July 4, 2009 In this issue “Operation Open Heart” visits Fiji
ADRA helps NNSW flood victims
Why I believe in God The Australian Union Conference has purchased the land that houses Mamarapha College from the Western Australian government. AUC purchases Mamarapha College Karragullen, Western Australia
he Australian Union Conference town, it is quiet and ideally located. It is (AUC) has purchased the 2.58 hec- also a good size and since it was previously tares of land where Mamarapha used by the government as a school, there College, a tertiary-level training are existing classrooms, administrative of- Tcentre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait fices, a library, recreational facilities and Islanders, is located. a car park.” Mamarapha College has been leasing According to Mr Piez, the AUC decided the former Karragullen school grounds to purchase the property because it recog- ATSIM from the Western Australian Department nises that Mamarapha is “core to the work of Education since 2002. that the Adventist Church does in bringing “We wanted to purchase Karragullen the gospel to Indigenous Australia, meet- enters new because the land suits Mamarapha Col- ing the aims of reconciliation and devel- lege very well,” says Steve Piez, director oping and empowering people to serve of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander within the church and their community.” areas Ministries for the AUC. “Being out of (Continued on page 4) ISSN 0819-5633 editorial
We are urged to live and believe with courage and boldness. Courage
ne of the Bible’s distinctive voices question the possibility of belief. It of fellow believers. catchcries is “Don’t be afraid.” takes courage to believe differently and Paul regularly urged the early Christians Often it’s the necessary greeting courage to share a message of hope in cir- to encourage—“to inspire with courage”— that begins interactions between cumstances in which it is not easy to do so. one another (see, for example, 2 Corinthi- OGod and humanity, particularly almost It takes courage to trust that we don’t have ans 13:11). He even acknowledges that we every time an angel appears in a Bible to earn credit with God. do not all have equal stocks of courage, story. For example, “Don’t be afraid” is a It takes courage to choose to “do for oth- particularly encouraging those who have recurring motif around the birth of Jesus ers what you would like them to do for you” more to “encourage those who are timid” (see Luke 1:13; 1:30; and 2:10), belying the (Matthew 7:12*) and to seek the “pure and (1 Thessalonians 5:14). innocuous amicability we often try to scat- lasting religion . . . that we must care for But even this is not based merely on a ter around the “Christmas” story. orphans and widows in their troubles and collective resource of courage. Our true But it is also a message delivered by lead- refuse to let the world corrupt us” (James courage is built on God and His goodness. ers, prophets and apostles to God’s people 1:27). It takes courage to believe it might be In relationship with and knowledge of this throughout biblical history. When facing possible to not “let evil get the best of you, but God, we find courage to live with our fears uncertainty, enemies, sorrows and trag- conquer evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21). and doubts, to confront the wrong around edy, the repeated call is “Don’t be afraid.” Of course, courage without goodness— us, and to live with humility, generosity and Amid the darkness, doubts and difficul- including humility and generosity—is like- goodness, whatever our circumstances may ties, we are urged to live and believe with ly to be misdirected and counterproductive. be. After all, He is the God who is almost courage and boldness in a world too often But conversely, we can’t live truly humble always cued onto the stage of history, our dominated by fear. or generous lives without a measure of lives and our world with a “Don’t be afraid” The call to courage is recognition that courage. The same applies to all other life directed to His people. such courage is necessary for living well. qualities. As C S Lewis pointed out in The Luke’s retelling of the Sermon on the Most of us are aware of things that are Screwtape Letters, “Courage is not simply Mount adds a remarkable “Don’t be afraid” wrong in the world around us. Most of one of the virtues, but the form of every statement to the well-known “Seek first the us are aware of things that are wrong in virtue at the testing point, which means, kingdom of God” that many Christians have our communities. Most of us are aware of at the point of highest reality.” Any real embraced courageously throughout history. things wrong in the church. We might even goodness requires real courage. It is perhaps the biggest of the Bible’s “Don’t complain about them from time to time to But this courage is not something that be afraids”—the largest and most profound our friends and family. comes by locking ourselves away to muster call to courageous living, believing and serv- But it takes courage to stand up and speak moments of courage from our own limited ing: “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it up on these issues. It takes courage to try to emotional and spiritual resources. Rather, gives your Father great happiness to give make a difference. Courage is needed be- one of the key reasons for participating in you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32). cause it is so easy to be wrong, to take evil for a community of faith is to create and share granted, to merely float with the current. Yet a collective courage, acknowledging our *Bible quotations are from the New Living Translation. at times, it also takes courage to keep quiet. many fears and doubts but somehow bor- It takes courage to believe when so many rowing from the faith, hope and wisdom Nathan Brown
Official Paper of the South Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company Pacific Division Seventh-day Editorial assistant Adele Nash 3485 Warburton Highway Adventist Church Editorial assistant Jarrod Stackelroth Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia ABN 59 093 117 689 Copyeditor Talitha Simmons Phone: (03) 5965 6300 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 www.adventist Editorial secretary Kristel Rae Email Letters: [email protected] connect.org Layout Kym Jackson Email Newsfront: [email protected] Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Vol 114 No 25 Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Cover: Nathan Brown Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 July 4, 2009 news ATSIM enters new areas Jigalong, Western Australia ing, he was so excited.” There are a small number of boriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adventists already in the com- Ministries (ATSIM) used their first munity and the group spent time visit to communities in the Great making new contacts. They also Sandy Desert to connect with In- conducted two meetings. Pastor Adigenous people, from May 28 to June 8. Fehlberg preached on the life of Pastor Don Fehlberg, associate ATSIM Jesus and His second coming. “I leader for the Australian Union Conference use the life of Jesus when opening Pastors Saia Vea (left, rear) and Lomani Uilou (right) (AUC), joined Pastor Lomani Uilou, who is a program in a new area because with new contacts at Well 33 (Kunawarritji). working from Jigalong to reach out to com- Indigenous people love to hear His story,” community, according to Pastor Fehlberg. munities in the region, and Pastor Saia Vea, Pastor Fehlberg says. The meeting was held in the yard of Bea- who ministers to the Newman church a few The group travelled from Cotton Creek trice Simpson. Another meeting was held