southeast asia union May-June 1978, M. C. (P) No. 196/1/78

CHANGE IN THE PRESIDENCY SET FOR SAUM

Together during a re/axed moment at home are teenager Debbie with her Backed by books is this informal family portrait of the Heislers. From parents, Audrey and SAUM's president, Wendell. For news and views of left is SAUM's president-elect Robert, big son Rick, SAUM's Child the Wilcoxes during their tenure in the Far East, turn to page 6. Evangelism director Anita, teenager Rachelle and young Hal.

24 Years in the Far East by SAUM President

Elder and Mrs. Wendell L. Wilcox are going home on permanent return to the United States after having served in the Far East for 24 years, crowded with many interesting experiences. The Far East will always have special meaning to the Wilcoxes for many reasons. It was in Hong Kong, on July 14, 1927, that Wendell was born, while his father, Elder L. C. Wilcox, was serving as a missionary there. He is the youngest of three children. While in his teens, during World War II, Wendell suffered with his parents the privations of concentration camps in the Philippines. He still recalls with thrill, the liberation of by the forces of General Douglas MacArthur. While earning his way to take the ministerial course at Pacific Union College, California, Wendell met and mar- ried Audrey Fuller who has been his faithful and devoted companion during all the years of his ministry. They have four children: Mrs. Wendy Barlow who is a nurse in Portland, Oregon; Paul who is completing his Industrial Arts degree at Pacific Union College; Dan who is in the US Air Force and Debbie who will be graduating from Far Eastern Academy in this May. Elder and Mrs. Wilcox had served in the Central California Conference for three years prior to their coming to the Far East in 1954. They laboured in for about 15 years. During the last six years of their stay in Indo- nesia, Elder Wilcox served as President of the Union which then consisted of the whole Indonesian archipelago. From Indonesia, they went to Korea where Wendell served as Union President for another four years. In 1971, they joined Southeast Asia Union, first with Wendell as President of the Sabah Mission and then later as Acting Union Secretary. Finally, in 1975, he was elected President of Southeast Asia Union Mission. The many friends and associates of Elder and Mrs. Wendell L. Wilcox in the Far East will miss them greatly. We all wish them God's abundant blessings as they leave to continue their faithful and dedicated service in the Lord's work in their homeland.— Bernie Donato Inside: YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE PULPIT See page 5 FIRST UNION RETREAT—TO TURTLE BEACH View pages 8 Et 9 asurardiemmer THE WHY AND HOW OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Published bi-monthly as the official organ of the South- east Asia Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, 251 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 13. by Donald R. Halenz Yearly Subscription Price S2.50 (U.S.) President

Editor Jill Warden Parchment Southeast Asia Union College Circulation Manager Esther Donato

"Contributing Editors" throughout our Union field are:

MISSIONS: Sabah Miss Hon Yin Kong The alert Messenger reader already realizes that 1978 is Adventist educa- Sarawak Paull Dixon tion year. The last issue discussed the cost of Adventist education; here we W. -Singapore Jonathan Ng wish to examine the why and the how. Our schools were established for several purposes. Early in the work of the Seventh-day Adventist church it INSTITUTIONS: Southeast Asia Union College Juanita Bissell was recognized that if we are to hold our young people in the church, it is Adventist Hospital Myrtle Fitzgerald essential that we provide a Christian educational system for them. Accord- Head Yai Mission Hospital Penang Adventist Hospital Edward Heisler ingly, our schools were established first for the salvation of our young Phuket Mission Hospital Jane Crider people. Secondly, they are to provide the church with a supply of workers Youngberg Mem. Adventist Hospital Chiengmai Academy Helton Fisher that the church will have the qualified talent needed to carry on the work on its many lines. Finally, the church is strengthened by having a body of

1978, M. C. (P) No. 196/1/78 educated laymen who strengthen the church in each local mission. At the SOUTHEAST ASIA UNION MISSION same time, the constitutency is served by having schools available for its OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS young people. DIRECTORY

President wenaeli L. vviicax Some will always ask why it is not possible to allow our young people to Secretary Wu Chook Ying attend local public schools which are more convenient and frequently less Treasurer Marshall Chase Assistant Treasurer Jonathan Kong expensive. A little reflection on the objectives outlined above provides the Auditor Edmund Ho answer. If we want to make engineers, we send a student to an engineer- Child Evangelism Anita Heisler Lay Activities & S.S. Robert L. Heisler ing school. Physicians to a medical school and Christians to a Christian Publishing Ralph M. Sellers school. There is more to education than simply obtaining the technical Education & Stewardship LeVerne Bissell M.V., P.R. & Temperance Bernie Donato knowledge needed. Mrs. White has said, "True education means more Health Marshall Chase than a pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a prepara- tion for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being and the SABAH MISSION whole period of existence possible to man."— Education, page 13. Seen

President James Thurman from this perspective we see that man must be educated for more than Secretary Charles S. Gaban making a livelihood on this earth. It must also prepare him for eternity. The Treasurer & Auditor Peter Wong P. 0. Box 7, Tamparuli, Sabah, East Malaysia Adventist school, with its emphasis on the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of man is the best place for the Adventist youth to gain this edu- SARAWAK MISSION

President Paull Dixon cation. We view man as a whole being, integrated and non-divisible. To try Secretary Geoffrey Pauner to educate just one facet of him is to give an incomplete education, thus Treasurer & Auditor Gilbert Maju P. 0. Box 41, Kuching, Sarawak short-changing him and leaving him unable to successfully cope with the stress of modern society. THAILAND MISSION (INCLUDING LAOS) Our church has thus developed an entire system of education from the

