The investigative judgement and our assurance IS OUR SALVATION SECURE? 14
NEWS SPD REMAINS COMMITTED TO WOMEN IN MINISTRY 10
ADVENTIST RECORD | DECEMBER 1, 2018 ISSN 0819-5633
editor’s note
The great antidote
A young mum is claiming that she is Britain’s lone- This problem is not a new one. liest woman, according to a news.com.au report. The Can you imagine the desolate loneliness Adam and 32-year-old single mother-of-three claims that she Eve may have felt as they looked back to the Garden of goes to the shops to experience adult human contact Eden? They had blamed each other, lost the community and that she extends her shopping trips, sometimes by they had experienced with God and were now on their half-an-hour, so she can be around people for longer. own. I’m sure they took comfort in each other, but also While this may be tempting to write off as one experienced times of loneliness. woman’s grab for attention (after all, she did post Elijah felt he was the only righteous person in Israel her story on social media before it was picked up by (1 Kings 18:22; 19:10). This was a notion that God news outlets), it’s also the case that her story is all too corrected, assuring Elijah that he wasn’t alone, there familiar to many people, young and old alike. was a group of people who followed God and held Research is showing that an ever-growing portion of common beliefs. “Yet I reserve seven thousand in the population is experiencing loneliness. While it has Israel . . .” often been associated with ageing, there are now clear That community of believers still exists today. It links to younger people as well. A multitude of individ- is just the group needed to address the epidemic of uals and whole groups of people are struggling with it. loneliness in our society. The church is described as a The recently released Australian Loneliness Report, body, a family, the flock—all hold the idea of a common from the Australian Psychological Society and Swin- sense of purpose and proximity. To do this effectively burne University of Technology, found one in two we need to let people belong before they believe. Australian adults is lonely at least one day a week. For Often belief will come after we’ve addressed the deep one in four, loneliness strikes on three or more days a psychological need for connection and community. week (The Advertiser, November 12). So let’s make it our goal, as people of peace, to Meanwhile, recent reports link loneliness and depres- connect. sion with increased time spent on social media. In the lead-up to the end of the year, why not Maybe you’ve felt it. I have. Isolated. Fighting through invite someone around for dinner who lives alone? life alone; feeling distant from loved ones and friends. A Make an effort to connect with your neighbours using potent cocktail of insurmountable problems, shame at the excuse of the holidays. If you’re not going away asking for help and even interpersonal conflict, making or travelling to see family during this time, take the it feel like there is nowhere to turn for help or support. opportunity to invite some people around for a meal That isolating tendency can become a trap as the and listen to their stories; invest in them. lonely person feels like it has become part of who they Try disconnecting from technology during your time are. They wallow in it, retreating further into loneliness. off and invest in people instead. Studies have shown lonely people have poor sleep, Maybe you’re reading this and you’re the one feeling diet and exercise habits and it is bad for their overall disconnected and alone. Please find someone you health. trust—reach out to them and connect. The problem with loneliness is that it is not just those We the Church can be, indeed should isolated who are affected. Leading marriage specialist be, the great antidote to loneliness. Dr John Gottman cites the Divorce Mediation Project, After all the world will know Who we which found that 80 per cent of marriage breakdowns follow by how we love one another. are caused by “growing apart” and the “loss of a sense of closeness”. Further, Dr Gottman found that most jarrod stackelroth people were driven to affairs due to loneliness. editor /JStackelroth
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December 1, 2018 | Adventist record 3 news vanuatu growth San poppies commemorate 100 years Leisa o’connor In the lead-up to a citywide evan- More than 700 knitted and sacrifice of soldiers during warfare. gelistic program, two Port Vila (Efate, crocheted poppies were “planted” “It’s a time for remembering our Vanuatu) churches committed to a in Sydney Adventist Hospital’s families,” said Margaret White- prayer walk around the venue for a whole year. One church walked around front garden and lawn, marking the hall, one of the many San Help Fresh Water Oval mid-week and the significance of this year’s Remem- Team volunteers who initiated the other at opening Sabbath. brance Day (November 11), which knitting campaign and were joined When the program began in marked the 100th anniversary of by hospital-wide knitters to create September 2014, thousands came the end of hostilities in World the display. to listen to Pastor Jean-Noel Adeline War 1. San volunteer Joy Osgood also preach and Dr Chester Kuma teach on Following the Great War, red took the time to reflect on those health. By the program’s end, 12,000 poppies were the first plants close to her who have served, were attending. Others connected on to grow on the battlefields of including husband George Osgood, Hope Channel TV and radio. Northern France and Belgium and a naval officer on HMAS Perth During this time, Pastor Adeline led a have become a symbol for the during WW2, and father-in-law 5am prayer meeting in Epauto church. Athol Osgood, who served More than 1000 people participated, in the Army in WW1. singing praise and praying as if God Among the garden of was right there with them. red poppies was a patch A revival broke out. Leaders of an of purple poppies to independent Sabbath-keeping group commemorate the service who left the official Church in the of animals involved in mili- 1990s attended the prayer meetings tary campaigns, including to criticise. However, they experienced horses and homing the power of God and repented, asking Some of the San Help Team volunteers. to re-join the Seventh-day Adventist pigeons. Church. Dozens of churches and thou- sands of people were reconciled. On the program’s final weekend, students baptised at solomons school 2957 people were baptised. The Church then focused on discipling tracey bridcutt these new members, providing work- Kukudu Adventist College decided to be baptised. It was shops and World Changer Bibles. (Solomon Islands) is rejoicing not an easy decision for Charina, Then, in March 2015, Cyclone following the baptism of six whose baptism was against the Pam struck, devastating Efate Island. students on Sabbath, November wishes of her parents. Adventists were quick to respond— 10. Mr Ripo said Charina’s situation taking water, tarpaulins, food, clothes Senior student Prisca Diana is not an isolated case as there and other necessities to people in asked for the baptism to take are a number of Kukudu students need. Practical ministry became the place before she finished school. whose parents are stopping them focus. At the time, about one-third of As that was her final week of from being baptised. Efate villages had an Adventist pres- examinations, principal Dapikana “Please pray for us and pray ence. Today, every village has one. Ripo and chaplain Pastor Broson for these students who are having The revival has led to ongoing Church Pellington acted quickly to prepare difficulties in paying their school growth and personal discipleship. On Friday November 2, I had the for her baptism. fees since their parents do not privilege of opening the largest building “We made an announcement want to pay their fees because in Vanuatu. The new Epauto Adventist on Friday night . . . and we made they disobeyed them in baptising Multipurpose Centre seats more than an appeal to students. Praise God, into the Adventist faith,” he said. 5000. On Sabbath morning, it was four other girls decided packed. God is certainly to go with Prisca into the creating a thriving waters of baptism the next Adventist discipleship day,” Mr Ripo said. movement in Vanuatu. On Sabbath they were Glenn townend surprised to see the SPD president number had increased to /SPDpresident six after Charina Cheon baptismal candidates with Pastor Pellington.