hundred kilometres from Jigalong, for the to Punmu before visiting Well 33 on the on Saturday night, which was attended by visit to the communities of Punmu, Cotton Canning Stock Route. “In Well 33, we have 27 people. Creek (Parnngurr) and Well 33 (Kunawar- an Adventist nurse—Jamie Goldsmith—at Pastor Uilou has plans to continue visit- ritji). Matthew Long, Dianne Brand and the clinic. He’d been praying that we’d come ing these communities and hold meetings. Eileen Fehlberg also joined the group. out to visit. Community folk often get him Pastor Fehlberg says, “The exciting thing Karalundi Aboriginal Education Com- to pray for people—it’s good when a man at is that we’ve really opened up three more munity, the Western Australian Conference the clinic can understand their needs. Jamie’s communities where people are wanting us and AUC have partnered to provide a pas- really supportive, which is good.” to come and share. If we don’t go, others tor for Jigalong, with the aim of reaching Again, the group visited members of the will. The door is open for us at this time.” out to communities ATSIM and Adventists community and ran meetings. “We had a Plans are also currently underway for a haven’t visited before. significant number of the community come major ATSIM outreach trip through the The group met in Newman before travel- to our meetings,” says Pastor Fehlberg. desert communities in Western Australia ling to Jigalong, where they spent the Sab- “They just love to hear these things about and South Australia. Meetings will be bath running meetings. Jesus and at the end of the meetings, one of held in a number of communities, and it Pastor Fehlberg says, “From there, we the chairpersons of the community asked us is planned that Bibles in English and local went to Cotton Creek, where there’s a man to have special prayer with him.” dialects will be handed out. Pastor David called Jimmy Williams. A number of people The group then returned to Punmu, Fletcher is working on a Bible study series had invited us to Cotton Creek, including where they held the first Sabbath worship for the planned trip.—Adele Nash Jimmy, and when he heard we were com- service conducted by Adventists in the More @ www.atsim.org
NNSW Conference. Mr Buchanan such as jumping castles, crafts, (pictured) has a background in clowns, go-karts, horse rides teaching and youth work, and and even an animal farm. The has been a presenter on ABCTV’s program began and concluded “Playschool” before choosing to each day with worship in the Big go into musical ministry for chil- Tent, featuring children’s wor- ◆◆More than 750 people attend- dren. Catering for five to nine ship music from talented duo ed the North New South Wales year olds and their families, this Ali and Leighton Heise. Pastor (NNSW) Conference Adven- fun-filled, Jesus-focused event is Brian Boyland, chaplain at Gilson turer and Family Camporee at held every two years to comple- College, Vic, shared inspiring peted in the Dandenong Festi- Stuarts Point, NSW, on the first ment the Adventurer programs stories and illustrations.—Shar- val of Music and Art for Youth. weekend of May. “A highlight of run in local churches. Start- lene Guest Nathan was rewarded for his the program was the spectacu- ing with an official Adventurer efforts, earning third place and lar performance by Christian parade, in which the children ◆◆Heritage College, Victoria, is also receiving a Certificate of artist Colin Buchanan,” says Pas- marched in uniform around the proud of their talented piano Merit for his original composi- tor Bevan Craig, associate direc- campground, the event also student Nathan Iouras. Nathan, tion for children 12 years and tor of Youth ministries for the included a range of activities nine years old, in Year 4, com- under.—Maleesa Pascoe
Stretch your heart and attitude @ www.adventistvolunteers.org
July 4, 2009 3 news ADRA assists NSW AUC purchases flood victims Mamarapha College Wahroonga, New South Wales (Continued from page 1) health promotion to help address the health hen heavy rains caused severe challenges faced by Indigenous communi- flooding in northern New South “The Adventist Church is serious about ties. The first of the health promotion course Wales in late May, the Adventist Indigenous and non-Indigenous people students graduated last year. Development and Relief Agen- serving shoulder-to-shoulder as we prepare “We now have a security of tenure, know- Wcy (ADRA) Australia provided immediate the world for Jesus’ soon return. There are ing the property will not be sold by the gov- support to those affected through the acti- unique roles that our Australian Indigenous ernment at any time,” says Mr Piez. “The vation of its disaster recovery teams, as part people are best suited to fill,” says Pastor Ken site already suits our needs but we can now of the NSW Government’s Disaster Plan. Vogel, general secretary of the AUC. “Ma- consider further development as well.” Working from numerous evacuation marapha College is committed to these ends Every year, more than 30 people enrol in centres throughout the region, ADRA’s and for that reason, the AUC has stepped Mamarapha’s Bible and health courses.The teams worked with their disaster recovery out in a faith venture to buy this property, college is popular with non-Adventists, many partners to provide support for disaster- in order to give a stable platform for this of whom are baptised during the course of affected persons and travellers stranded by ministry into the future.” their studies. the floods. ADRA organised emergency ac- Pastor Vogel and Mr Piez also expressed Mamarapha has four full-time employees, commodation for approximately 500 people gratitude to the General Conference and including director Pastor Gordon Stafford, from Lismore, Grafton, Ulmarra, Cabbage “faithful Sabbath school members who have assistant director Lynelda Tippo and reg- Tree Island and surrounding areas. given to 13th Sabbath mission projects from istrar Andrea Warren, as well as sessional “The coordinated response to this ter- which a portion of the $A810,000 purchase lecturers. rible disaster meant residents who’ve had cost has been sourced.” “They are real visionaries who work round to leave their homes, and travellers who Mamarapha College was originally devel- the clock to keep the program running,” says were stranded, were supported and cared oped to train pastors and lay workers to meet Mr Piez. “We really appreciate what they do. for,” says Bruce Prince, ADRA Australia’s the increasing demands of Indigenous minis- “We have also been amazed at God’s lead- disaster recovery coordinator for NSW. try. Since its inception in 1997, it has trained ing with the work in Mamarapha. Things “These people have had to deal with a lot 11 people, who have been employed by the always seem to work out at the right time. over the past few months, so it’s great to AUC as pastors, over a dozen supported We are looking forward to what God’s got be in a partnership that can bring some volunteers and global mission workers; and planned for the future.”—Melody Tan comfort during such a challenging time.” a large number of unsupported volunteers. More @ http://mamarapha.adventist —Candice Jaques In 2008, the college introduced a course in connect.org More @ www.adra.org.au