President Sunti Sorajjakool primary or kindergarten level through to the University. Our schools seek to Sec-Treasurer & Auditor H. I. Lukman mold the student through placing him in an environment where spiritual P. 0. Box 11-234, Bangkok, Thailand values prevail, where right doing and right thinking is the accepted norm of WEST MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE MISSION life, where the Bible is held as the revelation of God and in a sense, is at President T. K. Chong the heart of the curriculum. We recognize also the necessity of having Sec-Treasurer & Auditor C. B. Lim Seventh-day Adventist teachers in every classroom. 166-A Jalan Bukit Bintang, 06-26 Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia You are already familiar with the Seventh-day Adventist schools in your mission. Southeast Asia Union College and the Southeast Asia Adventist

In appreciation, Photo Credits by page numbers go to: Seminary are the Union's schools for higher education of our youth. We Dennis Tidwell 7; B. Sellers 6; Dottie Bascom 16; Anita Heisler 1 & 7; Paull Dixon 4 & 5; Jison Mun 3 & More on page 16 ... 13; Irene Ng 9 & 15; Bernie Donato 8, 9 & 15; Christian Lee 10; Mary Eastman 12; Albert Khor 12; Denise Halenz 8; Matthew Hutabarat 9; Daniel Yea 9; Editorial advisors and assistants: Audrey Wilcox, Lucy Ho, Alwin and Lisa Lisa Parchment 5 & 9; Elaine Halenz 2; Peter Foo 14; Parchment, Elaine Halenz Audrey Wilcox 1 & 6; Arnold Poey 10; Alfred Low 14; Lee Yoke Leng 11; Wes Amundson 11; P. Parks 16. May-June THE MESSENGER 3

When campbreak came, every- body wished work could be extend- SABAH ed for a week. But they all promised to be back for the mission-wide Sabah Youth Clear youth camp which will be held in April. —Jison Mun Campsite Kapa Church Holds Sabah Mission is blessed to own PERKENALKAN DIA SONGRIS MIKAN SASAT *HEW First Investiture Service a beautiful seaside 191/2 acre camp- Sathen, Sabah site located in Dantai, near Ambong April 25.25,153 Bay, which is about 18 miles away were sent to the churches. Eighty from the mission headquarters. strong responded, young men and Three-fourths of the way to the women who came with their long place is by road and the rest is by "parang" knives and other tools!

Among those who volunteered ONIY 171ROvEN was Dr. LeVerne Bissell, Union Edu- H cational and Stewardship Director, who had just concluded a number A knot-tying exhibitionist at Kapa's investiture. of workshops in the mission terri- The MV Society of Kapa Church, tory. He was a real example and Sabah Mission, was the first society inspiration to the young people as to hold an investiture this year 1978. they cleared the forest and dug a Stephen Dungin, MV Leader of Pitching in with the men were girl forest-cleer- ers. Kapa Church, invited the writer to the mission-owned 33-foot boat conduct the service on January 21. driven by a 35-horsepower Johnson The MV Society had about fifty engine. members, thirty of whom were Since becoming Sabah Mission Pathfinders. President a year ago, Elder Jim Of those invested, 40 completed Thurmon, who was formerly Youth the requirements for the Builder and Director of Texas Conference, had Busy Bee classes and 10 completed l!' been thinking about introducing the Dr. LeVerne Bissell cheerfully awaits his turn MV Taskforce concept in the terri- at well-digging! tory. To start with, he suggested well. But it was not all work and no that we invite the young people to play. In the late afternoons, the volunteer in clearing the MV Camp- volunteers went swimming in the site which was acquired a year clear blue water along the beach before so that cabins, a cafeteria, and in the evenings they enjoyed and buildings for nature and craft campfire with songs, stories, pray- projects and for the caretaker's ers and games. Dr. Bissell intro- quarters could be erected. duced the game "Kereta Rosak" Members of the Kapa Church MV with Master The first work date, February 6-7, which the volunteers enjoyed Guide and pastor Malakin Luntas standing on 1978, was set and the invitations greatly. the right. various requirements for the Sun- beam, Helping Hand, Friend, Com- panion, Explorer and Ranger classes. A number of honors were also distributed during the investiture service. Our Pathfinders are surely ful- filling the admonition given by St. Paul to the Philippians 14:81 in

"What's cookin' good lookin?" SASS girls Volunteers at Dantai's campsite relax after a engaging in "whatsoever things are improvise in the open-air kitchen. gruelling day's work. of good report".—Jison Mun 4 THE MESSENGER May-June

Interest Soars in Sarawak Seminar Many pastors are more used to listening than talking in a classroom situation and it seemed doubtful that "small group" discussions would work very well in Sarawak. But this was the method Dr. Wong Yew Chong had chosen to use for Beaming faces of Sarawak's faithful workers indicate the joy of service in God's cause. the church management seminar Wong for a North American Con- recognized by Southeast Asia and it was watched with keen inter- ference when he worked for Hewitt Union. "The program includes a est. Research Center. The Conference rigorous study curriculum and ex- Within an hour the large room President who had requested the tensive courses in applied theology," was alive with animated discus- preparation of the Seminar moved explains Paull Dixon, Mission Presi- sions. It was a pleasant surprise to before having the opportunity to dent. hear the favorable comments. "This use it and so it was not until Dr. Every Sabbath and during the is something that will really be Wong came to Singapore that he week Sarawak's T.E.E. students useful to me in my ministry," one was able to run a field test of the lead out in moral instruction classes experienced pastor enthusiastically project. The response has been so in schools in the area of Ayer stated. favorable that there is a constant Manis. More than 300 Seventh-day What is it that makes the church flow of requests for Dr. Wong's Adventist young people and their services. Realizing that his job as friends attend the informal and Academic Dean at Southeast Asia highly spiritual meetings. "This is a Union College was certainly a full tremendous way to minister to our time job, Dr. Wong was asked, own young people", says Bill "Why do you spend so much time Cochran, Coordinator of the T.E.E. in the field conducting these Man- Program. agement Seminars?" Unhesitatingly he answered, "I have a real burden for Southeast Asia. I feel that time