4 Adventist record | December 1, 2018 Church plant trials pop-up service Matt Hunter/record staff A “pop-up” church service held at a comfortable and get the most community centre in Adelaide (SA) was out of it,” said Pastor Hunter. well-attended and generated plenty of There was a welcome, discussion. prayer, song and a talk by The novel initiative was organised by Pastor Hunter, explaining some members of a church plant that grew of the meaning of the church out of Elizabeth church and is aimed at plant’s mission statement that reaching out to the growing northern “Life is better with Jesus” and suburbs around Munno Para West— the key Bible text: 2 Corinthians Greeters welcome and invite people to the second fastest growing suburb in 5:17. The service lasted 40 check out the pop-up church. Adelaide over the past 10 years. minutes. According to Elizabeth church After this there was a break where response was very positive. pastor Matthew Hunter, the idea of the people could grab a drink and have a Two more pop-up church services pop-up service is to give people a taste chat, followed by some round table are now being planned for February 23 of the format, location and meeting discussions where facilitators took at 3pm and April 6 at 3.30pm at the time for the new church plant—New participants through questions relating same location. Life Adventist Church—which is planned to Pastor Hunter’s talk. During this time “We are trialling different starting to officially launch mid-next year. a children’s program was offered in times to see which fits people’s Held at 4pm on November 3 at another room. schedules best and make it possible for the John McVeity Centre in Smith- The discussion time lasted 50 the team to set up and be ready to go field Plains, the pop-up was attended minutes and then participants were on time,” Pastor Hunter said. “Thanks by about 60 people, including six encouraged to fill out surveys to to all the wonderful volunteers who members of the local community. provide feedback about the day, the helped the whole day go so well.” “The format was intended to be different elements and what could be For those interested in finding focused and welcoming, to make it improved. Some good and challenging out more, email
Adventist ‘centre of influence’ officially opened in Vanuatu maritza brunt Seventh-day Adventist Church of the Adventist Church in Vanuatu, services and evangelistic meetings, members in Port Vila (Vanuatu) are Pastor Nos Terry Mailalong; and more the public can use it too,” said Pastor celebrating after the opening of a new than 3000 church members. Kaufononga. “It has already been multipurpose building. The project, which was started booked until the end of the year, from South Pacific Division president in August 2015 and completed late within the Church and outside as well.” Pastor Glenn Townend officially last year, is now the largest building “In the long run this area is going to opened the Epauto Adventist Multipur- in Vanuatu, and Church leaders are be very beneficial to all our commu- pose Centre on November 2, and was hoping it will become a centre of nities so we want to work together to joined by president of the Adventist influence. build that relationship, for the interest Church in the Trans Pacific (TPUM), “The multipurpose hall project was of our people,” said Pastor Mailalong. Pastor Maveni Kaufononga; president initiated to address discipleship needs Pastor Townend presented during and to provide urgently needed seating the Sabbath morning service, which capacity for the growing urban areas included two ordinations and a special of the Pacific,” said Pastor Mailalong. appeal. “It was ideal to be built in Port Vila “Pastor Townend invited those who as a gathering place for all the Church would like to study theology and be activities and programs, but the ministers to come forward, and more Vanuatu Government is also looking than 10 people put their hands up,” at opportunities to use the hall as a said Pastor Kaufononga. “We praise future evacuation centre for natural God and believe that this centre is Pastor Glenn Townend disasters.” already an influence for the whole of preaches on Sabbath morning. “While we will use it for worship Vanuatu.”
December 1, 2018 | Adventist record 5 year-end meetings focus on compliance and discipleship jarrod stackelroth More than 70 people from nine countries recently similar issues. gathered at Avondale College’s Lake Macquarie campus High- (NSW) for the Adventist Church in the South Pacific’s (SPD) lights from Executive Committee meetings. the reports Held November 14-15, the year-end meetings featured included reports from each of the unions and institutions across details about the Pacific, with a focus on respectful discussion. Dele- the large gates, representing the four unions, many conferences and distribution missions, as well as a number of lay people, heard many of disci- reports detailing the highlights and challenges facing the ple-making Chairing the meeting: Glenn Townend with Church in the region. However, much of the discussion resources, Lionel Smith and Jane Gibson-Opetaia. centred on women in ministry (full report page 10) and with more the compliance statement passed down from the General than 40,000 practical books ordered from Signs Publishing Conference (GC) at the recent Annual Council. over the past year. As an extension of the GC in this region, the SPD is The Discipleship Ministries Team launched The Tuis, an obliged to pass on GC decisions. This was done, although animated children’s feature that takes families through the with some concern expressed in the voted actions, high- 28 Fundamentals. Delegates emphasised a desire to send lighting the implications policy and word changes would more youth delegates to the GC Session in 2020. have. One implication explored at length was the increased Some group work was done as delegates split into their risk of liability and litigation at all levels of the world Church individual union groups to discuss challenges and goals. if key constitutional structure policy is changed. In light of After each entity delivered its report, one of the dele- this the delegates passed a resolution to ask the GC for gates would pray for them. exemptions. Visiting GC treasurer Juan Prestol said other For more on the end-of-year meetings, including video countries such as Canada, Germany and England faced summaries of each day, visit
