10 Cover 7/3/05 5:25 PM Page 1
MARCH 19, 2005 RECORD In this issue
ADRA addresses human trafficking
SPD Pathfinder camporee planned
The other passion of Christ
The director of women’s ministries for the South Pacific Division, Joy Butler (centre, back row), with some of the women who attended the Women’s Ministries Congress at Pacific Adventist University. PNG women meet Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
he Papua New Guinea Union Mission recently hosted its first Women’s Ministries Congress Tat Pacific Adventist University (PAU) near Port Moresby. The congress ran from December 15 to 19, with up to 900 women attending. Many travelled long distances to reach the meetings, some taking up to three days to reach PAU. “For many of the women, it was their first time at PAU, and they were so proud to be at their Adventist university,” says Joy Butler, director of women’s ministries for the South Pacific Division (SPD). In past years, the Women’s Ministries Congress had been held for the South Pacific Division (2002), the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (2003) and the New Zealand Pacific Union Mission (2004). The theme for the PNGUM congress was “Learning to be like Jesus,” and the guest speakers were Clarissa Worley, a minister from Portland, Oregon, USA, and Elsie Masuku, a lecturer from Solusi University in Zimbabwe. Every morning the university church was filled with hundreds of women who gathered to pray and study the Bible from as early as 5 am. Later in the day, 20 workshops were conducted three Ministering times a day. Topics covered included prayer ministry, women and evangelism, health issues, parenting skills and abuse-prevention awareness. Every evening, Melissa Nowicki from the SPD Health Department shared information every in Central about healthy eating, PNG-style. With her new book, which she introduced for the first time, women were encouraged to eat better and provide a healthier diet for their families. A new Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) branch was started in PNG during this Australia time and will lead to greater things, Mrs Butler believes. (Continued on page 5)
ISSN 0819-5633 10 Editorial 7/3/05 5:26 PM Page 2
EDITORIAL An open letter to a concerned caller
The February 19 issue of RECORD included of God would be for them to see an church that treats people in such a way is a Viewpoint article titled “Being Adventist expression of Christianity that is humble why we invite you to join with us and help and poor” by the pseudonymous “Judith enough to admit that we are not always right make us a better, more generous church. If Helper.” Early on the morning of February and that too often in our personal and we have more people in the church who do 20, a message was left on the answering collective histories Christianity has been not want to be part of “a church like that,” machine from an unknown caller from hijacked by the establishment, whether that we would have a different church. Queensland. She expressed her distress at the be religious organisations, governments or God can work in the world despite the story shared in that article, saying she and other dominant cultural and social church, despite disappointing and her daughter had been having Bible studies influences—in this case, perhaps, our stumbling Christianity. But in His humility and had been planning to be baptised. But middle-class sensibilities. He uses “perishable containers”—meaning after reading that article, those plans were To meet the challenges of science and us—to share “this light and power that cancelled. “How could a church treat people scepticism, Christianity as a whole has now shine within us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, in such an awful way?” she asked. invested much in apologetics. Perhaps now NLT). It is that same practical humility that we need to invest some of our focus in we as Christians need to demonstrate to ear concerned caller, apology. the wider world. And I guess our various DFrederick Nietzsche once described So—as just a single voice among many failures, disappointments and misre- Christianity as “the single greatest in the church and with no significant presentations contribute to one thing: they misfortune of humanity so far”—and authority to speak on behalf of the church make our success even more remarkable. perhaps to some extent, he was right. One or Christianity more broadly—I would like As Paul suggests, “Everyone can see that only has to consider the sad history of to say sorry. Sorry to “Judith Helper” and our glorious power is from God and is not crusades, inquisitions and other those like her who feel excluded, hurt or our own” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT). persecutions—not to mention the ignored by the church and by many of us So while in a way Christianity may be innumerable smaller outrages committed in as individuals within the church. Sorry to “the single greatest misfortune of humanity the name of Christ in the past 2000 years— you, “concerned caller” from Queensland so far,” it also remains humanity’s greatest to see that he may have an argument. and those like you to whom we have triumph. In the midst of greatest Sadly it seems that through most of the misrepresented Christianity and created a disappointment is greatest hope. Standing history of Christianity, many of the vocal barrier between you and your God. And amid the ruins of cultural Christianity, it is followers of God have been the greatest sorry to God—who calls us to be agents (2 for us to choose whether we are part of the barriers between the wider world and God. Corinthians 5:20) of hope, beauty, justice, problem or part of God’s solution. One of the greatest challenges to mercy and goodness in our families, in our Dear concerned caller, I humbly ask you Christianity is that in most minds the communities, in our world and in and to reconsider your decision—but not your Christian faith has come to be closely through the church—and whom we so distress. I invite you to join with us in identified with the Western, militaristic, often disappoint. building a church that can better represent imperial, capitalist, consumerist, anti- Apology is necessary but we should also God’s love to each of us environmental, aggressively moralistic, do what we can to begin to right the wrongs and to the wider world. white, middle-class, male-dominated for which we apologise. A starting point is Thank you for your status quo. In light of this perception, to be open and honest about those issues; phone call and your many in today’s world feel—as has been thus the recent article in RECORD. You will concern. suggested to me by a friend—that note from Letters in RECORD that “Judith’s” God loves accepting Christianity and/or joining a has not been the experience of all in the you. particular religious organisation would be church, but our successes do not excuse something of a denial of their morality our failures. Nor do others’ failings— For many people in our communities, the present or historic—excuse our own. first step in gaining a renewed appreciation That you are unwilling to be part of a Nathan Brown