SAUC's Dr. Wong Yew Chong "on loan" to is short. The Asian people are now Sarawak. very receptive to the Adventist management seminar so successful? Message if it is presented in a Here are three basic reasons: culturally understandable way." 1. Materials were prepared with- The Church Management Semi- in the framework of sound theology nar will undoubtedly continue to of ministry and mission. make a valuable contribution Total interest and absorption by children is a 2. The methodology employed, throughout our Union because it goal all teachers could aim for. primarily small encounter groups, speaks to the most important issues New Sabbath School sets participants at ease and gives facing the church and its missions.— opportunity for personal expression Paull Dixon Lessons and discovery. Fourteen students were recently "I've never seen such total in- 3. The role of "facilitator" can accepted into the innovative and volvement in a Sabbath School be filled by anyone who is friendly highly successful T.E.E. (Theological Class," says Lawrence Banyie, Pas- and outgoing and understands the Education by Extension) Program in tor/Evangelist in Sarawak. concepts of Church Management Sarawak. More than 30 persons are The unique approach uses one and Leadership. now taking part in the ministerial Sabbath School lesson for all ages. The Seminar was written by Dr. training which leads to a Diploma More on page 5 . . . May-June THE MESSENGER 5

Young People In The Pulpit

Dropping in on our "GIRL sliders, Voice of Prophecy students PREACHERS" in news and views and takes charge of the Sibu House from the Sarawak Mission, we find Church as well. Nyuk Fah is fluent "the lady pastor" Miss Chai Nyuk in Mandarin, in Hokkien and in Fah preaching, teaching and giving English which makes her an invalu- Bible studies. She also finds time to able asset to the Lord's work in this visit the discouraged, the back- Chinese Port city.

"Don't treat God as though He's Santa Claus" exhorts Casey Ketting. teenage preachers then took turns at the pulpit—Ginger and Casey Ketting, children of Drs. Sam and Effie Jean Ketting of SAUM's Penang Adventist Hospital and Martina Strasdowsky whose parents are at Indonesian Union College. We trust this youth-thrust and thirst for truth will be Union-wide and also world-wide in these escha- tological times.

• g

Above: the Lady Pastor Chai Nyuk Fah in- structs a youth group on baptismal proce- dures. Left: Nyuk Fah (2nd from the right) relaxes with TEE students from Sibu—George Lee, Chai Choi Fah and Lik Hung.

Southeast Asia Union College experienced quite a change of pace during the sermon hour, Sabbath, "Joy can be developed" encourages Martine 44 February 25, 1978 when several Strasdowsky. "Rejoice in the Lord always". / &moil High School students took over the New from page 4 . . . Our roving camera next drops in pulpit. The students, all teenagers, Bible stories form the basis for on Miss Brenda Ten who also is were from Far Eastern Academy in group discussion. Questions are pastoring and preaching in Serian, Singapore and gave their personal presented on several different levels Sarawak. Viewed here, she is en- testimonies for the Lord in both so they can be adapted to the age grossed in helping at a Vacation music and talks. Three very earnest and experience of the class. Bible School and seems too busy to "The rural people love to talk but even notice our photographer. are not inclined to listening to lec- tures," says Jeff Pauner, Sabbath School Secretary of the Mission. "These lessons simply recognize and utilize the communication structures of the villages." Lessons have been printed in Iban and Malay for the second quarter 1978. Every week children who know the memory verse are

Brenda Ten and protegee at a Vacation Bible given a picture to color which is School. "Faith is trusting" explains Ginger Ketting. related to the lesson. 6 THE MESSENGER May-June

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS WITH THE WILCOXES—from page 1 MN=

Lt. Audrey and Wendell in Medan, Sumatra in During a 1974 Effort in Indonesia. A man of "The Book", Pastor Wilcox often 1956. retires to its treasured pages in moments of solitude. A favourite text is Galatians 2:20. Sellers Appreciated After almost two years of fruitful service in Southeast Asia Union Mission, the Sellers are going on permanent return on May 30. Ralph

A large bird egg in the Celebes (75) takes a M. Sellers is presently the Union A happy moment at the Bandung Hospital, whole hand to hold, or even two hands ff you Publishing and Home Health Educa- Java 1965. are a small boy (foreground). tion Service Director and under his ce roe., 'pe ' leadership, SAUM has reached it's first million-dollar mark in sales of our publications. Behind every suc- cessful man is his faithful wife and she is none other than Barbara, who works as the Public Relations 00 • . LI1A14. secretary in the Voice of Prophecy A jungle baptism at Tambarulan in 1972. With the Karens in Thailand in '77. and has given much assistance in E IVI ISSIUI I I J b that department. The Sellers have R A three children of whom two, Pam L and Tim, will be graduating from H Far Eastern Academy this summer E while Becky will still be in academy. We appreciate very much all the services rendered by the Sellers in MID 41- SAUM and wish them God's richest Wendell giving the devotional at the West Elder Wilcox with traveling companion, Pastor Malaysian Mission's workers' meeting, Port Joseph Sapok, hiking along the coast of Sara- blessings as they continue to serve Dickson, 1973. wak, 1977. Him in their new field.— Lucy Ho

• ilia Audrey heads the "stirring" committee in a 1974 Indonesian nutrition A farewell portrait of the Sellers family, from left are: (top row) teen- class. agers Becky, Tim and Pam with their parents Barbara (VOP) and Ralph (Publishing Director). May-June THE MESSENGER 7