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6 Adventist record | December 1, 2018 Scholarship supports sign language speaker news grabs julie laws/lee dunstan Christian Services for the Blind and Hearing Impaired (CSFBHI) recently awarded Jessica Laws the Personal Pursuit and Empowerment scholarship. The scholarship gives cash assis- tance to qualifying visually-impaired or hearing-impaired persons, or support persons, participating in self- improvement, vocational or recreational UNITY, FINALLY programs in support of their life goals. After more than 40 years, the Ms Laws is studying Certificate 3 in Jessica Laws. Hungarian Union Conference and Auslan (Australian Sign Language) with the independent Christian Advent the goal of studying to interpreter level. tant to me as a way to open up the Community have finally reconciled, leading to a mass ordination on Improved fluency in Auslan signing will opportunity to connect with the Deaf October 27. The two groups divided empower her to make a greater contri- and hard of hearing in the Seventh-day principally over issues of government bution to the Church’s outreach to the Adventist Church,” she said. “Statisti- control during the then communist neglected Deaf community. In this area, cally, this community is not represented regime.—TED Ms Laws is a pioneer—the Church in the in our churches.” South Pacific Division having no pastoral CSFBHI, a ministry of Adventist Auslan “speakers”. Media, will provide another scholarship “Becoming fluent in Auslan is impor- in 2019. free breakfast for fijian school Sarome Fiu Tikoduadua Adventist day More than 180 students and 15 far away and have to travel to school The Brazilian state of Para has teachers from Tavua District Secondary early without having a proper breakfast become the second state in School (Fiji) were surprised recently with or any at all,” said Dorcas Club leader the country, after Sao Paulo, to a free breakfast provided by the Natogo Salanieta Sivo. “That’s why we did it.” pass a bill declaring October 22 Adventist Church’s Dorcas Club. “We would also like students and as “Adventist Day”. Government officials say the law not only Seven women from the club prepared teachers to know that it is important to provides recognition to the entire a nutritious breakfast of peanut butter eat healthy food and that a proper diet Adventist community, but also and honey sandwiches on wholemeal will improve their academic perfor- “through the promotion of its bread, served with bananas, oranges, mance,” said Lavenia Fiu, a Dorcas Club culture, which is of moral value to apples and fruit juice. They also prac- member. society”.—Adventist Review tised good hygiene by wearing gloves As all the Dorcas Club members are and caps while serving breakfast to the unemployed, the breakfast was planned teachers and students. well in advance. All plastic cups, plates, “We thought of the students who live tissues and other items were purchased over a period of time so that on the day of the breakfast, they would not be burdened with the overall cost. However, the gratitude of the Reached by radio students and teachers made In a milestone baptism on October the worthy project a success. 13, Guinea-Bissau native Nicolas “The principal was so Gomes became the first person excited about this program, to accept the Adventist message through evangelistic meetings and said he wished it could broadcast by a new Novo Tempo be done every Thursday,” radio station in the West African said assistant Dorcas leader nation.—WAD Members of the Dorcas Club serving breakfast. Akanisi Tikinamasei.
December 1, 2018 | Adventist record 7 hot topics avondale celebrates 65 years of science brenton stacey Avondale alumni have reflected on how science intersects, informs and enhances their faith at a reunion focusing on the past and the future. A degree offered initially through London University that the first student completed in 1953 is now a discipline with about 450 graduates. One of the MUSLIM PERSECUTION first three graduates featured as a guest Hundreds of Chinese Uighur Muslims of the 65 Years of Science at Avondale Dr Laurie Draper (second from left) with science are being forced into “indoctrination Reunion, held on the college of higher prize recipients Katie Palmer (far right), Braden camps” as part of a sustained Oliver (second from right) and Rebekah Robinson. government crackdown on religious education’s Lake Macquarie campus, groups. The revelation comes after October 26-27. a confirmed eight churches were Dr Laurie Draper joined younger ured service in years and in degrees shut down and crosses in at least alumni to cut a large pendulum-shaped of science alumni: some 1000 years four regions were removed from buildings.—NewDaily cake during the weekend’s final event, as secondary teachers in Seventh-day a banquet. He and classmate Dr Ken Adventist schools and almost 340 as Thomson, who attended the morning departmental head and about 140 as services, graduated a year after the late principal in those schools. In the tertiary Professor Eric Magnusson. sector, alum earned 37 PhD and seven “What has science done to my faith?” masters degrees in science disciplines asked Australasian Research Institute and 11 in other disciplines. Those head Dr Ross Grant during his reflec- degrees were useful, with 345 years of tion at vespers the previous evening. service as lecturers and 10 as president A biochemical pharmacologist in the at Avondale and 214 years elsewhere. I KISSED DATING . . . HELLO? School of Medical Sciences at the Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing bene- University of New South Wales and a fitted from the expertise of graduates, More than 20 years after its publication, the best-selling Christian clinical associate professor in Medicine who gave the entity almost 365 years of book I Kissed Dating Goodbye is at The University of Sydney’s Sydney service. being discontinued. Author Joshua Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Dr The banquet launched the Million Harris released an apology, saying he Grant said, “while God can’t be empiri- Dollar Science Fund, which will help: no longer agrees that dating should cally proven, a logical conclusion points support staff as they seek to increase be avoided. “I now think dating can be a healthy part of a person strongly to an external, authoritative, the discipline’s research record; support developing relationally and learning creative force”. students through a scholarship; purchase the qualities that matter most in a Professor Bruce Lo, now retired, and upgrade essential equipment; and partner,” he said.—Christian Post addressed in his worship service sermon invest in human resources. the tension between faith and science, According to Dr Lynden Rogers, head suggesting six ways to deal with it: of the Discipline of Science and Math- acknowledge the complementary nature ematics, the reunion “clearly demon- of the fields; respect honest knowledge strated the enormous contribution of seekers; note the validity of other argu- Avondale-trained scientists as teachers, ments; self-assess; acknowledge doubt; administrators and researchers over the and ask questions. past 65 years and the strong leadership The reading of life sketches during of our pioneers”. STEP IT UP! the Friday evening and Saturday “The warmth expressed by those People who speed up their walking morning services honoured seven present demonstrated the significance pace could live longer, according notable alumni—Ken Chapman, Dr Sid of Avondale as a place of scientific and to research from the University of Cole, Graham Blackburn, Professor spiritual nurture in their lives.” Sydney. For those aged 60 and over, Magnusson, Dr Richard Pearce, Professor average-pace walking reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular Bruce Waldrip and Keith Wallace—and To donate to the Million Dollar Sci- causes by 46 per cent, compared their contribution to church, college and ence Fund visit
8 Adventist record | December 1, 2018 flashpoint