OFFICIAL PAPER Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company South Pacific Division Senior assistant editor Lee Dunstan 3485 Warburton Highway Seventh-day Adventist Editorial assistant Adele Nash Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia Church Editorial assistant Scott Wegener Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 ACN 000 003 930 Copyeditor Graeme Brown Email Letters: [email protected] www.adventist.org.au Editorial secretary Meryl McDonald-Gough Email Newsfront: [email protected] Layout Nathan Chee Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Vol 110 No 10 Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Cover: SPD Women’s Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. Ministries www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 March 19, 2005 10 Flashpoint 7/3/05 5:29 PM Page 3
FLASHPOINT
• Prescott Y12 Bible students claim perfect scores • Children’s church outreach at Pine Rivers • Mystery worshippers judging churches • The Passion re-released with less violence • and more —Compiled by Scott Wegener—
● The first children’s non-Adventist families. The ministries expo for Samoa Go online to be on board program, targeted at primary Mission was held at Samoa school age children, was the Adventist College, Apia, nyone interested in serving first of several planned for recently. “Beginning and Aon a board or committee of 2005 and included singing, becoming” was the theme the South Pacific Division (SPD) puppets, a video, nature talk chosen, depicting the journey can now register online. and a kid’s sermon. Ann of a child from a helpless little Every five years, the Adventist Wareham, director of chil- being to somebody who can Church reviews its administrative dren’s ministries at Pine Rivers stand on his or her own two boards, committees and councils and initiator of the event, feet and become an and the next review is about to says, “The purpose was to ambassador for God through commence. For the first time, the provide something special the choices they make every SPD Human Resources Depart- just for the kids, a program day. Some 76 women and one ment has launched a web site to that they could invite their man attended. A number of make it easier for church friends along to as well as an workshops were conducted members to register their interest. opportunity for kids, teens during the day, including good “We know that the church is blessed with highly capable people and youth to work together.” parenting skills, child abuse, who have the potential to make a positive contribution to the many The feedback from parents dramatic storytelling, teaching facets of its administration,” says Colin Clark, director of human and kids was very positive and children to pray, leadership resources. “With this online database, it will give church members a the children did not want to and GraceLink lessons. “How convenient means to volunteer their time and experience.” leave after church had to conduct intergenerational Church members may choose to volunteer on boards or finished.—Glen Mickan worship” was demonstrated committees of entities as diverse as Adventist Media, Pacific Adventist on Sabbath and many children University, Avondale College, Sanitarium Health Foods, Sydney from different churches par- Adventist Hospital and other areas of church-related administration. ● Greensborough church’s, ticipated. The expo brought The primary requirement for any administrative committee mem- Vic, social committee wanted positive responses and many ber is “to have a strong commitment to the mission and values of the to come up with a way their asked for it to be held every Seventh-day Adventist Church,” although the type of experience and church could raise funds for year.—Pacific Waves expertise being sought would vary depending on the committee. the Asian tsunami disaster More information and registration is available in the database section and have a lot of fun at the of
March 19, 2005 3 10 Flashpoint 7/3/05 5:29 PM Page 4
FLASHPOINT
● More than 50 people have corporate entities already signed up to spot- to covertly check Off the record check London churches on their own stores, the first Mystery Worship- Mystery Worship- ● Our church’s outstanding musicians per Sunday, April 24. Based pers visit churches includes some of our younger loosely on Mystery Shopper, while undercover. members. Recently at least three young where market researchers are sent out by They then file a report on, for example, the people have earned the Associate in comfort of pews, warmth of welcome, Music, Australia (AMusA) quali- length of sermon and style of music. For fication—all at remarkably young ages. Big purpose— the church being visited, the only clue is Esther Tolhurst successfully passed her the calling card dropped discreetly into AMusA exam in cello at age 17. Richard small groups the collection bag—bearing the picture of a Lipohar gained his AMusA in violin at masked man in Lone Ranger pose. Since its the age of 12, which follows close in the hifting its focus from a big-event- launch in April 1998, the 1000th Mystery footsteps of his older brother, Reuben, Sbased church to spiritual Worshipper report will be published on who earned his AMusA in piano a few discipleship, Springwood church, Qld, March 20 with reviews having come in years earlier at age 11. has launched the “40 Days of purpose” from Bethlehem to Bangkok. “Whether spiritual journey, an initiative by Rick they’re happy-clappy, bells and smells or Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life. rock the flock,” says Steve Goddard, co- ● When commenting on the flowers Springwood outreach minister Pastor editor of
4 March 19, 2005 10 Newsfront 7/3/05 5:33 PM Page 5