culture, their language is quite dif- the free movement of their bodies. ferent and not understood by the We noticed that they walk with a others. A few Bwae villages are characteristic stiff-legged gait, not located in Thailand, all within a much different from someone who Bunking in with the day's hike from the border. Their might have sat in a patch of poison small villages number only about 15, ivy! Bwae and are a day's hike apart from As fascinating and quaint as their Bidding my wife Lila, and our each other over rugged, poorly-trail- customs may be, the reason we small son Nathan "goodbye", Pas- ed hills. (We slashed our way up went was not to observe these, but tors Belair, Muak and I, together stream beds a lot of the time.) to consider possibilities for begin- with a Bwae-speaking Sgaw Karen There probably are not more than ning gospel work among the Bwae. guide, boarded the bus in Mae Sari- 1,000 Bwae living in Thailand. — Dennis Tidwell ang that was to take us north. For The Bwae are considered to be To be continued four hours we bumped over a road the poorest of all tribal people in that snaked its way through dense Thailand, with an annual family in- virgin jungle and across mountain come of about $25. What we saw streams bridged by crude but tended to confirm this. A few, es- steady log structures. The villages pecially the women, continue to began to take on a slightly different wear their native costume, which appearance as we traveled deeper consists of a woven knee-length into areas inhabited predominantly sarong, often black, and a square by Thai Yai, or Shan. cloth tucked into their belt in front, Getting off a few kilometers be- pulled up to cover the chest and fore reaching the town of Mae then tied in the back of their neck. Happy at achieving their goal are these win- some little ones from several SAUC families Hong Son, we began hiking toward They like to wear heavy, icicle- with musicians John Ho and Miven Donato, the setting sun. We were headed shaped silver earrings, several in Linda Koh and Lucy Ho. for the high hills that form the each ear. The weight pulls on the border of Thailand and the Kayah ear lobes until, on older women, Children Lead the Way State of Burma, where we under- their ears have loops 2-3 inches $500 by the end of 1977, was the stood we would find a few Bwae long. investment goal of 15 children in villages. We slept in Sgaw Karen The most striking thing about the the SAUC primary children's divi- villages the first two nights. It was women is their custom of binding sion, initially led by Mrs. Doris not until the evening of the third Davis. But with everyone working day that we finally reached a Bwae hard a grand total of $550.72 was village. collected. The Bwae are a sub-division of The parents of these children the Karen people. They live mostly made different kinds of cakes, pop- in the rugged mountain ranges of corn, and cookies for them to sell in Kayah State, Burma. While re- the SDA School during recess time. sembling the other Karen groups in The children also sold cakes and drinks during the "White Elephant Sale" and went caroling on Christ- mas eve. Every 2 or 3 weeks Mrs. Freda Ee Typical of her sex, this lissome young lady of and Mrs. Anita Heisler reminded the the Bwae tribe faithfully tends to her tasks children to work hard for their despite her "bubbled" knee obstructions. Read the absorbing story on this page by investment project and when the Dennis Tidwell in Thailand. total was announced they were their knees with lacquered strings, most excited to know they had winding and winding until their gone beyond their goal. knees were covered in balls of Surely these dear little ones are '%41 A Bwae "medicine man" busy with his con- string the size of volleyballs. This an inspiration to us all to work coctions for the day's "prescriptions". custom is obviously a hindrance to harder for the Lord.— Freda Ee 8 THE MESSENGER May-June

At Turtle Beach! First-ever SAUM Retreat

March 15th-19th 1978, was set family. Whoever felt like sitting next aside for the Union retreat at Chen- to us could do so. That way we got dor Motel, situated about 30 miles acquainted with as many people as north of Kuantan, Malaysia. After we possibly could. travelling for nearly 10 hours by bus Free time during the day saw on bumpy roads, we finally arrived many swimming the South at Chendor. How happy we were to Sea and battling the 4ft. waves that be there! We felt a tingle of excite- pounded us onto the sandy beach. ment as we rounded the last corner Others either took photographs or and caught sight of the Chendor simply drank in the picturesque sea- Andrea Tan leads beach-strollers during "free Motel at Turtle Beach. We checked front view. Some energetic people time".

Qs, "Maestro" Bissell cues in the guitar section at vespers. A sea-front symphony is enjoyed by all. into our assigned rooms and chalets played volleyball and other games. and proceeded on to our first sun- Steering our musical numbers was down worship out in the open on Dr. Bissell and his committee. the patio. The spiritual committee Friday night saw us, the guitar headed by Pastor Wilcox saw to it group, practising and singing famil- that we had our devotion every iar Christian songs as well as learn- morning, noon and evening before ing new ones from each other. It our meals. Mrs. Jill Parchment was an inspiring scene—a group of made sure we were well fed with young talented Christians with John good, wholesome vegetarian meals. Ho and Matthew Hutabarat leading Mealtime was also a 'getting-to- out, strumming and plucking their to-know-you' time. Our meals were guitars while their voices ascended set on two long tables and it was a to heaven in songs of praise to Above: the hot beverages "bar" is always rule that we, who sat down first at God. busy. Below: three VIPs cut the "Congratula- a table, were not allowed to make The church-by-the-beach, out in tions" cake! President Wilcox, President-elect reservations for our friends or nature, is where one feels closest to Heisler and birthday girl, Esther Donato. I

• The cuisine blended both Oriental and Occidental preferences keeping everybody happy. May-June THE MESSENGER 9

• Class on the grass near the pounding surf is a great change of pace and A nightly "serenade for strings" by the strumming youth troubadours. place. God. Pastor Wilcox, our Union Retreat Brings Relaxation, Refreshment, And President, spoke about testifying Reformation and witnessing for God. Then, a number stepped forward and shared It was an excited group of SAUM their experiences, telling of what workers and their families that God meant to them. God's presence gathered at the bus parked beside could really be felt during that the Union building soon after eight solemn hour. o'clock Wednesday morning, March It was not however all serious- 15. It took a little time to settle ness at the retreat. We celebrated more than 40 people and their lug- Mrs. Esther Donato's birthday and gage—guitars, suitcases, and cans the terms of two Union Presidents, and jars of food, but soon we were on our way to Kuantan 307 miles away and three days of retreat for spiritual, social and physical refresh- Sunrise at Chendor! by patient Daniel Yeo. ing. Eight hours and many bumps Wu, D. R. Halenz, H. L. Bissell, H. later, we arrived at the Chendor H. Kong, B. U. Donato, Edmund Ho Motel on the east coast of Malay- and W. L. Wilcox) drew inspiration- sia. It was a lovely place to enjoy al lessons from nature and Bible