parency International PNG. 11s to show their appreciation. The teens were sponsored by They also had a colour crazy a credit corporation from Port kingdom, with clowns and a Moresby, who supplied them number of different activities with T-shirts, caps, water and focusing on colour. They mixed transport. The groups marched colours, made colourful sun ◆◆Young people from Pacific more than two kilometres with ary school art room to make catchers, counted coloured Adventist University (PAU), signs saying “stop” and T-shirts clay creations. Helped by the counters and wrote descrip- Papua New Guinea (PNG), that spelt out “corruption” after Year 11 Visual Arts students, tions of their colourful outfits. took part in the recent Walk the teens sewed large indi- the Kindy class worked clay There was even a coloured Against Corruption on June vidual letters on themselves. as part of their focus on the jumping castle.—Susan Rogers 14. PAU was represented by —Danijela Schubert letter “C.” They made special seven teams, five from the creatures that are being fired ◆◆ A recent exit survey sent school, one from administra- ◆◆The Avondale School Kindy and will be glazed before being to the parents of all students tion and one from the teen Centre, NSW, recently expe- taken home to show their par- who completed Year 12 last Sabbath-school group. The rienced a “colour day,” which ents. The children performed year at Carmel Adventist Col- event was organised by Trans- included a visit to the second- a “thankyou” song for the Year lege, WA, has revealed strong
Days and offerings: ◆ july 4—world mission budget offering
4 July 4, 2009 news School collects cans Victorian youth leader for community commissioned Cooranbong, New South Wales Nunawading, Victoria During the service, Pastor Eddie Erika, n late May, Avondale School sent a a fellow Samoan minister, spoke about the truckload of cans of food to the Co- he Victorian Conference’s first female commissioning’s historical significance and oranbong Community Service Centre director of youth ministries, Moe recalled his visit with Ms Ioane to Samoa for their winter food drive. The non- Ioane, was commissioned to gospel several years ago, to introduce church mem- Iperishable food items were donated by ministry on May 9. bers there to the concept of female pastors. students, staff and families, and the activity TMs Ioane joins a small but growing group Ms Ioane spoke about how she came to was seen as an active approach to learning of commissioned women ministers in the accept the call to work in the Victorian Con- the value of compassion. South Pacific Division. The commissioning ference and that it was “God’s direct answer Principal Dr David Faull initiated the held added significance, as Ms Ioane is the to prayer” for where He wanted her to be. program as a practical way for the school first Samoan woman to be commissioned. Recently engaged, Ms Ioane put her fian- community to help those who are struggling Ms Ioane’s commissioning was at- cee, Adrian Stiles, on the spot by offering economically.“The generosity was fantastic,” tended by family, friends, church leaders him the microphone during her response. he says. “The students and parents really re- and members, with congratulations com- He pledged his ongoing support to Ms sponded. The thought occurred to me that ing from Pastor Erika Puni, director of Ioane throughout her ministry. we have desperate families in the commu- stewardship for the General Conference, Pastor Rob Steed, ministerial secretary nity, and the community centre was out of among others. for the conference, said, “It’s very excit- canned foods and dried noodles.” ing to be part of Moe’s commis- A casual day also saw $A590 raised to sioning. She’s a first-class young purchase more canned food.—Susan Rogers minister who will continue to contribute significantly to God’s church.” Ms Ioane has touched the lives of many Victorians through her music ministry, chaplaincy and work as a pastor, as well as in her (Back row, from left to right) Pastors Eddie Erika, Rob role as director of youth minis- Steed, Denis Hankinson, Graeme Christian and Chester tries.—RECORD staff/IntraVic/ Stanley with Moe Ioane and her fiancee, Adrian Stiles. Rob Steed Students with some of the cans collected. support. Parents were asked to to others. On this question, the the surrounding area. It will be year, Living Waters Community anonymously rate the college majority of parents gave the a blessing to those members church, Vic, hosted a passover program in a number of key highest-possible rating. Parents who cannot attend church due brunch on Shabbat, April 11, areas, including overall satis- were also given the opportuni- to age or health. The Dorrigo for almost 100 people. Barry faction with the educational ty to make comments and offer members pray that others will Buirski, from Celebrate Mes- program and the academic suggestions as to how Carmel be led to listen to it and accept siah, was the featured speaker, achievement of their child in can continue to improve. These Jesus as their Saviour. Appro- graphically illustrating the sal- their final year at Carmel. In have already been shared with priate advertising will be put vation provided by Jesus Christ, addition, parents were asked College Council members and in the local paper, telling the our Passover Lamb and Mes- to comment on whether they teaching staff.—Gavin Wil- community that Christian radio siah. Members invited almost would recommend the college liams is available for them to hear. 30 friends, with Jewish friends to others. The mean scores on —Graham Chesher delighted to find the Gilson a five-point scale were very ◆◆In May this year, Dorrigo College Living Waters Centre positive, with the most pleas- church, NSW, installed and ◆◆With the Jewish Passover in decorated just like a kibbutz for ing result being received for started transmitting Christian April and the feast of unleav- Passover. Their interest in the the question relating to the radio in Dorrigo. The signal cov- ened bread spanning the tra- Messiah was further awakened recommendation of the college ers the entire town and some of ditional Easter weekend this by this event.—IntraVic
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July 4, 2009 5 news Swansea church Ordination in Greater Sydney celebrates 50 years Sydney, New South Wales TINGIRA HEIGHTS, New South n the evening of May 30, Richard Wales Reid was ordained at Wahroonga Adventist church. The Mamara- wansea Adventist church celebrated pha College graduate has served 50 years since its inauguration on inO ministry roles for a number of years, May 2, with more than 80 past and including volunteering as a youth pastor present church members attending on the Gold Coast in the South Queensland Sthe anniversary program. Conference (SQC), working as chaplain of North New South Wales Conference Northpine Christian College and as asso- president Pastor John Lang was the guest ciate youth ministries director for SQC. Richard Reid and his fiancee, Bec speaker for the event and Pastor Gordon Pastor Reid moved to Sydney after he Pye, at his ordination. Smith led out in the Sabbath school pro- met his now fiancee, Bec Pye, at the youth care. They’re the reason I’m in the church gram. Ruth Wallace, a member since 1963, congress held in Fiji at the beginning of today and why I’m in ministry.” and her daughter, Karen, gave a presenta- 2005. He has been working as the chaplain His other reason for being in ministry is tion about the history of the church. Past of Sydney Adventist College for the past the example set by Pastor David Lawson, and present members also took the oppor- year and a half. who was the minister at the church he at- tunity to share memories and anecdotes Friends and family from around Australia tended when younger. Pastor Reid says, “He from the church’s history. attended the ordination service, which was took me under his wing in a church with no The celebration was tempered by sad- also attended by a number of pastors and other young people. I base my youth ministry ness, however, as Harry Wolfenden and church leaders from the Australian Union on the ministry he provided to me.” Fred Hall, both church elders, passed Conference (AUC), South Pacific Division, Pastor David Blanch, president of GSC, away in the week before the anniver- Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) and SQC. prayed over Pastor Reid and Ms Pye, with ary. Mr Wolfenden had been a founding Pastor Reid shared his story of how God another 20 ordained ministers laying their member of the church and was looking has led in his life and gave special thanks to hands on him in prayer. forward to the event. his parents, who took him into their home Steve Piez, director of Aboriginal and His wife, Daphne, attended the af- as a young child. Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) ternoon service and cut the anniversary “I see in them the unconditional love God for the AUC, says, “Richie’s the third Mama- cake. Two other long-standing mem- has to take in a foster child. That’s given me rapha graduate to be ordained, so in terms of bers, William (Rollo) Wallace and Nev- a picture of His love, in a sense,” says Pastor ATSIM, it’s a very big deal.”—Adele Nash/ ille Mackaway, also took part in the cake Reid. “I publically thank my parents for their Darren Garlett cutting.—NorthPoint