More care CENTRES OF INFLUENCE DISCOVERY BAPTISMS Sabbath, October 27, saw the Every year, Hilliard Christian The Western Highlands Mission conclusion of the first-ever School (Tas) students take a in Papua New Guinea recently Spiritual Care Week held at church service in each of Hobart’s agriculture day celebrated baptisms as a direct Sydney Adventist Hospital. “It Adventist churches. During a Farm animals, a guessing result of their Discovery Bible was a week of intense social recent service, held at Glenorchy competition, gumboot toss and Centre. Kitip Ku is an area domi- and spiritual activities,” said Dr church, school and church face painting were all part of an nated by the Lutheran Church Branimir Schubert, Adventist members celebrated the baptisms agriculture day held recently at and the Seventh-day Adventist HealthCare Mission Integration of Rolf Geriche and Hilliard Wahroonga Adventist School Church was planted under director. “Hundreds of people, students Samson, Jeremiah and (Sydney, NSW). The children intense pressure that could have including a significant number of Danny Rahamani. But the celebra- came dressed in farm-style gear seen a tribal war erupt. But after non-Adventists, were touched tions continued—when Glenorchy and enjoyed the fun activities, several years of Bible studies by the theme ‘More Care’, which associate pastor and Hilliard including a vegetarian barbecue from the Discovery Centre, 12 emphasised the reason for our school chaplain David Leo made lunch. The event was part of students from Kitip Lutheran faith and the hope it produces.” an appeal, three adults and 19 a fundraising campaign by the School were baptised. Along The majority of all wards and students went to the front. “Our school for drought-stricken with completing all the Discovery departments were visited during schools and churches are truly Australian farmers and raised Bible studies, a week of evange- the week, bringing joy to the staff, centres of influence,” said church $A4000. Other initiatives have listic meetings were conducted, while guest presenter Dr Subodh pastor Cosmin Dan-Marica. included a “Haystacks for Hay” touching the lives of many more Pandit’s morning and evening ”We praise the Lord for how our lunch, which raised $700. The students, who have pledged programs were transmitted to all school and church are working school also put out a call for dog baptism in the future. patient rooms.—Branimir Schu- together to transform their part of food for farm dogs, with 334kg —Solomon Paul bert/Record staff Tasmania.”—Tasda being donated.—Tracey Bridcutt
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IPSWICH! Sabbath, August 25, was a day to remember as Ipswich Adventist School (Qld) celebrated its 50th anniversary. With the theme “Reconnect, Reflect, have a Reunite”, Ipswich Adventist Church was filled to capacity as past and present students, staff and guests shared special music and memories. news story? Lunch after the service provided extra opportunities to reminisce, while a special cake was cut by the oldest student from 1968 and the youngest email it to student from 2018. Guests also enjoyed a school tour before having an opportunity to share their stories.—Nadia Goltz [email protected]
LUNCHING WITH LANDSBOROUGH THREE GENERATIONS for Christ LADIES IN LEADERSHIP Landsborough Adventist Church’s (Qld) Over The “Bible Mysteries Revealed” evangelistic More than 80 women from local churches 50s group recently hosted a free lunch in campaign at Rotorua Adventist Church (NZ) around the western region of Fiji—Nadi, their community centre as part of National concluded on October 20 with 17 baptisms, Lautoka and Ba—recently attended a three-day Seniors Week. Clients from Glasshouse including two generations. Christine, her women’s leadership training. Pastor Nasoni Country Care and several community daughter Kelsey and Kelsey’s husband Aiden Lutunaliwa, TPUM women’s ministries leader, members were treated to live entertainment were all baptised, while Kelsey and Aiden’s shared the final message on Sabbath, chal- and a two-course vegetarian buffet lunch. baby son Kora was dedicated just before his lenging the women to stand up and step out Following a presentation by Australia Zoo’s parents’ and grandmother’s baptism. “God for Jesus, engaging in God’s work through the Wildlife Warriors, a gold coin donation raised truly does great things,” said church pastor power of the Holy Spirit.—My Mission Fiji $200 for the organisation.—Charles Russell Harvey Gangadeen.—NNZC
December 1, 2018 | Adventist record 9 SPD remains committed to women in ministry
he South Pacific Division (SPD) And further, to reaffirm the decision its relevance to the missional needs of the Seventh-day Adventist of the South Pacific Division Executive of the Church at this time, and further, TChurch remains committed to Committee Action 12.1 held on the and that in the context of the above women’s ordination and will ask the 12th of November 2013 to affirm the items, and specifically in relation to the General Conference to put the issue Biblical Research Committee recom- Fundamental Beliefs numbers 6, 7, 14, back on the agenda. mendations as follows: and 17, to request the GC to place on The Development of Women in 1) The Biblical Research Committee the GC 2020 Session agenda an action Ministry and Leadership Report was of the South Pacific Division does item on the ordination of women in one of the items that prompted the not see any scriptural principle which light of the missional needs of some most discussion on the first day of would be an impediment to women areas of the world Church. the South Pacific Division’s year-end being ordained. “[Discussion of the] women in Executive Committee meetings. 2) The calling of the Holy Spirit ministries report took the longest,” While presenting her report on needs to be recognised for both men said SPD president Pastor Glenn November 14, SPD women’s ministries and women. There is a sense of injus- Townend in a statement made to leader Dr Danijela Schubert stated that tice that needs to be addressed. Adventist Record that summarised the in Australia, 8 per cent of local church 3) The mission of the Church is the day’s events (watch full video on our pastors are women, compared to 2 per primary determinant of praxis both website). “It really affirmed women cent in the much-larger North Amer- in the history of the Seventh-day in leadership and ministry within our ican Division (NAD). She also shared Adventist Church and in its climax as Division. As a Division we have a high another interesting statistic: women the Holy Spirit is poured out on both percentage compared to the rest of make up 16 per cent of the senior men and women during the latter rain. the world Church of women in leader- conference/mission roles (secretary/ Further, to continue to encourage ship and in pastoral ministry, and we CFO) in Australia and New Zealand, 7 and support the empowering of can be proud of that, but we want to per cent in the Trans Pacific Union and women in fulfilling the gospel commis- do better. 