Caught in the act . . . Bob Heisler on all fours! nature—cooling breezes, shady pine characters. For group singing, the bridging the generation gap with wee folk. trees, clean white sand and rolling music was provided by three to Pastor Wendell Wilcox and his suc- white-capped waves. Each family six guitars. The special music was cessor, Pastor Robert Heisler, the had a small comfortable cabin to outstanding and included a men's new President-elect. We also had stay in and all the meals were quartet, ladies' trio, vocal duet with nature walks, star gazing, and served in the spacious dining room. flute obligato, instrumental group enjoyed lots of sea and land games The schedule each day included and guitar sextet. too!!! devotionals under the pine trees On Thursday and Friday a special All good things must come to an morning and noon, and under the time was set aside for Bible study end and so as we sat eating our last - stars in the evening. The speakers with Pastor Wilcox leading out. The meal together, we felt a longing for (M. L. Chase, R. L. Heisler, C. Y. More on page 15 . . . the day when Christ will return to take his children home with Him, to sup at His table, where good things will never come to an end. It was with mixed feelings that we left Chendor. Yes, those 5 days that we spent learning more about God, finding new friends and learning to appreciate things that are given, I ir would not exchange for anything in - t Bus-time is departure time, but the Wu family "Striking up the Band" are John Ho, Pam the world! — Andrea Tan & Matthew seems reluctant. and Becky Sellers, Don Halenz and LeVerne Hutabarat Bissell. 10 THE MESSENGER May-June

Singapore-wide MV Rally After many weeks of preparations by the Public Relations Officer Tan Tai Kok and his team of assistants, the Southeast Asia Union College's auditorium was well-filled for the first Missionary Volunteer rally for 1978. It was a combined effort which brought together the talents Balestier's choir directed by Alice Wick add to the beauty of sight and sound. of the seven MV societies on this October. Pathfinders' Day is on What does the Pathfinder Club September 29. For those who relish do for our junior church members? outdoor life and a closeness to The 200 honor awards available God's natural beauty, there will be a seek to promote "useful activity to camp in September and two more benefit our SDA youth fourfold — in December. How much do you spiritually, mentally, physically and know about the Bible? Come for socially". It is also for the "enrich- the MVA Bible Quiz program on ment of Christian living". How? By July 29. a planned series of exciting Christ- Christian Lee, vice-president of centered programs which present MVA directed 'The MV Story' with Christianity as alive, active and a simple sketch acted out by the applicable. Thian Boon Cheow, the SAUC students. It showed the Executive Pathfinder Director of Pathfinders proudly trooping in for the big rally. humble birth of our young people's MVA invited the directors of various island city on the rainy Sabbath society in 1879 and its gradual Pathfinder Clubs to personally tell afternoon of February 18. development into a fully recognised of their experiences in the club. Freddie Kee, president of MV As- department by the General Con- Last year Youngberg's Pathfinders, sociation spoke of the society's ference of 1907 in Geneva, Switzer- under the leadership of Joshua Goh constant aim to bring SDAs to- land. Born from the enthusiasm of collected almost 300 cans of food gether to inspire each other and to the desire of two young men to which were later distributed to the serve society. He revealed some of hasten Christ's return, the MV needy. the highlights planned for this year's Society today involves 500,000 The Balestier Pathfinder Club had MV calendar. Two more major members around the world. Truly a a stunningly unique unit made up rallies are scheduled for April and progressive achievement! exclusively of girls! The Singapore More on page 15 .

Leading out in the MVA Rally are, from left: Matthew Hutabarat, Thian Boon Cheow, Freddie Kee, Tan Tai Kok, Pathfinders mass on stage for a rousing song led by Thian Boon Cheow. Foo Hung Ngow and Christian Lee. May-June THE MESSENGER 11

Voice of Youth Comes experience of God's love. This in- tized. Judy comes from a Buddhist Through the Rains of deed was most inspiring and helped home, and in spite of parental ob- to promote the zeal of every mem- jections she sealed her decision to Kota Bahru ber to make the crusade a real suc- follow Christ wherever He may lead. What a meaningful time the cess. Judy was introduced to the enthusiastic young people of Kota The main theme of the Crusade Adventist way of life by the Path- Bharu Church had when they, with was to introduce our Lord Jesus way to Health course followed by Pastor Isaac Foo held a Voice of Christ from different angles and it personal Bible studies conducted by Youth Crusade early this year. was followed up by Pastor Foo's two Southeast Asia Union College Though this particular time of the striking Bible lectures. We had an Theology students, S. V. Nathan year is usually accompanied with average attendance of one hundred and Lim Swee Woh. airing the heavy downpours of rain, all the each night. As for the Vacation December holiday Pastor Ng Gan preparations were carried out with Bible School, we estimated that Theow continued giving Judy Bible fervent prayers, knowing that God thirty would come, but God blessed studies. Later he had the privilege is always the mighty Guide. Thus, us with forty dear juniors. of baptizing her in the fern-laced hundreds of handbills were eagerly The climax of the whole Crusade baptismal font surrounded by many distributed, decorations planned, was reached when an appeal was happy friends on that eventful Sab- dramas practised, and songs learn- made by Pastor Foo on the closing bath day in her life.— S. Visu Nathan ed. Committees were also organized night. The working of the Holy Teenager I .ses Prince for ushering, registering, and bus Spirit was distinct as 33 precious BABYLON commuting service. Those who had souls stood up in response to the been assigned with a sermon were message. Of these, 22 persons in- kept busy, too. tend to be baptized in the near Amidst all these, the children, future. The first harvest resulted in with Mrs. Ellen Foo's assistance, five joining the family of God. were delighted with a Vacation As Bible studies are still conduct- Bible School. ed for those who are not yet bap- Prior caroling sessions had invited tized we sincerely request your sup- both the youth and the children to port in prayer. A number of young people are facing great persecution, and there is an urgent need to change to another church site. These are real tests of our faith in King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon Christ. Thank you for your persis- B.C. 605 and Prince Charles of tent prayers for us! — Lee Yoke Leng England A.D. 1977 met in similarity •. via the "Metal Man from the Pastors Wendel/ Wilcox and Isaac Foo with precious souls from Kota Bahru. Dreamworld" of the former, in the attend specially planned pro- Royal Cornwall Show in the country grammes for them. Then opening of the latter. "How similar?" did I night arrived in beautiful and fine hear you ask? Well, let's just say weather (Praise the Lord!) and a they're both of royal extraction!! great feeling of anticipation seemed Towering over Britain's heir- to touch every member. The meet- apparent, the 8 foot 7 inch, 350 lb. ing was triggered off by a rousing Pastor Ng Gan Theow baptizing Judy. replica of King Nebuchadnezzar's song service, followed by an inter- image of Daniel chapter 2 left an esting movie on the beauties in House Church Baptism indelible impression in the mind of nature. Later the theme song, The first fruits of house church the young 29-year-old prince. This "Jesus Saves!" and the first cru- evangelism in Singapore were har- image was constructed by S.D.A. sade topic, "Jesus Our Mighty vested on a beautiful and sunny teenager Graham Blackburn, 17, Creator" was presented by Isaac Sabbath, February 4, at Youngberg ably assisted by his parents, sister Foo. After this, as on other follow- Hospital Church where Judy Ho and brother, and was giVen wide ing nights, a youth member stood Song Choo from one of the Ang publicity by the county news media up to testify of his or her own Mo Kio house churches was bap- several weeks ago. 12 THE MESSENGER May-June TEMPERANCE SPOTLIGHTED IN SAUM