NEWSFRONT PNG women meet Ministering in Central Australia (Continued from page 1) Alice Springs, Northern Territory In visit- “The issue of alcohol consumption is a ing the major concern in PNG, as many women hen Geoff Crabtree started his families of suffer abuse at the hands of drunken Wministry in Alice Springs, he had no the in- partners,” she reports. idea of the things God had in store for him. mates, it A concert was organised by the women, “I prayed that He would lead me to people gives him and featured a portrayal of this concern and to open the way to be able to visit the oppor- with alcohol, and although the Aboriginal communities, as you need tunity to performance produced a lot of laughter, permits and permission to enter their tell them the message was clear that they were land,” he says. how their against the use of alcohol in their homes. Geoff Crabtree, lay pastor for the Alice loved ones “At 67 per cent, PNG has the highest Springs Seventh-day Adventist church, in prison rate of women abused. We nurtured, certainly keeps himself busy. He has have been pampered and cared for the women,” says received permission to minister in the Alice changed Mrs Butler. “They were reluctant to leave Springs Correctional Centre, a by Jesus. Geoff Crabtree (right) with a friend the congress, but as we farewelled on the medium/maximum security prison, which The from the Alice Springs area. Saturday night with candles alight— has been a greatly rewarding experience for work Mr waving our commitment to light up PNG him. Crabtree does extends to many areas other with the gospel of peace and hope—we left “These men are suffering guilt and feel than the prison ministries he performs. with renewed determination to be women that no-one, including God, loves or cares He gets calls at all hours of the night of courage and to lift up Jesus Christ and for them. Because of this feeling, it takes from the local hospital, asking him to pray Him crucified. The congress gave them time to break through with these people so for loved ones. “You pray and with God all courage to share messages of hope to they will accept you,” he says. “Once you things are possible,” he says. “Praise be to people around them.” show them you love and care for them, God, the next morning some of these One of the highlights of the congress they open up and accept you as their people are sitting up in bed and in a few was the beautifully decorated prayer room brother. I have experienced that privilege hours are up and about. within the church complex. It provided a and as a result I am accepted and able to “Much still remains to be done in this place for people to pray, write in a prayer enter most communities.” part of the country. It is one of the largest book or meditate on Bible verses at any Few inmates at the prison actually speak mission fields in the country, where there is time of the day or night. The room was or understand English well. “The most still a lot of spirit worship. Witchdoctors decorated by women who had painted wonderful part is that different inmates in still have control over the people, and the pictures and brought in plants, fabric and the prison come and ask me to talk with payback system is still practised in a very furniture to make it conducive to prayer. them, pray with them and study the Bible real way,” says Mr Crabtree. Those who used the room to pray felt that with them. So far eight of them have asked “I have committed my life, my all to the the Spirit of God was very close to them. me to baptise them because of their love for work of Jesus Christ. No matter where He As a result, hundreds of “prayer rooms” Jesus and what He has done for them,” Mr leads me I will lift Him up so men and and “prayer houses” have been set up Crabtree says. women will be drawn to Him,” he says. throughout PNG since the congress, Mrs At the Alice Springs Correctional Centre, “I believe the Spirit of God is moving in Butler reports.—Adele Nash Mr Crabtree runs the “Taking charge of a mighty way upon the face of Central your life” program, which takes six months Australia. Sure, we still have many to complete. Detainees enrol in the course problems and a long way to go, but I count in an attempt to change their lives. “The it a privilege to be part of His work as it is Programs Officer of the correction centre the greatest honour one can have—to has asked that certain prisoners come to proclaim the gospel to a lost world.” my course so that they are eligible for The challenge of working in these harsh parole.” conditions seems to suit Mr Crabtree, and One of the things Mr Crabtree finds most he continues to serve God with rewarding is when inmates ask him to visit enthusiasm. their family. “I do this wherever possible, “The challenge is great, the people are but sometimes it is impossible, as they live many, but the reward of seeing and so far away. I see many cases where God experiencing the change in people’s lives Some of the ladies who attended the PNG has changed the hearts of these men,” he makes it all worthwhile,” Mr Crabtree Women’s Ministries Congress. says. says.—Chris Winzenried
March 19, 2005 5 10 Newsfront 7/3/05 5:33 PM Page 6
NEWSFRONT ADRA addresses human trafficking Phuket, Thailand confirmed that only a handful of such cases encouraging their education, providing he Adventist Development and Relief has occurred. practical and vocational-skills training, TAgency (ADRA) is targeting one of ADRA–Thailand is implementing a developing small-business activities, and today’s most horrific human-rights program called “Keep girls safe” to address furnishing short-term housing for those challenges—human trafficking. this problem. The project activities attempt who do not have a safe living environment. In Thailand alone, estimates indicate to empower both the girls and the Objectives of these two interventions there are 800,000 prostitutes below the age community as the key implementation include helping girls gain decision-making of 18, and 200,000 of these are age 12 or strategy. The success of a donor-sponsored powers, enhanced spiritual growth, control under. In spite of Article 27 of the educational support program conducted over their own lives, and status and International Convention on the Rights of during the past six years through which confidence in social and business activities. the Child (under the auspices of the UN ADRA–Thailand has aimed to prevent Developing a more healthful lifestyle Office of the High Commissioner for under-age girls from being recruited into should also be a result of this program. Human Rights), which recognises the right prostitution, has encouraged ADRA Project leaders are endeavouring to raise of every child to a standard of living workers, and the program has also laid the community awareness of commercial adequate for the child's physical, mental, groundwork for “Keep girls safe.” sexual exploitation of children. This will spiritual, moral and social development, ADRA is continuing with its educational ensure that the young women, their these girls and young women are exploited support program for at-risk girls in families and the general community by human traffickers and forced into communities by supplying uniforms, understand the dangers of human prostitution. Poverty is said to be the main textbooks, stationery, transportation to trafficking, and thus enable them to make cause of this appalling situation. school and, in certain cases, living positive choices that will reduce Following the tsunami in the region last expenses. commercial sexual exploitation of children year, there had also been concerns that Many girls, however, have no safe place in Thailand.—Greg Young human traffickers would take advantage of to live. To address this need, project plans children who had lost their parents. include establishing an operations centre To help fund this project or for more information However, the United Nations International and shelter to reduce the vulnerability of at- about ADRA–Thailand, contact Greg Young at