6 per cent in Papua New Guinea. sion and being employed in ministry “We still believe in women’s ordi- After the report was received a and leadership positions throughout nation and we want it discussed. We response was drafted to be sent to the the SPD. don’t want winners and losers. We General Conference. The full statement Further, to continue to influence actually want the world Church to reads: the Church within the SPD and the move on, and we think it can move on, RESOLVED to receive the Devel- world Church to recognise and utilise and we want it to move on in a more opment of Women in Ministry and women who have been called, and wholesome way. Leadership Report as presented by Dr have accepted the call of God into the “And so, the discussion was not Danijela Schubert and attached to the gospel ministry, and who are gifted at all threatening or antagonistic. It official minutes. and empowered by the Holy Spirit was really done in good spirits, a lot And further, to note and share with as evidenced by their fruitfulness in of interaction. And everyone stood. It the GC the high proportion of women ministry. was a unanimous vote, and it was a who are employed in local church Further, to request the GC to recon- vote taken by standing, and it was just ministry and leadership positions sider the recommendations made a really wonderful, wonderful time. throughout the South Pacific Division, last quinquennium by the divisions’ And so that’s basically this day. God and that the South Pacific Division Biblical Research Committees, the bless you.” has been and remains willing to work TOSC committee, and to review the within the will and policy of the world GC Session 1990 action referring to Record staff Church. women’s ordination for its context and
10 Adventist record | december 1, 2018 FaithADRA Prayers for rain n October 18, Charlene Luzuk (Northern Australian Conference ADRA director) and OI drove out on a dry, dirt road to a home- stead west of Charters Towers (Qld) for a drought prayer meeting. The road was really rough and rocky, and dust billowed around the car. Everything was brown. The grass was dead and the trees were dying. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. While we were driving, I was thinking about what the meeting might be like. This was my first time going to a prayer meeting so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I felt slightly nervous but my fears soon disappeared. The people were very welcoming, kind and loving. There were people from different denominations too. As everyone sat outside in the peace and quiet, it felt like God was with us. As the prayers were being lifted up, I kept thinking about how God has helped us in the past and felt hopeful that He would answer these prayers for the people suffering in the drought happening throughout Australia. After the time of prayer there was a barbecue where we enjoyed socialising over a meal. ADRA had recently distributed some drought relief assis- tance in the area and one lovely lady decided to put it towards the event. We met a lady who owned a very large parcel of land near the place we were meeting. Her area had experienced terrible drought—she had practically no water for a lot of her land. She had been invited to the prayer meeting and felt like God was there to help her and others. Another man showed us a plaque, which explained the heritage of his piece of farmland. It had been family-owned for five generations and was founded in 1912. All that time, God had looked after their land. He talked about his family and how they took care of the land. I imagined each gener- ation living in prosperity as well as drought. I really hoped that the farm could stay in their family for many more generations to come. On the drive home, we were quiet and tired, which gave me plenty of time to reflect on this experience and the brave people I had met. God is certainly answering the prayers because we had rain in some places around the country that very night. As I watched the lightning flash in the distance, I knew that God would listen. I know that God answers prayers.
jakobe humphries 13 years (pictured with charlene), writes from Townsville, qld.
december 1, 2018 | Adventist record 11 issues Redeeming politics
ver the next few days, I’m planning to be in Most of our politicians are not the noisy and inflamma- Canberra as part of Micah Australia’s “Voices for tory caricatures that get too much attention on break- OJustice” event. Micah Australia is a coalition of fast television, talkback radio or Sky News. Among our many of Australia’s Christian justice and development reasons for both cynicism and hope is the reality that agencies, of which ADRA Australia is a part. “Voices for most of our politicians become politicians with good Justice” brings together about 200 Christians from across intentions. They want to contribute, to serve, and to make the nation to learn, to worship and to speak with Austral- our communities, our nations and our world better places. ia’s political leaders on issues, including Australian aid, A standout example comes from Australia’s newest poverty, refugees, modern slavery and climate change, Prime Minister. Scott Morrison’s first speech to parliament particularly as the policies of the Australian government in February 2008 was an inspiring reflection on life, faith affect the lives of many of the most vulnerable people and our responsibility to care for the most needy people around the world.1 in the world through Australian aid. He referenced William Over the years I have participated in this almost-annual Wilberforce, Desmond Tutu and Bono, as well as quoting event, it has been one of the best things I have had the one of the Bible’s many calls to justice.2 And since then opportunity to be part of. he has overseen our most brutal detention of asylum The Bible’s call to “do justice” is frequent and urgent. seekers as immigration minister and the largest cuts in It’s what God does (see Psalm 146), it’s what God’s history to Australian aid as treasurer. people do (see Isaiah 58) and it’s what “kings” are called As such, speaking with our political leaders can be to do (see Psalm 101). Politics is not the only way to do understood as a ministry of chaplaincy, calling them this, but it is one legitimate and effective way in which back to who they would like to be: “To be a chaplain to injustice and the concerns of the poor and marginalised powerful leaders is not merely to attempt to move or can be addressed. influence them but to minister to them. It is to call them It’s too easy to be cynical about politicians, particularly to live up to their divine call, to draw from the centuries when such an attitude fits so neatly with our own tenden- of spiritual resources of the church to overcome fear, cies to apathy. And, of course, politicians often give us greed and laziness to do what is right. It is to speak and ready excuses to feel this way. But when we shrug our manifest the truth. Like all chaplains, advocate chaplains shoulders and say, “Well, what do we expect from poli- pray fervently with and for those in their spiritual care as ticians anyway?” we are surrendering our own responsi- well as speaking the Word of God into their immediate bilities as people called to participate in and contribute to situation.”3 the collective life and wellbeing of our society—to “speak Please join us in praying for our political leaders and up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure for the Christian “Voices for Justice” who will be speaking justice for those being crushed” (Proverbs 31:8, NLT). with them over the next few days. It might change us, it In paying taxes, voting and otherwise participating might change our politicians, it might change the world. in the democratic processes of the nation (see Romans 13:1–7), citizens are participants in the political, social 1.