..„ r .LRG MEMORIAL 1 tflVENTIST HOSPITAL • 5-DAY I LAN•TO STC . MARCH 5-9 197r -nu.; top,

• Dr. Irving Jones (returning in Septem- ber) interviews a supporter of YMAH's SAUC's Samuel Teo warns of *at program—the 5-Day Plan. Mr. Monster, the cigarette.

January 22 to 26 was our first motivation. The success of the Finally we presented the successful Five-Day Plan of the new year 1978, group therapy depends on each of candidates with their certificates of and also the 18th plan to be held. the participants contributing their graduation. Die to the delay of the news release successes, their failures, or any ob- A few days after this 5-Day Plan in the local paper we had a group servations. an article appeared in the local of 28 who were smoking about 747 Every time a 5-Day Plan is held paper, mentioning the statistics cigarettes per day. They ended up there are always some new ideas as about cancer and smoking in the technically at 0 on the fifth evening, to how individuals can give their United States, as given by one of although some are still finding a testimonies. We made a request for our speakers, Dr. Wilfred Eastman. few difficulties. them to write out how they feel and The article ended with an an- The group therapy session began the experiences they have had, and nouncement for the next 5-Day before the actual program started. to give us permission to use these Plan which is scheduled for the 5th From the second evening onwards testimonies to help others along. of March, 1978. We trust many will only those who did not smoke for It's fantastic to read the experiences avail themselves of lasting benefit the last 24 hours got a sticker with that some of them wrote. However, from yet another of Youngberg the logo "I choose not to smoke", in our follow-up meeting of social Memorial Adventist Hospital's com- and the others realized that to earn get-togethers, we have the success- munity services.—Albert Khor, Di- a sticker they would need to stop ful candidates giving their views rector, Health Education Service smoking, too. This gave good which were recorded in a dialogue.

Putting their will-power on the side of right are these happy ex-smokers A happy group of Youngberg Hospital employees who converged on and friends. founding-member Olive Goh and husband Peng Koon during their open-house recently. May-June THE MESSENGER 13

Youth Leaders Attend Temperance Workshops Physical Testing for Singapore SDAs More than seventy young people from various churches in Sabah attended the two-day Youth Leader- ship Workshop held in Tamparuli, February 18-19. Leading in the workshop were Union Youth Direc- tor Bernie Donato, Sabah Adventist Secondary School Principal Edmund Siagian, Mission Child Evangelism Director Linda Sibadogil, Mission Treasurer Peter Wong, and Jison District pastors cram the facts favouring tem- Mun, Youth Director. Assisting perance. were Alan Wong and some of the conduct temperance programs and teachers of SASS. rallies in churches, schools and At the conclusion of the work- communities. shop on Sunday afternoon, 67 of This workshop made a deep im- Fitness testing of a participant is being care- pression on those present. One was fully monitored by a doctor. heard to say, "Now that I have Dr. Charles Thomas from the received many good ideas and tech- Loma Linda University School of niques, I'll do my best to conduct Health, California, USA will be lec- temperance programs and rallies in turing in India this summer and it is my area. The temperance cause is hoped he will stop by Singapore on indeed an excellent opening wedge his way back for several days of in- for evangelism and I will surely take tensive lecturing and conducting advantage of this to win more souls physical profiles on all Adventists, for God's kingdom."—Jison Mun their families and friends. Recently Sabah's Peter Wong warns on new dangers in Dr. Thomas has been engaged in cigarette smoking. meeting the huge demands for the the young people were awarded Water Seminar Syllabus of which Leadercraft certificates by Pastor he remarks, "Judging from obser- Donato. vations in churches where programs The following day, February 20, have been held, I would say hydro- the day-long Temperance Workshop Kiwanis Back SDA therapy certainly is not washed out. was attended by district pastors, Program 11 People everywhere are looking teachers, and a number of the Recently Elder Charles G. Ed- for a simpler lifestyle. 2) We know church youth leaders who stayed to wards, a Health Services Director, more about the human body and its take advantage of the Temperance addressed Kiwanis ("We Build") reactions to heat and cold now than meetings being held. Clubs, in the Central California ever before. 3) Simple water treat- Pastor Donato, who is also the (U.S.A.) area. He spoke on Advent- ments, rightly and skillfully applied, Union Temperance Director, Sabah ist Community Service Health Pro- do not tend to have side reactions. Mission President James Thurmon, grams as the 5-Day Plan Against 4) Water treatments in the home Peter Wong, Edmund Siagian, and Smoking, Alcohol Education and are economical. 5) Water will al- Jison Mun shared in the presenta- Wa-Rite Programs, and Vegetarian ways be available to the very end. tion of the various subjects. With Cooking Classes. Vigorous question 6) Water treatment demonstrations the use of audio-visual aids, such as and answer sessions followed and certainly attract people in the city the Dumpty Dummy Smoker, the much public appreciation was ex- as well as in the small town. 7) Giv- lecturers were able to show clearly pressed. One influential business- ing simple treatments is a powerful the dangers posed by tobacco, man remarked, "The Government tool for witnessing. 'Natural means alcohol, and drugs. They brought should pay more attention to the used in accordance with God's will, also before the delegates many programs Adventists are conduct- bring about supernatural results' (2 ideas and techniques on how to ing. They are really worthwhile." Selected Messages, 346). THE MESSENGER May-June