6 March 19, 2005 10 Newsfront 7/3/05 5:33 PM Page 7
NEWSFRONT Offering to strengthen youth ministry Wahronga, New South Wales church youth n offering to collect funds for the leaders as well as Adevelopment of youth resources and the major reprint of training will be collected in the South the STORM Pacific Division (SPD) on March 26. (Service to Others The funds collected from the last Youth Really Matters) Co Offering helped develop resources for manual. holistic small groups through a series of Youth evangel- four study guides based on the purposes of istic projects will the SPD Youth Ministries Department. also benefit from
Small groups have helped many young the offering. Angela Brown Young people shared together in small groups at the recent South Pacific people to develop friendships within the The youth Division youth congress in Fiji, continuing the small-group focus of youth church and with God. ministry’s mission ministry in this region. “It is through the generosity of church of leading young members that we have been able to focus people to Christ and helping them find on small groups, which has formed the their place in His service will be aided with Youth backbone of youth ministry,” says Pastor the money raised by the offering. Gilbert Cangy, SPD director of youth “This generation of young people is ministries. embracing faith and mission in a way that Offering The Youth Offering is taken every second convicts me that the Lord is pouring out year to help with developing resources for His Spirit in new and fresh ways,” says the training and equipping of young Pastor Cangy. next week, people, sponsoring youth evangelism and “They need our affirmation, support and volunteer service. This year’s Youth encouragement. We need to do all that is in Offering will go toward the rewrite of our ability to build them up to stand strong March 26 several essential training resources for local and tall for Jesus.”—Melody Tan Youth Department initiates first Pathfinder camporee Wahroonga, New South Wales put together to organise, manage and athfinders and their leaders can implement the camporee. Activities Plook forward to attending the first for the camporee will consist of a South Pacific Pathfinder Camporee at “challenge valley,” involving the beginning of 2007. numerous obstacle courses, lake and The camporee is an initiative of the beach activities, as well as games based Youth Department of the South Pacific on the camporee theme. Division (SPD), and will take place “The activities are the real reason from January 9 to 13, 2007, at Stuarts Pathfinders will want to come. That’s Point Campground, New South Wales. where they will make friends in a fun- “Camporees are large-scale memory filled environment,” says Pastor events designed to give our young Cangy. “We will make the most of the people a sense of belonging to a diversity of cultures that our division dynamic movement, and to broaden Three of the camporee committee members (L-R): Adeline represents and spend a fun and their vision of the church’s and world’s Teina, SPD youth secretary, Pastor Eric White and Pastor educational time dedicated to getting Gilbert Cangy. needs,” says Pastor Gilbert Cangy, SPD to know and appreciate each other director of youth ministries. assume leadership, grow in knowledge and better.” “With the 2007 South Pacific Camporee, experience, and rediscover their identity The highlight and centrepiece of the we hope it will be a catalyst for the rise of a and calling as Seventh-day Adventists.” camporee is the evening program, when generation of young people who will know A representative steering committee the creative arts, music and preaching will Jesus personally, live passionately for Him, comprising youth personnel and combine to lift Jesus and lead Pathfinders have a sense of personal mission, step up to experienced lay Pathfinder leaders has been to commit to a life of service.—Melody Tan
March 19, 2005 7 10 Features 7/3/05 5:27 PM Page 8
FEATURE Of umpires and coaches
by Eunice Fitzclarence
ittle Jake was ready for his first way to pick him up, but on arrival I was casual pants. It didn’t help that I was Lexperience in Sabbath school. Years delighted to see him dressed in his best wearing one of the many wedding outfits I earlier, his mother had attended as an infant outfit, standing watching out for me by his had bought over the decades, for the many but had dropped out when netball at school anxious mother outside the fence at their weddings I attended as mother and became a higher priority. Her father, my house. I knew my granddaughter was grandmother of the bride. son, had found church boring as a teenager nervous about me driving her precious son, But she need not have worried. Apparel and dropped out, but didn’t mind me so I suggested I take him to a church nearer was not an issue at this church. I was taking along his two little girls. I was their to where my granddaughter lived. She thrilled when my granddaughter seemed Grandma, rejoicing at seeing the beautiful could even wheel him to the church from eager to see inside the church after Sabbath pair sitting among their peers as they their home, if necessary. To my surprise and school and to accompany me into the learned to lisp the songs of Zion. I pleaded delight my granddaughter decided to come worship service. I told her I expected there silently, “Please Lord! Please love them and along to see how Great-grandma managed would be a children’s story for Jake, but the follow them with your comforting Jake’s behaviour. contemporary worship program did not presence!” Now it was their babies’ turn— include this part of worship. the next generation—and Jake was nearly Revisiting tension They played their music, they had slide 20 months old. But this experience put me outside my presentations about the local church people Great-grandma was 20 years older now. comfort zone. It was not about my precious and events; they talked about plans for their She was losing her energy and she lost her little descendant; it was the church I was soup kitchen and they welcomed and taking him to. I had moved away blessed large numbers of the congregation from this church almost a decade who were displaying spiritual gifts. I could before after ongoing tension about tell they were focused on their local mission music. field. One of the members welcomed us, Music is a personal thing. I her arms full of books to distribute, and she personally like classical, country folk handed one to my granddaughter. and old inspired hymns. But this Unfortunately we had to leave about this church was identifying with one time. Jake was becoming