december 1, 2018 | Adventist record 13 Culture
THE investigative judgement AND OUR assurance
ssurance of salvation is an issue judgement doctrine, not its biblical sure if they are truly predestined for for Seventh-day Adventists. accuracy. salvation. AWhy? Like most Christians, Seventh-day The truth of the gospel, on the Our doctrine of the investigative Adventists believe that salvation is not other hand, provides true assurance. judgement may have something to do universal. Wondering whether we will For someone anxious about their with it. Adventists teach that a cosmic be saved is legitimate. Salvation can salvation, the answer is not keeping investigative judgement is happening be lost by the free action of the will. the commandments better (legalism) right now. It began in 1844 as the The theological change necessary but belief in Christ’s righteousness. fulfilment of the time prophecy in to remove any qualms about assurance The Adventist Church has always Daniel 8:14. As the antitypical Day of is not changing the timing, duration taught salvation by grace through Atonement, the heavenly sanctuary or transparency of any judgement, but faith. Christ is our righteousness. The is being cleansed from our sins with a change in basic understanding of part we play in our own salvation is the blood of Christ. In this process our salvation or free will. to choose whether or not to believe individual records may come up any To make salvation altogether in the good news of Jesus. This is not day to reveal our destiny. independent of free will is the error threatened by the investigative judge- Is the Adventist’s personal assur- of determinism. Calvinists believe ment doctrine. ance of salvation undermined by the that God arbitrarily decrees who will There is a growing realisation that doctrine of the investigative judge- be saved and universalists believe the investigative judgement is the ment? This question has haunted everyone will be saved—regardless of logical outworking of two distinctive Adventists for at least 40 years. individual preferences. Only univer- beliefs that help explain the unique- This article addresses pastoral salism removes the question of assur- ness of Adventism’s pre-advent concern regarding the investigative ance as a Calvinist can never quite be investigative judgement doctrine.
14 Adventist record | december 1, 2018 The Adventist understanding of the we have established that the doctrine personally, even if our access to that mortality of the soul and our freedom does not automatically undermine transparency is not until after the deci- to choose our salvation make a assurance. sions are announced. pre-advent investigative judgement What benefits does this doctrine To the rest of the universe, quite sensible. The vast majority of bring to one’s Christian experience? however, the timing positively needs Christianity can’t make sense of the The investigative judgement actually to be before rewards are handed timing of a pre-advent investigative resonates with human experience and out. Wouldn’t you be concerned if judgement given their belief in an desires. Our hearts desire fairness, God brought an unrepentant paedo- immortal soul. Investigation cannot full disclosure. A lot of the critics of phile into your heavenly home? We’d make sense to the determinism of a the investigative judgement complain actually want every work to be brought Calvinist who believes that God unilat- that people who have questioned the into judgement—whether good or erally predestines who will be saved. teaching have been silenced without a bad—as promised in Ecclesiastes Picture a final-year high school proper hearing. 12:13,14, Revelation 22:12, Romans student having nightmares about I resonate with the desire for open, 2:6 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. Especially whether her exam scores are good transparent dealings with questions, since God doesn’t ever erase free enough to get her into studying contradictory ideas and the people will or the ability to rebel. Love does medicine. The solution to removing who hold them. That seems fairer not become coerced for the rest of the nightmares is not a change of the than simply shutting down dissent and eternity; it just becomes guaranteed method, transparency or timing of the excluding dissidents. because all will see God’s transparent marking process. The solution would God could instantly annihilate all goodness in dealing with rebellion. have to be one of changing or relaxing opposition. But the beauty of His Judging every work isn’t about the entry requirements to remove the character is that He takes time to measuring the number of good and anxiety. The entry requirements could allow rebellion to demonstrate its true bad deeds against quotas. It is about be changed to include accepting her character and results for all to see. He ensuring that every work of evil is choice to accept the perfect marks of also takes His time in investigation and renounced—with Christ’s righteousness a substitute on her behalf. judgement. not only providing covering but also The equivalent, in this analogy, Critics of the investigative judge- transformation of the heart. of simply removing the investiga- ment doctrine tend to investigate The judgement isn’t really even tive judgement doctrine but keeping its history and application, and cast about our behaviour (as we’d all be every other doctrine the same, is to judgement on it. Investigation and condemned if it was). It’s about whose do instantaneous examination by a decision-making are natural and desir- we are. If we surrender our inadequacy super-computer in the split-second able processes in a life blessed with to Jesus, we can’t be lost and we are before university entrance scores the freedom to choose. “safe to save”. are published. It should be obvious How can the investigative judge- So assessing each person’s level of that such a change would actually ment resonate when it is spatially “safety to save”—and God’s fairness in do nothing to prevent the anxious removed from us? Let me go back deciding so—is pertinent to ensuring student’s nightmares. to the illustration of the high school the eternal security of the universe You may think an examination is student and exam marking. Does given the eternal persistence of moral actually irrelevant as “it was all done she have any visibility of the exam- freedom. by the substitute”–analogous to the marking process between when The investigative judgement power- idea that “it was all done at the cross”. it starts and when the university fully demonstrates God’s character But this is burying one’s head in the entrance scores are announced? No. of love and freedom. I have greater sand: free will means salvation is not Does she care that the process is assurance of both my own salvation universal. There is still a decision to open, transparent and auditable? Yes; and the eternal moral security of the be made as to whether the substitute she would be far less satisfied if the universe, knowing that the judgements was accepted and trusted. What if the marking was done instantaneously by of God are not black-box instanta- student plagiarised in the test? Would a “black-box” super-computer imme- neous decrees but are transparent, that be evidence that they actually diately before scores are announced. deliberative and open. trusted in the substitute? Wouldn’t an Especially if there was a background of examination be helpful to transparently accusations about the fairness of the daniel livingston attends Newcastle demonstrate trust and fairness? super-computer. adventist church (NSW) with his wife and An investigative judgement teaching Because Satan has questioned two young children. He works in environ- devoid of Christ and His righteousness God’s fairness, the transparency mental engineering. should attract pastoral concern. But of God’s judgements matters to us
december 1, 2018 | Adventist record 15 28 FUNDAM EN TALS ready or not . . .