◆◆Megachurches are most ing a megachurch—defined The Real Story of People Who the world, Vatican Radio is to attractive to younger adults, as a congregation attended Attend America’s Megachurch- break with tradition and take and almost all who arrive at by 2000 or more each week— es says he was surprised at how paid commercials for the first their sanctuaries have dark- had never attended a worship much megachurch attendees time. The move to mix jingles ened a church’s door before, a service before arriving at their invite others to worship with and advertising with religious new survey shows. The study current church. Almost half them: just 13 per cent said programming will help balance by Leadership Network and (44 per cent) had come from they had not invited anyone the books at the station, which Hartford Institute for Religion another local church, 28 per in the past year. In comparison, employs 500 people, broadcasts Research, released on June cent transplanted from a dis- a different survey by the Hart- in 47 languages and costs more 9, found that almost two- tant congregation and 18 per ford Institute found that 45 per than $US27 million a year to thirds (62 per cent) of adults cent had not attended church cent of attendees of Protestant run. But officials insisted only who attend Protestant meg- for awhile. The new study was churches had not invited any- “ideologically’’ sound ads will achurches are younger than based on responses to ques- one in that same time frame. be broadcast, after first being 45, compared to 35 percent of tionnaires by 24,900 attend- —Adelle Banks filtered by an Italian communi- US Protestant congregations ers at 12 megachurches. cations firm that specialises in overall. Researchers found that Scott Thumma, co-author of ◆◆After 78 years of broadcast- advertising through Catholic just 6 per cent of those attend- Not Who You Think They Are: ing the pope’s message around media.—Tom Kington
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6 July 4, 2009 news New walking track a “Operation Open Heart” “gift to community” treats 47 people in Fiji Cooranbong, New South Wales Suva, Fiji new walking track in Cooranbong will not only provide physical activ- team of 50 Australian medical ity benefits but also protect biological volunteers, representing 16 hos- diversity, say the brothers responsible pitals, performed heart surgery Afor its opening. on 47 people in Fiji in May as Drs Darren and Jason Morton opened Apart of “Operation Open Heart.” The Sandy Creek Walk during a ceremony near project was developed by the Sydney the swing bridge on the Avondale Estate on Adventist Hospital in response to see- May 28. The 1.5 kilometre track begins at ing the problems caused by untreated the bridge on the north bank of Dora Creek heart conditions in the Pacific islands. and ends behind Avondale College women’s This was the 18th “Operation Open Two members of the “Operation Open residence Ella Boyd Hall on the west bank Heart” team performing surgery. Heart” visit to Fiji. Volunteers pay of Jigadee Creek. their own way, with Fiji’s Ministry of Dr Ian Nicholson, from the Westmead “I love to run and when I first came to Health assisting with local costs. Hospital in Sydney, said the high cost Avondale 15 years ago, I thought, What a The team performed the surgeries at the showed the level of operation being car- great resource we have here,” says Darren Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. ried out in Fiji was of the same standard Morton, a senior health and exercise science Team coordinator Melanie Windus says, as those done in other developed countries. lecturer in the Faculty of Education. How- “Every patient was different and special, Australian high commissioner to Fiji ever, the track did not exist in any formal and they are getting better after operations. James Batley praised the visiting team for way and few people used it. “Now we hope There were 47 operations done, of which the work they performed. He told them it becomes a resource not only for staff and there were 35 valve implants.” and patients that, at the age of five, he had students at Avondale but also for those in Other surgeries performed included surgery for a hole in his heart. the community.” work on cardiac defects and congenital He said, “This is a group of Australians Jason Morton, a lecturer in the Faculty of conditions, such as holes in the heart. who have given their own time to come Science and Mathematics, wanted to fence It was estimated that the total cost for the to Fiji and to other parts of the region to and weed it to help protect biodiversity. “We heart operations would have been around perform these very valuable operations. have a remarkable variety of habitats on the $A1.2 million. Ms Windus says, “It’s really They are also working in partnership with estate but the cattle we graze here and the expensive but we’re fortunate to have the local professionals and staff at the hospital, proliferation of weeds were destroying some financial support of the Sydney Adventist passing on skills that will remain here.” of these,” he says. Hospital, which has made the trip possible.” —RECORD staff/Fiji Times Jason was successful in obtaining a $A20,000 grant from the Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority PAU hosts single parents retreat to protect and regenerate the native ripar- Port Moresby, Papua New “After we came up with the idea, we ian and wetland vegetation. With help from Guinea enlisted the expertise of PAU faculty to be students and others, the brothers completed our guest presenters,” says Dr Lopa. The their work in about 10 months.—Christel single parents retreat was held presenters spoke on topics including cop- Price at Pacific Adventist University ing with emotional stress, solving family More @ www.avondale.edu.au (PAU) on May 31, with 14 people conflicts and letting God lead. attending. Participants expressed their apprecia- AThe retreat was initiated by Dr Aaron tion for the retreat. Goa Gagari, one of Lopa and his wife, Elizabeth, under the the participants, said the event was “an Family Life Department of the church eye-opener” and felt it to be spiritually at PAU, in order to meet the needs of enriching. a number of members. The university’s Dr Lopa encouraged participants to student services department is currently continue to build a single-parents sup- running a program for married students, port group for prayer, support and Dr Jason Morton (right) leads at the and Dr Lopa thought a program for single encouragement.—Harina opening of the new Sandy Creek parents would complement this. More @ www.pau.ac.pg/harina Walk on the Avondale Estate.