restless and had sound: loud bands and loud drums. had enough, so we missed the ministering In the past the tension levels had of the Word. drowned out the Spirit’s voice in my As I reflected upon this church worship and I had escaped to experience, I realised the church was another church where the music crowded with young people and students. suited my taste. Here I had more They were dressed in a wide variety of freedom for prayerful, quiet styles, so my granddaughter felt quite at contemplation. But I was now on a ease. Actually she told me she was probably mission, and if Jesus could come over-dressed. I asked her if she liked the outside His comfort zone for me, I music and she said she was comfortable could only follow His example. with it. I believe she enjoyed the overall experience and we have planned to visit the A new perspective church again in a fortnight’s time. However, my experience that morning taught me to expand my Ways of seeing views. My granddaughter was It seems to me that many of these worried about her dress. She had differences arise from different ways of phoned her husband in a panic, seeing God. Some see Him as a mate and asking, “What will I wear to they go where He is, dressed more casually church?” as though they are off to visit their mate. She owned only small tops and Others, myself included, see Him more as a
8 March 19, 2005 10 Features 7/3/05 5:27 PM Page 9
FEATURE
royal figure—a King—someone to honour, we worship. Perhaps the problem is not world, conscious and unconscious, to hold in awe and who deserves our best about seeing God as a mate/coach or a remain healthy. If we identify with one side, behaviour and dress. My mother instilled in King/umpire. The problem comes when we not recognising its counterpart, this will me as a child to dress up to worship God. only see Him as a mate, or only see Him as always engender neurosis. By seeing God as both a friend and a King a King. I’m certainly pleased that there are we appreciate different aspects of Him. When Jesus was on earth, Peter tried to churches with familiar and early training Perhaps another way we could consider embrace Jesus as a mate. So much so that classes for those just tremblingly putting a this difference would be to compare he decided he was equal to and could direct tentative foot toward Him. I’m not against coaches and umpires. In the world of sport Jesus. “Don’t go to Jerusalem,” he warned. loud music. I have my personal the coaches dress casually; umpires dress “They’ll kill you” (see Matthew 16:21-23). preferences. But it only seems to become a up authoritatively. In the game of life it is Jesus was God, and He had a mission to problem when we want it all a certain the same. In different aspects of life, we all way—not considering others’ preferences. have personal coaches and umpires. We There is life in loudness for short periods. It need them both. sounds like a big, happy, excited, chattering The umpire has his or her job to do and family. Can this be intertwined with the game cannot operate without him or reverence? I guess I don’t mind casual her. They focus on the rules of the game dress, knowing that the participants are and penalise any players who cross the honouring God as a mate, provided they do boundaries or break the rules. The umpire not forget His Kingship. is the whistleblower. God has a special place for umpires. They Back to Sabbath school have to tolerate a lot of rejection. They are I am sure little Jake enjoyed his first often questioned by players as well as morning in Sabbath school. A big boy, he coaches. Often, they appear to make only could be taken for much older than his 20 negative calls. Most umpire training is that months. He successfully emptied the sand of learning the disciplines. from the sandbox onto the carpet, which In sport, there are clinics for umpires and gave him great pleasure. Out of the corner counselling for these brave officials. They of his eye he watched the other children, must be very fit for their work also. They but he would not be coerced by teachers. are at the mercy of first the spectators, then When called to the small carpenter’s shop, each of the two teams. Sometimes when he wasn’t about to put a special little decisions are too tough for them, they need carpenter’s apron on to help his Father. No, a third umpire to make the call. The third he had his eye on action, the little umpire, when invited, puts the magnifying hammers. He succeeded in hammering his glass onto suspicious play, then makes the fulfil to save our lost world. He rebuked skull as well as his finger! final call. They are specialists in the rules Peter with the words, “Get behind me, When they gave him crayons, I had to and how they keep the game flowing Satan!” Does a creature direct his Maker? smile as he thought they were something smoothly. The leaders of Israel saw only the man in appealing to eat. The cradle-roll teacher By contrast, the coach supports the Jesus and they were likewise rebuked by quickly produced some rice crackers as an player in a more personal way. The best Jesus, who identified again and again with alternative. All in all, I think Jake had an coaches are good managers with gracious His Father in heaven. Yet at the same time interesting morning. communication skills and a constant He always called Himself the Son of man. The lesson was about Jesus’ invitation to positive attitude. Ideally, he or she has at “You call me Master, and you do well,” He the children to come unto Him, for of such one time played the game and knows the admonished (see John 13:13). is the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew road to success. They guide, counsel and 19:13-15). And His invitation to come to encourage. As they work together intensely, The strength of both Him is open to us all. players can develop a deep affection for He is our Master and Lord as well as our As I sat entranced and amused, watching their coaches and work hard to please Friend. Somehow we need to get these my small, beloved protégé taking his first them. Generally, good coaches are more aspects balanced, to hold both acts, both baby steps into this unique church loved than the umpires. Most players show hats, both scenes together. Jesus identified community, I realised Jesus watches over their coaches respect and honour. After all, with both His humanity and His Kingship. us as we take our own baby steps toward it is they who steer them into a winning He is both our personal friend and coach as Him. r position. well as our umpire God. Carl Jung, Both coaches and umpires are needed in describing the world of neurosis, explains the game of life. And perhaps this could that we all need to keep our eyes focused Eunice Fitzclarence is a great-grandmother, who inform our appreciation of God and how on both sides of every issue in the thought writes from Rathmines, New South Wales.