The second coming of Christ The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the Church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfilment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thessa- lonians 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21.)
hat must be the church!” Mum to be greeters, they weren’t doing a dresses, elaborate hats and stilettos. said excitedly as my GPS in- very impressive job so far. Finally the “I’m feeling underdressed,” Mum’s Tstructed me to make the next boys stepped aside and let us in. friend whispered. “You should have turn. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon. The church was already filled with told us there was a dress code.” My former pastor was hosting a people but we managed to find seats. “I didn’t know there was one,” I said concert at his current church to raise A man in a suit was at the front, ad- in confusion. Everything the pastor money for an upcoming Pathfin dressing the audience in an unfamiliar had told me suggested the event was der camporee. I was keen to support language. Expecting a translation into casual. He’d mentioned they would be them. Mum and her friend had come English, we were surprised when none selling $A10 suppers and auctioning along too. was forthcoming. off a jersey—nothing that I’d thought Knowing we were running late, we Subsequent speakers continued would involve wearing formal dress! hurried towards the church. Two young to talk in this unfamiliar language. I But instead of cultural songs and boys stood at the door. They stared wondered why my pastor had asked special items, the speaker at the front at us blankly. There was no offer of us along. We had no idea what was seemed to be leading everyone in a a handshake or program, no smile or going on! long and ceremonial prayer. Every now expression of welcome. “Which one is your pastor?” my and again, he would call out what we “Can we come in this way?” I asked, mum asked. presumed were names and people wondering if we had come in through I looked around the crowded room. would respond with a hearty “Amen”. the wrong entrance. “I can’t see him anywhere.” Everything else seemed to suggest The boys looked at each other and In hindsight, a few things seemed a we were in the correct location. We then back at us. little strange to us. could see the familiar Adventist church “Can we come in this way?” I re- Everyone seemed really dressed up sign at the front. There were copies peated. If these boys were supposed . . . I mean, really dressed up—sparkly of Adventist Record and Mums At The
16 Adventist record | december 1, 2018 25
we were able to find the church we ready” really meant! needed to be at. But it’s the other extreme that I In 1844, the Millerites were struggle with more these days. While convinced that Jesus’ second coming the gospel does influence many of would happen on October 22. They my life decisions (such as choosing to studied the instructions closely and work for the Church), I tend to think of all the signs seemed to be pointing the second coming as a far-off event Table magazines in the entry. to them being in the right place at that doesn’t necessarily impact my We had to be in the right place but the right time. But October 22 came life right now. Like the Laodiceans, I we were starting to feel uncomforta- and went without any visible signs of can be lukewarm about it—when life is ble. We didn’t see anyone we knew. Jesus’ return. The day would later be comfortable and going well, it’s easy And it wasn’t anything like what we remembered as “The Great Disap- to forget my need for Jesus. had expected. pointment”. Five months ago, my mum was If it wasn’t for the intervention The Millerites did not only have to rushed to intensive care after suffering of one kind woman, we might have deal with their own disappointment, a serious aneurysm. It wasn’t the first remained politely seated for the rest of but with scorn, taunting and even vio- time she’d been to hospital—or even the afternoon. lence from others. Followers who had the first time she’d had surgery. But it Observing our unease, she leaned given up their homes, farms and pos- was the first time that I really thought over. “The service is already finished,” sessions for the soon return of Jesus she was going to die. she whispered. “They’re just taking roll were ridiculed and mocked by others. Mum thought so too. And as tears call now.” Millerite churches were burned and streamed down our faces, she begged “The concert is finished?” I repeat- vandalised. In Illinois, a mob armed me to keep believing that we would ed, not sure that I’d heard correctly. with clubs and knives even attacked a see each other again one day. “The church service is finished,” she Millerite congregation. When we turn the second coming repeated, a little more loudly. What would you have done? Many into a distant event or a message of I pulled out my phone and showed chose to “save face” by leaving the fear, we forget what it’s really about— her the flyer. movement and returning to the restoration. Jesus is coming to reunite “What about this concert?” churches they had previously left. Oth- separated families. He is coming to She looked at it closely, a frown of ers chose to have nothing to do with repair a broken world. And most im- confusion spreading across her face. Christ at all. But a faithful few were portantly He is coming to fully restore “No concert here.” determined to go back to the Scrip- our relationship with the Father. “Is this the Adventist church?” my tures and figure out what had gone Restoration is something to look mum broke in. wrong. These included the pioneers of forward to. But it’s also something we She shook her head. “We are a what would later become the Seventh can start doing as we wait for Jesus Tongan church. We are here until six.” day Adventist Church. to return. Whether it’s listening to a We still weren’t sure what was go- I don’t remember many sermons friend, brightening up a colleague’s ing on. But one thing was increasingly about the second coming when I was day, praying for someone’s marriage clear: we were not at the fundraising younger but the ones I heard must or giving someone a hug, there are concert. have terrified me. I would have a so many ways in which each of us It was tempting to give up on the recurring dream about Jesus returning can bring Jesus’ restoration to those concert and drive home. But we were and my family and I not being ready. around us and share just a little of the determined to figure out what was One particularly traumatic scene hope we’ve been given. going on. Again we looked at the flyer. involved me being on an escalator on The details were all correct. the way to heaven, calling for my par- Fortunately we got a message ents because they weren’t with me. from the pastor just at that moment. Until well into my teens, I swayed Vania Chew Apparently there were two Adventist between two extremes. The first was A producer for Mums At The Table, an churches located at the same street fearing that I wouldn’t be ready to go Adventist Media address—one building was a fair way to heaven when Jesus came back. I ministry. behind the other. With new directions, didn’t even understand what “being
december 1, 2018 | Adventist record 17 my ministry literature Evangelism
TAKING THE DEVIL’S MONEY e took my hand excitedly and life completely to Jesus. He realised began writing on it. “1:15 to- it was more than just words—it was Hmorrow, Daniel. Don’t miss it!” a commitment. “We say, ‘Lord, I give I’d known Andrew Kochanski for all of you my heart’, whatever that is. ‘I give a day at South Queensland Big Camp, you my life’, whatever that is. That’s