travel. Adventist Church at Burmah Road. The late Mr. C. M. Lee donated The next morning they had a spe- $500/- as capital to start the work. cial book display and both places With this sum Masilamony Lucas made up the second highest sales bought the basic drugs and sup- for the whole trip—about M$500 in plies. In those early days looted and cash sales, and M$200 more in displaced articles were available and credit sales. The bookmobile push- so he bought the necessary supplies ed on to Ipoh at 7:30 p.m. The very cheaply. Mr. Lucas also bought team reached the suburbs of KL at an ultra violet lamp (Mercury Vapor 12 p.m. Stopping at Kuantan for Lamp) for $25/-. This lamp is still lunch, they pushed on to reach somewhere in YMAH. A micro- their destination—Kota Bahru at scope and some laboratory glass- last—at 4:30 p.m. ware were bought at junk price Sabbath morning opened with a In this 30th Anniversary Year, let's turn back the pages of time with Masilamony Lucas, to from a doctor's office that was new freshness when the whole Youngberg Memorial Adventist Hospital's in- abandoned. In a short time the church turned up to listen to Pastor ception as . . . place was ready. The Mission had Wilcox's sermon on "Signs of asked Dr. (Mrs.) Yong of Cross Jesus' Soon Coming". A Mission Clinic Street to serve as the visiting Medi- Sabbath afternoon at Kota Bahru The Mission Clinic was an entirely cal Officer in charge to satisfy the Church found Alfred Low meeting forgotten part of the Medical Work law, and on the 11th of November, the young people for Lay Activities. in Singapore. It was a war product. 1942 the place was officially opened The Sabbath closed with Pastor Soon after the surrender of the under the name of Mission Clinic in Liklikwatil's Vesper sermon on British on February 15, 1942, the a godown at North Boat Quay, "Standing Firm for Jesus in Sab- then functioning Mission Committee facing the canal. On the opening bath-keeping"—stories of young with Pastor K. 0. Tan as the Presi- day a few church members were people who were faithful to Christ dent felt the need of establishing registered and treated as founder- in trials with regard to Sabbath small treatment rooms in different patients. But somehow the work work problems. places to feed the Gospel Work. did not prove encouraging and Sunday morning at 5 a.m. the During the early period of the Jap- owing to various other reasons, team started off on the long drive anese occupation the people were they were compelled to move the down to Johore Bahru, a total of still in panic and problems were Clinic away from there.— M. Lucas 440 miles. many. They were just beginning to To be continued JB Church had the same program adjust themselves to the new regime as had the other churches so it was and the new environment. Many Malaysian Marathon about ten o'clock that evening had lost all they owned and had to before everything was over. So by Alfred Low (conclusion) start life from zero. Health problems ends ABC's First Missionary Jour- were universal, and the little treat- Tuesday, January 17th, the book- ney—with many new friends, new ments given through these treat- mobile reached Ipoh. Here, the lessons of experience, and God's ment rooms were well appreciated. church members were asking for gracious providence towards all. One such treatment room was start- more Chinese books. S5216 AMAZING GRACE — ed at Ayer Hitam and another at Wednesday, January 18th, they KING'S HERALDS Bayan Lepas— both in the vicinity drove for four hours up to Kulim, 9-W of Penang. Seeing the good work Kedah to meet Philip Ganapathy. done in these sacred spots the Penang—"Pearl of the Orient"— Mission Committee decided to start looked a welcoming sight coming a similar one in Singapore, and across on the ferry from Butter- hence Masilamony Lucas was called worth that Wednesday morning. from Penang to open this work The story of Mrs. White's longest (#.1) \ here. In November of 1942, under vision by Pastor Wilcox, promotions Now available through the Singapore ABC at very difficult travelling facilities, he of Spirit of Prophecy books, book discounted rates on volume orders are stereo cassette tapes locally produced at US$2.50 or and his family came to Syonon-to exhibits, and the film shows round- less! Contact the manager for much beautiful (Singapore) after seven days of ed up the evening in the Penang music. May-June THE MESSENGER 15