March 19, 2005 9 10 Features 7/3/05 5:27 PM Page 10
FEATURE The other passion of Christ
by Bruce Manners
ust on a year ago, Mel Gibson released robbers and left to Jhis controversial film The Passion of The die by those who Christ, which focused on the 12 hours would be expected leading up to and including the crucifixion to help. Help came of Christ, with a glimpse of the from the most resurrection. Its focus was on the central unlikely source— and most significant event of His life a Samaritan. To But Jesus had another passion that the typical Jewish remains a challenge for both His followers mind, Samaritans and those who see Him as a role model. He were half-breeds had a passion for the underdog, for the who had rejected outcast and the rejected. He accepted the the true faith unacceptable. generations before He was the One who said bring the and were now children to Me in a society where it was objects of ridicule often considered that children should be and hate. neither seen nor heard—at least not in The Samaritan public. He recognised value in women in a showed a different place and time when men regularly attitude. He thanked God they were born male. He volunteered his surrounded Himself with a group of men, time, then his disciples, who were no match for the donkey and finally sophistication or education of the leaders of his money to help their society. someone in Four of the twelve were fishermen, one need—someone was a tax collector (notorious then for who may have taking advantage of people and selling out despised him. So, to the Romans) and another was a who was being revolutionary, sworn to kill. Probably the neighbourly? most sophisticated was the one who Jesus asked His betrayed Him. Did Jesus see a potential in listeners. Judas that Judas never fulfilled? And His point is that goodness is not Samaritans. Obviously there was the potential for something attached to birth or race or It was certainly more convenient to go disappointment in each of the twelve. Peter creed, but to action. through Samaria, and if He wanted to meet demonstrated both the possibility of Samaritans featured again with the this woman, He had to go through Samaria. rejecting Jesus and then the power of encounter of the woman at the well, found Is this the message we’re meant to get? That forgiveness in a repentant life in John chapter four. This illustrates well He had to meet this woman? Jesus’ attitude. The chapter begins in verse He then broke social convention in this Good and Samaritan? four by saying Jesus had to go through encounter. He asked her for a drink. The Jesus’ passion for people broke down Samaria. drink is not the issue; the asking is. A male social boundaries. His story of the good No He didn’t. Jew speaking to a woman in public was not Samaritan is a classic. For many of the Jews In fact, most Jews (or most “good” Jews) socially acceptable. This was compounded Jesus spoke to, the words good and would avoid going through Samaria. They by the fact that she was a Samaritan. Samaritan did not belong in the same would rather go around, or at least skirt The woman recognised the situation, and sentence, unless it was one like “The only along the edge of Samaria. Jesus could have surprised by the request, asked, “You are a good Samaritan is a dead Samaritan.” travelled other well-used routes for Jews Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are In the story, a Jew had been beaten by attempting to avoid contamination from you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:9,
10 March 19, 2005 10 Features 7/3/05 5:27 PM Page 11
FEATURE
NLT). boy refuses to drink it. We discover that Jesus was aware Father Damien immediately of her life story. He knew that she takes the medicine himself and tells had had five husbands and that she the boy that it tastes so good he was currently in a de facto ought to make him scrub floors to relationship. Most would call it have it. That’s enough to convince living in sin. She knew it as living the boy to take his medicine. in shame. Jesus saw her as a The doctor is horrified. Even woman in need. your mother will tell you not to Jesus’ passion was for individuals share spoons. Not with anyone, let in need. He helped those who alone a leper. needed help. He encouraged those After 16 years of serving on the who needed encouragement. He island, Father Damien died—of inspired those who needed leprosy. By then he’d become a inspiring. He saved His words of leprosy. There was no treatment. The national hero in Belgium, so his body was condemnation for those who should have advanced nature of his case suggests he shipped back home for burial. known better. Read Matthew 23 sometime. had been a leper for several years. Those on Molokai begged the Belgian The story unfolds: “When the man saw government to bring his body back to their Jesus and the leper Jesus, he fell to the ground, face down in island, to where he had served. When they Luke 5:12-14 tells the story of a leper the dust, begging to be healed. ‘Lord,’ he refused, they asked if they could at least who begged Jesus to heal him. If you said, ‘if you want to, you can make me well have a part of his body. At this request, remember the earlier fears concerning again.’ Damien’s body was exhumed and his right HIV/AIDS, you’re beginning to understand “Jesus reached out and touched the arm cut off to be buried on Molokai. the fear that leprosy brought. Lepers were man” (Luke 5:12, 13, NLT). This satisfied the people of Molokai. It banished from the community and were You did not touch lepers. Never. Ever. symbolised the fact that Damien had dared complete outcasts. They were commanded You banished lepers. Made them make do to reach out and touch them. In this he’d to call out “Unclean!” if any came near the best they could outside the town, proved to be a true follower of Jesus. them. outside the city walls. Jesus’ other passion Leprosy is a disease that takes away the forced Him to reach out to help an The real passion of the Christ sensation of touch. This means that the untouchable. The real passion of the Christ, His death, hands and feet can be injured without provides an all-encompassing gift from being noticed. Then, when infection sets Lesson from Molokai God. The apostle Paul says it well: “When in, irreversible