July 4, 2009 7 feature Involving children in mission by Linda Mei Lin Koh
hould children be involved in at an early age. I once missions? Are they too young to be told a mission story missionaries? Is it a waste of our time about African children and effort training them? I believe whose homes were de- Snot. Research studies have again confirmed stroyed by the floods, the importance of the early childhood years and they had no food as crucial to character development. In to eat or clothes to wear. fact, the basic traits of a child’s character Many children raised are formed before age 6 and major inter- their hands to say they ests in life are taking permanent shape by would give their un- age 12. Hence, it is vital we help children used clothes and toys to Enid Harris and Jenny Wigglesworth led a group of nine develop attitudes and habits of service and these African children. children in the Mission Institute kids program, run at Avondale mission that will impact them all the way 2. Children can eas- College by the South Pacific Division in January. to adulthood. ily understand the con- In the most recent Barna Research stud- cept of compassion when they are given has lived in Zimbabwe, Rachel Schupack ies on the spiritual growth of children, the an opportunity to respond to the needs of in Kyrgyzstan and Lisa Frist in Brazil— Barna Group found children between the their world by participating in projects to agreed unanimously that living in a for- ages of 5 and 13 have a 32 per cent prob- help less fortunate children. When chil- eign land with cultures so different from ability of accepting Jesus Christ as their dren saw reports on TV of how a tsunami their own has many benefits. Growing up Saviour. That likelihood drops to 4 per cent killed thousands of adults and children in among kids from other cultures has helped for teenagers between the ages of 14 and southeast Asia, many were moved to tears. them appreciate people of diverse cultures, 18. In the area of mission, George Barna Children in some churches enthusiastically customs and languages. In fact, they have said, “Children are most likely to hear packed health kits to be sent to help these grown quite fond of their adopted cultures God’s call to full-time Christian ministry victims. I know some children gave their and homes. Hence, involving children in (missionaries, ministers, etc) between the allowance or savings to help these unfor- missions can deepen their appreciation of ages of 4 and 14” (Christianity Today). Some tunate people in this disaster. Getting chil- other cultures. missiologists refer to this period of time as dren involved in such compassionate service 6. Trust in God. When children partici- the “4/14 Window.” can help develop them into caring adults. pate in mission projects at home or abroad, Ellen White echoed a similar message: 3. Children learn to identify the needs they may be confronted with problems in we need to encourage children to be mis- of others and share the love of Jesus with some situations when they have to trust sionaries. Notice she writes in That I May them. Children who get involved in mis- God to find a solution for them. Know Him: “Whole armies of children sion learn to empathise with others, sharing may come under Christ’s banner as mis- not only their material things but also the Jesus’ commission sionaries, even in their childhood years. love of Jesus with them. They become more Jesus’ commission for us to preach the Never repulse the desire of children to do conscious of the needs of others, rather than gospel throughout the world includes chil- something for Jesus. Never quench their just their own needs. They feel they can dren. We must sow seeds of mission interest ardour for working in some way for the make a difference in the world. at an early age if we expect to reap mission- Master” (page 42). 4. Generosity in giving. Parents whose ary recruits and strong mission supporters In the area of compassion, Ellen White children have been involved in missionary in the years ahead. It isn’t too early to in- again writes: “The principles of heaven are projects or mission trips testify that their volve them now. Tomorrow’s missionaries to be brought into the government of the children became more sensitive to the needs begin with today’s children! R home. Every child is to be taught to be polite, of the less fortunate, and are more gener- compassionate, loving, pitiful, courteous, and ous in donating their allowances or pocket tenderhearted” (Child Guidance, page 143). money to help. In fact, they are more en- Linda Mei Lin Koh is director of thusiastic and passionate in fundraising for Children’s Ministries for the General So why involve children in mission? mission projects. Conference, based in Silver Spring, 1. Children are sensitive to God. They can 5. Appreciation of other cultures. Mis- Maryland, USA. begin to learn about God’s heart for mission sionary kids—like Brad Milligan, who
8 July 4, 2009 feature “Seek and you will find”? By Rod Bailey
hile attending a ministry At the beginning, people retreat in the Czech Republic would come to me with recently, I lost my wallet. Credit expectant faces and ask if I cards, licences, cash—it was a had found my wallet. When Wsmall thing but extremely inconvenient. I said “No,” they would re- And it became an experience with one of spond with expressions like, God’s promises that really challenged me. “That’s OK, I am sure you I prayed about it. I also appealed to the will find it soon. Have you retreat delegates to pray for the return searched through your suit- of the wallet and to keep their eyes open case again?” Others would for it. Many came up to me over the next say, “Sometimes God al- couple of days fully confident it would be lows these things to try our returned. They shared experiences in their faith for a while before He own lives where God had honoured their answers.” Still others sug- prayers and returned lost items. We were gested, “Maybe it is not sure God would answer our prayers and God’s will that you find it.” return my wallet. I knew that they could be right, yet I kept sky. The temptation was to quit looking God’s word is full of promises. But can claiming. and just walk quickly back to camp, ad- they be trusted? Are these promises so But as the days wore on and the retreat mitting that God had other plans regarding sure that you are able—or even willing— was coming to a close, fewer people asked my wallet. Despite His promise, it seemed to stake your life on them? What do we if the wallet had been found. And when He had another purpose in this instance. do with such broad sweeping promises as I answered negatively to those who did But I was impressed to continue to scan iStockphoto.com Mark 11:24*—“whatever you ask for in ask, they said things in a wistful, disap- the bank as I walked home. And about one prayer, believe that you have received it, pointed voice like, “Oh, that’s too bad” or kilometre from the campsite, halfway down and it will be yours”? Does Christ really “He doesn’t always answer our prayers in that unmown grassy bank, my eyes were mean what He says? the way we would like.” drawn to my wallet, the corner peeking out In each break between meetings, I re- Only a few retained a rock-like assur- from under some thick grass. traced my steps—wherever I had walked ance that it would be found