ties, regarding the adolescent as an So Sorry! The Editor regrets further postpone- To Communicate with Gwen LeVos's ad- equal deserving of trust commen- ment of former SAUCian Youth— Keep Channels venture with the Loma Linda Heart Team now surate with his breadth of expe- touring Athens and other European capitals. OPEN rience, personal study and analysis Let's give her a chance to return and recuper- ate from her hectic schedule. "Keep the channels of communi- of the adolescent himself, candid cation open and youth will re- self-examination of adult motives, a you? It was encouraging to see the spond," concluded Dr. Wong Yew genuine, fair approach, taking the congregation breaking up into small Chong in his presentation on Febru- initiative in establishing communi- prayer bands to pray. Strangers ary 26, to the International Planned cation, exploring common ground, perhaps but surely brothers and Parenthood Federation workshop at understand behavior according to sisters all, in God's church. the Equatorial Hotel. Dr. Wong's the adolescent's value system, After sunset, Thian Lay Lee, presentation was part of a series building the adolescent's self con- MVA secretary, Foo Hung Ngoh, featured at the Seminar Workshop cept, sharing ideas and creating MVA treasurer and Matthew Huta- of Adolescent Sexuality. further opportunities for interaction. barat were kept busy in the SAUC Dr. Wong, a respected authority "Adolescents are susceptible to cafeteria selling coupons ($1 each) in the area of interpersonal relation- change," continued Dr. Wong, for packed dinner boxes, while ships, presented a thoughtful analy- "and when supplied with the right Christian and the college Path- sis of the problems of communica- information in the right setting, will finders helped in the distribution of tion between the adult and adoles- evaluate it for themselves . . Plans this food. Many enjoyed the meal of cent world. have to be laid out so that they are fried rice noodles. The same venue His talk, entitled "Reaching and able to respond, to accept as well was used later for fun and fellow- Communicating with Adolescents", as integrate their conclusions into ship. The MVA Social Committee their value system through a pro- with Freddie Kee and Tan Tai Kok cess of open, frank discussion. Only led out in games galore which were then will behavior change take immensely enjoyed by those in- place." — Juanita Bissell volved and this closed the success- ful rally.— Shirley Doo MV . . . from page 10 Retreat . . . from page 9 Pathfinders will have their Job Week in March to raise funds. opened with a positive approach to Good inspirational music is an in- bridging the adult-adolescent com- corporated part of all MV programs. munications' gap: "Reaching and The Fong sisters presented a violin communicating are but means to an duet. Looking neat and pretty in end. We are here because we are their white gowns, the Balestier deeply interested in the ends . . . " Church Choir under the direction of The first step in successful com- Mrs. Alice Wick sang "Remind Me, munication is the recognition of our Dear Lord". Matthew Hutabarat, No ringing of the cash register here as the "4 adult limitations, pointed out Dr. MVA music director, introduced a Notes" from the treasury department sing Wong. new dimension to singing—calis- sacred Sabbath songs. He then outlined some develop- thenics. He taught the interested topic we discussed and studied was mental, social and cultural problems congregation to apply calisthenics "Revival and Reformation". During standing as an obstacle to reaching in tune to "His Banner Over Me is the discussion we learned that re- and communicating with youth, and Love". Try it sometime. vival signifies "a renewal of spiritual some practical techniques and sug- Driven indoors by the drizzling life, a quickening of the powers of gestions for overcoming these ob- rain the sunset worship was held mind and heart, a resurrection from stacles. inside the SAUC auditorium. The spiritual death" and reformation sig- Positive suggestions included: a speaker was Pastor Pham Kow nifies "a reorganization, a change in better understanding of adolescent Seng, MVA advisor. Are you dis- ideas and theories, habits and prac- development, respecting the adoles- criminative of the company you tices." I SM 128. As we discussed cent's individual personhood, giving choose to pray with? Would you Josiah and how he had the books opportunity for the adolescent to kneel down to pray together with of the Bible that were discovered exercise his self-directive capabili- the total stranger sitting beside read to the people, we realized that 16 THE MESSENGER May-June

it is with much Bible study that this reformation can take place. The Laodicean message was discussed along with Revelation 3, how reviv- als came about in the past and how amusements such as TV, wrong music and fictional reading take away desire of spiritual things. We Working hard along with the are told that "we need to humble Voice of Prophecy team, Barbara ourselves before the Lord with fast- Sellers hopes they will soon have ing and prayer and to meditate available to the public their 30th the second largest French-speaking much upon His word.—We should Anniversary Commemoration Spe- city in all the world. Its population, now seek a deep and living expe- cial . . . a Golden Gems album of like Singapore, is nearly 21/2 million. rience in the things of God. We selected VOP conversion stories, The 13th Sabbath Offering is to have not a moment to lose." As we thrilling stories written from the be taken on June 24, and will go to came away from this retreat, I think heart and all happening in South- build an evangelistic centre, a light that each one of us had a renewed east Asia. Some of them could be for Christ and His truth in Kinshasa. desire for this "living experience in your close friends! Perhaps you Fellow members in the four the things of God" and a revival in might have even been privileged in corners of the earth, unite! To- our lives.—Elaine Halenz helping in their conversions! In any gether let us reap the harvest that is case, don't miss this chance of waiting in Kinshasa! —Pastor A. ordering your copy now and en- Parks Education . . . from page 2 close your donation of $5 or more "Feed the Hungry" are here to continue the to: The Voice of Prophecy, 251 educational process already started Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore in the elementary and secondary 13. schools. Presently, the college is offering work in the fields of Busi- Kinshasa Needs Our ness, Education, Theology, Secre- Help tarial Science, Basic Science and Mathematics, and Health Education. Supporting courses in other areas A special message from Pastor Monnier to are available. We hope that we can remember our Lord's command to "feed the be of service to the church in gen- hungry and clothe the naked" on May 13, the eral by helping you in particular. Disaster Relief offering day. Give, and it will come back man yfoldl Plans are underway for affiliation with other colleges in this division for offering work in conjunction with SAUC/SAAS which is not available here. To find out more about these affiliation plans, watch for future articles in the Messenger, The Trans-Africa Division is one or write to the Academic Dean of of the Divisions serving the large Southeast Asia Union College. and interesting continent of Africa. Thinking again about the pur- Its territory stretches from Cape- S. F. Monnier poses for which man was created, town at the very tip of the conti- and the glorious destiny that may nent, to northern Zaire in the heart Associate Director be his, why not take advantage of of Africa. Lay Activities every opportunity offered to help One of the greatest needs in the Department prepare your child, or yourself, for Division at the present time is an General eternity. Our schools are here to evangelistic centre in the city of Conference help you. Whether we can or not Kinshasa, capital of the vast country depends on you. of Zaire. Kinshasa is reported to be