deformities often result. A scene from the film Molokai comes to we were utterly helpless, Christ came at Lesions or patches appear on the skin mind. Molokai is a joint Australian–Belgian just the right time and died for us sinners” that also have a decreased sensation to production filmed on the Hawaiian island (Romans 5:6, NLT). touch, heat or pain. If these areas are of Molokai. Produced just a few years ago, His resurrection allows us to anticipate scratched, it isn’t noticed and again the film tells the story of the work of a life eternal, and the promise of His return infection can occur. On the face these Belgian, Father Damien—priest to lepers. provides hope of a world without pain or infectious sores can make it appear as if it Lepers in the Hawaiian Islands of the sorrow or death. That’s a world where there is being eaten away. Muscle weakness often 19th century were banished to Molokai to are no untouchables. results in footdrop, which is seen when an end their lives there. Father Damien Jesus gave Himself so we might have the individual drags a toe on the ground when arrived on the island in 1873 with the opportunity to choose life, and life eternal. walking. words of his bishop ringing in his ears, “Do This is the centre of the Christian message. Leprosy is still with us. Some 460,000 not touch them! Do not touch them!” His giving of Himself in a life of service cases were under treatment at the Whether it was compassion or a desire provides an example and a challenge. beginning of 2004, with just a few in to serve as Jesus had, he did not follow that Few will have the opportunity to serve developed countries. Its cause has been command. He shook hands with them, in the kinds of ways Father Damien did. known since 1873, and treatment has been held them close and learned how to dress But all of us do have the opportunity to available since the 1940s. The treatment is their wounds. have a positive impact on those in our simple—a course of tablets—and is free to The film shows an incident where a families and our communities. When we any sufferer. doctor friend visits the island with some do, we walk in the footsteps of Christ and “Today,” reports the World Health medicine that may help. He calls two boys follow His other passion. r Organisation, “diagnosis and treatment of across to try it out. He pours the medicine leprosy is easy.” into a spoon for the first child. The boy Today, but not then. The leper who swallows the medicine. He pours medicine Bruce Manners is senior pastor of the Avondale approached Jesus had an advanced case of into the spoon for the second child, but the College church, Cooranbong, New South Wales.
March 19, 2005 11 10 Features 7/3/05 5:27 PM Page 12
REVIEW Pondering a tragedy
by Kellie Hancock
hen news of the Boxing Day tsunami While aware of what is Wbroke, the world was left reeling at going on outside their the enormity of the disaster. As the death privileged sanctuary, count rose daily, the world press rushed to they continue to carry on cover the story, billions of dollars were as usual—seeking the raised to aid the survivors and thousands good life inside their of people offered their skills and services. circle, instead of taking Our minds fail to comprehend the death the good life to those toll of hundreds of thousands of people as who need it most. a result of one natural disaster. It’s PG rating is How much more incomprehensible to testament to the consider the death of one million people sensitive way Hotel during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Rwanda depicts the United Artists People killed, not by a natural disaster, but killings. While the by the hands of human hatred. The Hutu viewer understands exactly what is going children to ensure the destruction of future militia hacked to death neighbours, on in the area, there is no graphic portrayal generations. Paul managed to save many workmates and friends whose only crime of humans being hacked to death with orphans, some who took refuge at the was to be Tutsi. machetes. The film focuses more on Paul’s hotel and some he collected during the As tempting as it is to sit in judgment of journey. We watch the development of a final stages of evacuation. people who committed these crimes, the hero, as he moves from a man who initially It is through these voices that, perhaps in Western world showed itself to be equally says “family comes first”—and that any years to come, we may hear more singular inhumane in its lack of response. Tutsi favours he might be owed will be for their stories of survivors. If we get to know victims saw nothing of the global support own safety and protection—to a man who enough of these “stories” as living, offered to the tsunami victims. The world was willing to sacrifice his own family’s breathing human beings, perhaps then we press did not rush to cover the story. unity to stay behind and help save the may do more than check out a movie. We Financial, political and practical aid was remaining Tutsis. may check in to a new way to be human. r not forthcoming. Expatriate workers fled A thread of hope weaves through the the country as international guests were story in the voices of children. The Hutus checking out of hotels and onto the next were determined to massacre Tutsi Kellie Hancock writes from Ringwood, Victoria. flight home. The Rwandans were left to fend for themselves. In an event of such enormous Just for children magnitude, it’s often easier to get the picture by focusing on singular stories. Current movie Hotel Rwanda does just that by telling the story of one Hutu, Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who sheltered more than 1000 Tutsi refugees during the genocide. The film is based around their refuge of Hotel des Milles Collines in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. At the beginning of the story—in stark contrast to what is happening outside the hotel compound—international guests and local expatriates are living the high life with drinks in the bar, swimming in the
pool, and general social hobnobbing. Peta Taylor
12 March 19, 2005 10 Letters 7/3/05 5:31 PM Page 13
LETTERS