before we left, “Why should the sons and daughters of before I discovered my wallet was missing. and only one had complete confidence that God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the This was a challenge, as my tracks criss- God would answer our prayers and fulfil key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s crossed the creeks and gentle slopes of the His promise—“Ask and it will be given to storehouse, where are treasured the bound- surrounding Czech forest. you; seek and you will find . . .” less resources of Omnipotence?” (Steps to After a few days, I was impressed to The retreat was to finish on Sabbath Christ, pages 94-5). claim a specific promise. I chose Matthew evening and I would leave at 7 the next So what are we going to do with God’s 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek morning. On Sabbath afternoon, I decided promises? Or maybe we should ask our- and you will find; knock and the door will to spend time alone with God, praying, selves, what are we going to do with our be opened to you.” With my Bible in my claiming His promise and again walking hesitance to boldly claim them? Have we hand, I prayed, “Lord, I am asking. I am the now-familiar forest paths. Late in the become so sophisticated with our faith that seeking. I present your promise here, where afternoon, I decided to retrace our steps we have practically lost it? And “when the You say that if I ask, You will give, and if I of the previous Sabbath, where we had all Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the seek, I will find. You say You stand behind walked to a nearby lake. Much of this dis- earth?” (Luke 18:8). every promise You make with Your per- tance was beside a busy road. The side of “I do believe; help me overcome my un- sonal and faultless guarantee, and I believe the road dropped sharply down a bank to belief!” (Mark 9:24). R You. I look forward to the fulfilment of a ditch. As I walked and prayed, my eyes Your promise—that Your will may be done continually scanned the steep grassy bank *All Bible quotations are from the New International and You may be glorified. Lord, I believe; and the edge of the ditch. I found many Version. help my unbelief.” Many times each day, surprising items but no wallet. I kept asking, I kept seeking and I kept I walked all the way to the lake and when Rod Bailey writes from Rollands claiming this same promise. I turned for home, the sun was low in the Plains, New South Wales.
July 4, 2009 9 feature
Why I believe in God
By Limoni Manu O’uiha
e have all observed the ens and earth (see Genesis recent resurgence of criti- 1:1-3; Isaiah 45:12, 18). He cal and direct media attacks claims to have put in place against God and religion. A the foundations of the Wstring of books by atheist writers, such earth and marked off its as Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion), dimensions (see Job 38:3- Daniel Dennett (Breaking the Spell), Sam 5). He created the living Harris (The End of Faith) and Christopher creatures of the sea, the Hitchens (God is Not Great), are all intend- flying birds in the air, all ed to make a mockery of God and religion. the animals that traverse As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we the land (see Genesis 1:20- must admit right off that we cannot put 22) and human beings God into a test tube and prove His exist- as well (see Genesis 1:27; ence by scientific methods. God is beyond Psalm 139:14). To accept proof. Our ability to understand God may the divine origin of life only be in proportion to the extent of His based primarily on the self-disclosure to us. Among others, God Word of God that He is chooses to reveal Himself to us: (1) in the Creator and Sustainer Creation (see Genesis 1:1); (2) through the of the universe demands natural world (see Psalm 19:1); (3) through 100 per cent faith (see He- morality and the innate longing for God; brews 11:1). did the world come to an end. and (4) through Jesus Christ, the apex of Many today still choose to believe oth- God’s self-disclosure (see John 1:14). erwise. On September 10, 2008, thousands 2. Consider the evidences of the natural God makes no apology for who He is. of scientists from 80 countries gathered at world While God allows us room to doubt His the European Organisation for Nuclear The earth has more than 11 million existence, He also provides us with suffi- Research (CERN) facility in Switzerland species of animal life, including humans; cient evidences to believe in Him, so every to switch on the world’s most powerful 300,000 species of flowering plants; 20,000 person is without excuse (see Romans 1:19, particle accelerator, known as the Large species of birds; and 5000 reptiles, includ- 20). Allow me to briefly share a few reasons Hadron Collider (LHC). The experiment ing snakes and alligators. why I believe in God. was intended to prove the big bang theory Planet Earth itself is a fascinating exam- and inadvertently refute the biblical teach- ple of extreme complexity: it must be just 1. The beginning of all things ing of divine origin. the right size, and its angular velocity must Think for a moment of the beginning The outcome was not as scientists had be precise to ensure seasons and land–water of life. Who says life on earth began with expected and contrary to what some had ratios are in balance. The slightest inter- God? Well, God says so. God claims di- feared, there was no explosion. No black ference to this complex cosmic function
rect responsibility for creating the heav- hole swallowed up parts of the region, nor of things would mean death for all living iStockphoto.com
10 July 4, 2009 feature things. Did all of these, including micro- God, the Creator, made known through What options do we have? organisms found in living things and the Jesus.” There may be three: Jesus may be a liar, universe, begin by chance? What are the a lunatic or God.2 If Jesus knew He was chances that all this complexity just hap- 4. The testimony of Jesus not God and deliberately lied to deceive pened? Remote! There must have been Even though the natural world and others, He was an evil hypocrite for lur- some intelligence behind all this—Some- human life points us toward God, they ing people to trust in Him for their eternal one or Something we could call “God.” are insufficient to help us know God fully. destiny (see John 14:16). While revelation in the natural world The pinnacle of God’s revelation comes to On the other hand, if Jesus was sincerely cannot lead a person to a saving knowl- us through Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 1:2). convinced He was God and was honestly edge of God, it is nevertheless valuable. More than 300 references in the Old Testa- mistaken, He would have been a lunatic The glory of God is declared in the heavens ment alone establish Christ’s credential as for believing what He was not. If, however, and in the skies (see Psalm 19:1). While the claims of Jesus as God are true, each wordless, this testimony is eloquent. And Blaise Pascal wrote, of us is without excuse. We, then, will the unmistakable and inevitable conclu- have to choose either to accept or to re- sion is that God must be the Creator of “There is a God-shaped ject Him as Lord and King. this complex universe. Although human You may be thinking that there is beings may be warped and corrupted by vacuum in the