division of SDAs, Locked Bag 2014, ton, NNZ. Wahroonga NSW 2076; phone (02) 9847 3333; fax (02) 9489 1713; e-mail
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What to do if your religion stun Mosley is wearing you out
Burned Out on Unit Being Good 011 by Steven Mosley This is a great book to help Christians get over "religious burnout" and get on BEING fire for God again. It talks about issues of Christian worship that, in the past, have been difficult to talk about. Burned Out on Being Good helps us move ahead and not 1 become stagnant with religion. Here we learn ways to make our 004 Christianity positive and practical. Steve nil to 00 II yoUf 1C1101011 tS WC itno you Ool. Mosley doesn't circle the issue—he hits the nail straight on the head. He's refreshing y honest. Refreshingly direct. Easily holding interest with illustrations and examples, Steve shows the distinction between an unhealthy religion of "avoiding sin" and a healthy religion that seeks God. One weakens Adventist worship—the other strengthens and invigorates. One is controlling—the other loving. "Love creates healthy religion. There's no substitute.... Everything else is counterfeit. Everything else eventually burns out."
I From the author of If Only God Would Answer, Glimpses of God, A Language for the Heart and There I Go Again.
REGULAR PRICE $A19.95 $NZ27.95 K23.95 SPECIAL $A17.95 $NZ24.50 K21.50 A Career with a Future ORDER FROM YOUR ABC SECRETARY OR ADVENTIST BOOK CENTRE NOVEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH The Bachelor of Nursing Course at Avondale College Offers YOU . • . 1 Simbu Adventist Students Professional rooms avail- Association (SASA) of Papua New able—Cooranbong. These rooms • A quality Christian orientated education Guinea, is hosting its 10th Anniversary used part-time as a physiotherapy Convention from December 17-27, centre, are available for use by anoth- • A satisfying career with many opportunities 1998. Venue: Kundiawa Town, PNG. er professional person on a share for overseas travel and voluntary work To assist us in our 10th anniversary basis. Phone Glenn (02) 4973 3163. celebration, we would welcome any • High employment opportunities as a financial assistance from fellow Papua WI'S Furniture Removal. Local, New Guineans, former missionaries or country and long-distance. Storage pro- graduate any willing donors. For more informa- vided and packing supplied. All goods tion contact John Kama, Avondale insured. Free quote. PO Box 214, • The availability of paid extra curricular College, PO Box 19, Cooranbong Williamstown Vic 3016. Phone (03) 9397 nursing experiences at the Sydney NSW 2265; phone (02) 4980 2280; e- 7190 all hours. Mobile phone 018 383 mail
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