The church and its poor not even provide information at the end of resolve, if ever. Tim Gorle, NSW the article explaining where and how It is no wonder that some find it less church members who are experiencing bad stressful not to attend a church where they I was left pained and affronted by the times can get help and advice without only feel put down and unaccepted. stinging criticism of the church delivered humiliation. by Judith Helper (Viewpoint, February It is certainly up to us as individuals to do Jeff Webster, NSW 19). something about the problems we recognise As a member of the church for 60 years in our churches. The issue of poverty among believers will on four different continents, I have found spark much discussion, particularly in light the church to be completely different from Mary Corby, SA of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 26:11. Helper’s description when dealing with the The poor who have been converted to poor and suffering. Thank you, “Judith,” for putting “Being Adventism have often enjoyed the benefits When I was growing up as the child of a Adventist and poor” in RECORD. I was of freedom from smoking, drinking and young widow, church members could not impressed by the commonsense—and it is gambling. And our system of tithes and have been more understanding, generous about time this issue was brought to offerings have fostered financial planning. and helpful to my family. members’ attention. As a result, Adventists in poverty have generally been upwardly mobile financially. It is about time this issue was brought to In the past we have been aware of poverty among us and this has been addressed members’ attention. through pastoral visitation and church welfare programs. But today things are Now in retirement, I run a community Name supplied different. Pastors are now professional service centre sponsored by six Adventist “mentors,” who “empower” members to churches with other church volunteers. Helper’s article raises the question “Do work in all areas of service, including We pour more than $A30,000 every year we have enough love?” and I feel this meeting the needs of the poor. into food and fuel vouchers for the less could also be asked of some of our Members’ confusion as a result of this financially able members of our schools. shift could be part of the problem. I disagree neighbourhood. Many students in our schools come with “Judith Helper” in one respect: I am It may also be noted that current from disadvantaged Adventist homes. confident church members have plenty of Centrelink allocations to single parents in Their home situation affects their love and would help. The church New South Wales is well above the figure concentration and performance in school organisation needs to speak out and clarify suggested by Helper. Few countries in the and they are made to feel of little worth this new approach to issues in the church, world treat their poor better than because of this. including our response to poverty. Australia. Through the seemingly uncaring Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250 Our church can never be perfect and attitude of their teachers, many of these words, and writers must include their name, address and phone may not always be aware of the needs of all students end up having dramatically number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author’s original meaning will not be its members. But I have yet to find it exacerbated mental-health issues. These changed. Not all letters received are published. See masthead indifferent, unsympathetic or uncaring to issues may take years for the student to (page 2) for contact details. the perceived needs of its members. Just a coincidence Gerry Blum, WA
Helper’s article is a sad but accurate indictment of many Adventist churches, and is summed up in James 2:1-9. New people are joining out church while our own poor are slipping away, discouraged. We pride ourselves in making big, one- off contributions to our poor neighbours overseas, but ignore the poor in our own churches who are in constant need. The money we donated to the tsunami tragedy might have been just as effectively used in helping the poor among our own churches. I am surprised the Editor of RECORD did
March 19, 2005 13 10 NB 7/3/05 5:32 PM Page 14
NOTICEBOARD
Volunteers! Obituaries Lecturer—Vanuatu Laymen’s School ner H (Aore) to lecture to 20 students. art elpi Chamberlain, Raymond Maxwell, born ur P ng Preferably a retired pastor/teacher 15.4.1913 in Adelaide, SA; died 17.1.05 O A with mission experience. School e vo at Hamstead Centre, RAH, Adelaide, SA, n commences June 12, 2005, and fin- m d after four years of patient suffering. He o ishes July 23, 2005. Stipend covering c a was predeceased by his first wife, Doris, e le living allowance. Pay own air fares. B Curriculum and resource require- in 1980. He is survived by his wife, Anne ments supplied. Contact AVS or Pas- (nee Egan); his daughters, Maxine Davey, tor Eric Winter on (02) 4392 2258. Ethel Watson and Evelyn Quick; their husbands; his 18 grandchildren; and nine Email: great-grandchildren. Max was a man full
14 March 19, 2005 10 NB 7/3/05 5:32 PM Page 15
NOTICEBOARD
Positions vacant
▲ High School Teachers—Karalundi Aboriginal Education Centre (Meekatharra, WA) is seeking expressions of interest for the following positions: Avondale School High School Teacher, 2 x Primary School Teachers. With expanding student numbers Karalundi is looking for qualified teachers with a willingness to serve their God through missionary endeavour in our own backyard as well as a passion to help make OPEN DAY a difference in a world of indifference. ▲ Farm Manager—Karalundi Aboriginal Education Centre (Meekatharra, WA) is seeking expressions of interest in the position of Farm Manager. The successful applicant will be able to manage a combination of a small March 22 crop operation, prime lucerne production, animal husbandry including horses, sheep, and a future small cattle enterprise. Note: Karalundi encourages people of Aboriginal descent to apply. For further information contact Glenn Grey on (08) 9981 2000; fax (08) 9981 2801; or email
Incredible India! Spectacular House for sale—5 B/R, 2 bathrooms. Himalayan Sector Tour, July 2005. LUG solar hot water. Air-conditioned. North/south tour scheduled for Octo- Slow-combustion fireplace. Close to ber 2005. Reserve your place now. Cooranbong shops and Avondale Col- Details:
March 19, 2005 15