heart really nothing we can be 100 per cent sin (see Acts 17:27), we can still see an certain about. We can’t even be ab- exhibition of God in the natural world of every man which solutely sure God created the world. (see Romans 1:19, 20; Psalm 19)—and cannot be filled by Why? Because no human eyewitness be saved.1 was present when the world was cre- any created thing, ated. And, yes, you are right. We can- 3. Morality and the innate longing for not prove by scientific methods that God but only by God, the God created the world or that He ex- People at all times and in every place ists. But the evidences supporting the have some sense of morality. Even in Creator, made known existence of a loving and salvific God, the remotest and most heathen places of through Jesus.” who created and sustains the universe, the world, where a person is ignorant of are overwhelming. the Ten Commandments, the law is still Like boarding an airplane, we are embedded in their conscience (see Romans the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the seed of the often prepared to make 100 per cent com- 2:11-16). Everyone, for instance, knows it is woman (see Genesis 3:15), born of a virgin mitments with less than 100 per cent proof wrong to hate or murder another person. (see Isaiah 7:14) in the town of Bethlehem of a safe passage. But our heavenly journey Where did this sense of right and wrong (see Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1; John 7:42). is sure; God is the architect and builder come from? He was to be called Lord (see Psalm 110:1; of that glorious abode (see Hebrews 11:10, God is the basis of all morality. And God Luke 2:11), Son of God (see Psalm 2:7; 1 16). And Jesus Christ is the way, the truth is intensely interested in right conduct, Chronicles 17:11-14; Matthew 3:17; 16:16; and the life (see John 14:6). in fair play, love, unselfishness, courage, Mark 9:7) and Immanuel (see Isaiah 7:14; For me, the providential evidences of mercy, good faith, honesty and truthfulness Matthew 1:23). His betrayal by a friend God and Jesus Christ are sufficient to war- (see Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:3-12). was predicted (see Psalm 41:9; Matthew rant 100 per cent of my commitment to Like morality, the belief in the existence 10:4)—for 30 pieces of silver (see Zecha- Him. Undoubtedly, I would rather pledge of a spiritual world, God or gods is also a riah 11:12; Matthew 26:15). He was to be 100 per cent allegiance to God than to stand universal phenomenon. All peoples show forsaken by His disciples (see Zechariah 100 per cent against Him. For believing in some form of devotion or worship. Some 13:7; Mark 14:50) and crucified among God and Jesus Christ is to have life and life worship the Unknown God, as Paul no- thieves (see Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38). eternal (see John 17:3). R ticed on the Athenian altars on Mars Hill And, on the third day, He was to be raised of those who worshipped in ignorance, again from the dead (see Matthew 16:21; 1. Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, page 638, notes that superstition and idolatry (see Acts 17:22, 17:9, 22, 23; 20:18, 19). there will be people in heaven who may have never heard the gospel, yet they have responded positively 23). The innate divine instinct is the direct His life, death and resurrection are well to the testimony of nature and the promptings of the consequence of God having “set eternity in accepted facts of history. But what makes Holy Spirit, and will be recognised as children of God. the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV), Jesus Christ unique and distinct from all 2. The following ideas are summarised from Josh Mc- inevitably making humankind incurably the other religious leaders, including Bud- Dowell, Evidence That Demands A Verdict: Histori- religious (see Acts 17:26, 27). dha, Muhammad and Confucius, is that cal Evidence for the Christian Faith, Vol 1, Here’s Life To this end, the French mathematician, none of these religious leaders ever claimed Publishers, 1986, pages 103-107. philosopher and physicist Blaise Pascal to be God. But Jesus did (see John 5:17, wrote, “There is a God-shaped vacuum 18; 8:58; 10:30-33). What we then believe Limoni Manu O’uiha pastors the in the heart of every man which cannot of Jesus Christ may mean life or death for Wanganui Adventist Church, New be filled by any created thing, but only by us (see John 3:36). Zealand.
July 4, 2009 11 features Grumpy woman By Christine Miles
he seemed to be just a grumpy old woman but the impact she made on my day far exceeded anything I of- fered her. We’d passed each other several times in our separate journeysS around the supermarket. I was squeezing last-minute shopping for a camp in between dropping children at school and going to work. Her face was long, her mouth turned down, her eyes—I thought, as I loaded my trolley with sponge cake, icing sugar and lollies—condemning. She joined my queue at the exact moment I realised I’d forgot- ten strawberry jam. Would I get my head bitten off if I left my trolley and dashed to the other end of the supermarket? Was it worth it for a jar of jam? The jam won. I needed it on the camp and no way was I plan- ning to visit the supermarket again before leaving town. With a tiny smile at the grumpy woman, I squeezed past. I was certain— absolutely certain—that I’d get a firm reprimand on my return. She spoke as I squeezed past her trolley on my return. “Are you having a party?” Oh God, I pleaded. Please don’t send someone to tell me my trolley is full of unhealthy food! It’s for a special project! I’m not promoting it as a lifestyle. “Not really.” I smiled feebly, hoping to avoid any recriminations. “I’m going on a camp with a group of 11 year olds and they’re all going to decorate cakes.” She smiled at me then. “Those kids are so lucky,” she said, “to have someone who wants to make happy memories with them.” A brief conversation ensued and we went our separate ways. I had made a huge judgment call on this woman. In my opin- ion, she was someone to be avoided lest I get berated. It seemed she wasn’t worthy of my time because she didn’t look as though she’d brighten my day. I wish I’d been a contagious Christian earlier; I wish I’d been the one to make the first friendly overture. I wish I’d been more like the One I claim to follow and set out to brighten her day without waiting for her to brighten mine. I wish I’d remembered Jesus’ charge to His disciples—“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Mat- thew 5:14, 15, NIV). Sometimes it’s hard to be a light: I’m too tired; I’m too busy; I want to chill out and forget I am to be a bright light shining in a dark world. Jesus is the light but He passed the responsibility to us. We need to let His light shine through us. R
Christine Miles writes from Auckland, New Zealand, Taylor Peta
12 July 4, 2009 letters
with such titles as “apostle” and “deacon,” Doing more as well as considering them equal labour- The PAU example ers with himself. Felicity Johnson, Vic With such strong recognition given to Philip Smith, WA I read “A day that can’t be forgotten” women in the early church, isn’t it time the I was encouraged to read “PAU strives (Insert, June 6) and its account of ADRA Seventh-day Adventist Church in the 21st for BEST” (Feature, May 30). The inter- success stories in Zambia. But, as Matt ad- century ordained female theology graduates view with Dr Branimir Schubert, vice- mitted, these stories are only a drop in the who have responded to the call to ministry chancellor of Pacific Adventist University ocean compared to the need of so many and are currently serving their church as (PAU), was a refreshing account of how thousands more. ministers of the gospel? God is building a vibrant institution of Maybe Matt could go from church to church and, face to face, rev up God’s peo- How refreshing to see the apostle ple “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with [our] God” (Micah 6:8, Paul acknowledging the major role NIV). If a million people gave just $1 each, women played in the early church. what a wonderful act of love and mercy to- ward our “brothers and sisters” of Mambwe learning with a vision to serve the church’s this would be. Another belief mission in Papua New Guinea. May God richly bless us all as we humbly But the “best” news is that PAU’s com- do our part for the ADRA Appeal. Ossie Brunner, NSW munity impact is about to increase manifold “Scepticism unfounded” (Letters, May with the activation of a new radio station 30) laments scepticism about climate to cover the capital, Port Moresby—a city Only “probable”? change caused by global warming. But of a quarter of a million people. to label a person a sceptic is to suppose My research has revealed that PAU’s new Jan T Knopper, NSW that the person is expressing disbelief in one-kilowatt FM radio station and studio “Paul’s missionary colleagues” (Feature, a belief system. And the concept of global will require about a $A250,000 to be prop- June 6) does not convince that women in the warming has become a belief system be- erly installed for broadcasting. That’s about time of Paul were ordained by the laying cause it has no real basis in scientific fact. a dollar for every person within range of on of hands. It makes it clear that women Instead, a few minor glitches in climate the signal—a good benchmark for investing were involved in the church’s ministry— records have been taken by dreamy-eyed in any radio outreach venture. Adventist no objection. But were they “ordained” as conservationists, who nurture their own World Radio has already contributed and we understand it? Please make that crystal egos by believing they are personally re- the South Pacific Division offering on June clear with a “Thus says the Lord” or “It sponsible for saving the planet. 6 also helped toward funding this. is written.” We do not accept terms like Many august bodies, academics and Meanwhile, there are about 250 low- “probable” or “most likely.” researchers state categorically that the power FM licences in Adventist owner- carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere ship across Australia. More than one mil- has little influence on worldwide climatic lion people are now within range of these Isn’t it time? conditions. Volcanoes and water vapour “little preachers” spread across all states. in the atmosphere contribute 90 per cent While church members privately own Avril Lockton, NSW of climate alterations, and cosmic rays are most licences, there is certainly scope for What a joy it was to read “Paul’s mission- also significant. increasing support to conference-owned ary colleagues.” I have always appreciated Besides all that, the climate has been radio networks. the references in the Gospels to Christ’s constantly changing since Creation for And if PAU can establish a full-power words and actions that affirmed women many and varied reasons. God foresaw radio station, there really is no excuse for as worthy recipients of His healing power this, of course, when He put it together Avondale College not setting a course to and the good news of salvation. and built a system of checks and bal- achieve a similar outcome. Avondale’s But Paul was problematic. He baptised ances into the atmosphere. He did this so leaders must begin to believe in this pos- Lydia and stayed at her home in Philippi whatever happens while we are on this sibility—the sooner the better. With God, but was reluctant to allow women to teach earth, it will never become uninhabit- nothing is impossible! or “have authority over” a man. And Paul’s able. Moreover, He made this promise to teachings have been used to deny women Noah when he came out of the ark (see Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent ordination to ministry in some Christian Genesis 8:21, 22). those of the editors or the denomination. Letters churches today. So the hysteria being poured out by con- should be less than 250 words, and writers must How refreshing to see the apostle Paul servationists can be considered irrelevant include their name, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary require- acknowledging the major role women to our mission of spreading the Three ments, but the author’s original meaning will not be played in the early church. Paul recognised Angels’ Messages. It is no more than a changed. Not all letters received are published. See the role of women in the church’s mission distraction from the main task at hand. masthead (page 2) for contact details.
July 4, 2009 13 noticeboard
church, NZ. They celebrated with an Positions vacant open home for friends and a celebration meal with their family the next day. Volunteers! ▲▲Account Manager (Foodservice/Route)—Sanitarium Health Food (Queensland), is seeking a highly-motivated person to join our Away From Home (AFH) team. Volunteer Team Leader or Small The successful applicant will deliver exceptional customer service, implement Team—Solomon Islands, to over- revenue growth strategies for specific markets and customers, deliver sales targets, see the construction of the Form 7 product sales, prepare business reviews and presentations, and prepare and track Building, Kukudu Adventist Col- business plans and promotions. The position requires an individual with a mini- lege in the Western Province of the mum of five years sales experience, strong negotiation skills, the ability to work at Solomon Islands. Foundation dug a fast pace while maintaining attention to detail, and work independently or in a and building materials already sup- team, with strong computer skills, multi-tasking skills and the ability to show initi- plied. Just needs constructing with ative in presenting and implementing creative new ideas. Apply online at
14 July 4, 2009 noticeboard Central Coast lege Auditorium on the weekend of Adventist School August 29 and 30, 2009. A combined Sabbath program will commence at is celebrating its 10 am, with reports presented Sab- 40th Anniversary. bath afternoon. The business of the meeting will commence at the conclu- REUNITE, REMEMBER, sion of the closing Sabbath program CELEBRATE. 30 October– on August 29, concluding August 30. 1 November, 2009. The meeting will receive reports from For further details and the Secretary and Treasurer, vote on to RSVP email: 40th_ various appointments and consider [email protected]. constitutional changes, all in accord- ance with the Conference Constitu- au or call (02) 4367 1800. tion. Further information is avail- able from the Conference Secretary Data projectors, screens, DVDs, VCRs,
July 4, 2009 15 Available now at your local Adventist Book Centre
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16 July 4, 2009