Andrew with fellow LE Sone Mariner. but the excitement in his voice told me nothing. These are words. But when he had something important to share. you say ‘God, I give you my time, I During his presentation the follow- give you my money, I give you my being told that she had no money, ing day, I found myself fascinated by priorities’, we start being specific.” Andrew felt moved to leave a book his life journey. Andrew is a literature With a stable income on the line, with her regardless. evangelist (LE) with Jump Start. Histor- Andrew took a big leap of faith in “The five cent coin flashed into my ically referred to as a “colporteur”, the 2011 and began working part-time mind, and so I said, ‘I just saw five job involves door-knocking and selling for Jump Start. It didn’t take long for cents, maybe you can take [the book] evangelistic books and other print ma- him to realise he had made the right and I’ll just take the five cents.’ And terial. The work is often stereotyped decision; he eventually quit his job she went silent for a moment before as being accomplished by retirees or and completely devoted his time to she said, ‘No, my daughter has been people “with too much time”. Andrew literature evangelism. He has since seeing a clairvoyant. And she has been later revealed to me that he was the become the Australian team leader told that my late husband will come complete opposite, having forged a for the program, encountering many to visit us, and he will leave five cents successful career in pharmacology, soul-winning conversations with around the place to just let us know managing a pharmacy in Cooranbong people on the street. One experience that he has visited.’ (NSW) for seven years. But his life was in particular brought him face to face “I showed her The Great Contro- unfulfilled. with the occult. versy and said, ‘You need to get this “Gradually, the work lost its appeal “This house was unremarkable book. It shows you the truth about because I was reading during my except there was a five cent coin what happens after death.’ Praise God one-hour lunch breaks . . . I would balanced on the porch handrail. I went she took it and I wrote her a receipt take an Ellen White book, and I would over to touch it to see whether it for five cents, and that day I thanked devour two chapters in an hour. I was was glued down, because sometimes the Lord that the devil had left five so keen; I read Desire of Ages as if for people play jokes, but it wasn’t stuck, cents for that book to go into that the first time,” he said. it was loose.” This peculiar detail stuck home.” Rather than experiencing a sudden with Andrew as he then attempted to “eureka” moment, Andrew became sell health and spiritual books to a lady daniel kuberek Assistant editor, signs of compelled over time to devote his inside the house, to no avail. After the times.
18 Adventist record | december 1, 2018 health
What’s the difference Try these healthy between probiotics gut swaps and prebiotics?
You may have heard the terms, but what do they mean and how do they keep you healthy? Probiotics are live bacteria naturally found in food. When you eat probiotics they make their way down into your gut, where there is an eco- WHITE FOR BROWN Your gut will thank you system of bacteria working to help your body. when you swap refined This delicate ecosystem is called your gut grains for wholegrains. Introduce them slowly flora or gut microbiome. Ideally, your gut mi- —try brown rice instead crobiome should be made up of a wide variety of white rice, or brown, grainy bread instead of of good bacteria because they all play different white. Wholegrains are roles in keeping you healthy. Eating plenty of packed with nutrients that’ll have you feeling plant foods will help ensure you have enough great. good bacteria. Fermented foods are a particularly good source of probiotics, including yoghurt (with live cultures), kefir, kimchi, miso and sauerkraut. Probiotics can also be taken as supplements. So you’ve consumed probiotics—then what? The good bacteria need to be nurtured and fed to stay alive, multiply and help keep your gut healthy. That’s where prebiotics come in. MEAT FOR LENTILS Prebiotics are fibres that feed the gut bac- Give your bolognese a teria and are important in maintaining a healthy, veggie twist by using lentils instead of mince. balanced gut. They lay the groundwork for the Lentils contain fibre, probiotics to flourish. If probiotics were the protein and are lower in saturated fat. An easy and flowers in a garden, prebiotics would be the soil tasty way to get more those flowers thrive in. fibre-packed veggies in your meals. Prebiotics include fibre-rich foods like wholegrains, beans and legumes, fruits and vegetables. Inulin is another example of a preb- iotic. It’s a type of soluble fibre that’s added to some food products because it improves gut Moroccan chickpea salad health without changing the taste or texture Packed full of prebiotic fibre, protein and iron of food. It’s found naturally in high amounts in and low in salt, this nutritious chickpea salad chicory root, and in smaller amounts in foods has a unique flavour twist. Enjoy it on its own like Jerusalem artichokes and onions. DIP FOR GUACamole or as a side to your favourite dish. For a healthy, happy gut try to include both While chips and dip probiotics and prebiotics in your diet every day. is tempting, it’s also Find this recipe and hundreds It can make a big difference to your gut almost not very gut-friendly. more at: A colourful and zesty immediately, with research showing changing home-made guacamole Australia: sanitarium.com.au/subscribe with veggie sticks can New Zealand: sanitarium.co.nz/subscribe your diet can improve your gut health in just still satisfy your crunch days. cravings and your tastebuds, and is much healthier than its beige Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing counterpart. is now on Facebook!
december 1, 2018 | Adventist record 19 6500+ LIKES AND COUNTING
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HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION While visiting friends in an Adventist Senior Living facility, I was amazed to see Halloween being celebrated by people dressed as witches. Halloween celebrates death, including the death of Christian martyrs. But surely celebrating death by satanic symbolism is out of place in a Christian institution? Residents are, of course, free to follow their own conscience and worship as they see fit, but is it right to encourage satanic practices in a Christian environment? Graeme Brown, NSW
PROUD DIGGER Morris. Finally, I want to maybe as juveniles or even Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke What a great issue was mention that I always love eggs, only to die out later 16). the November 3 Record! Daniel Reynaud’s contri- as a result of the changes in Norman Young, NSW I especially want to butions, but the slouch hat the climate after the Flood. congratulate Stephen you picked for his article’s Certainly there are COMMON GROUND Ferguson on a well- cover photo is adorned with numerous dragon legends It gives me great courage balanced, practical and the “skippy badge” on the in the world, notably one in to read young Jarrod’s theological critique of the puggaree. This kangaroo Poland, where I come from. editorials. spiritual warfare counter- and cross-rifles badge is So it seems that Re “The great war” feits that are clandestinely the insignia of the Royal dragons-dinosaurs were (November 17): Then and appearing in some of our Australian Regiment, not the alive after the Flood. now, Jesus wants us to churches (“28: The day I AIF, and wasn’t introduced Andrew Ostapowicz, bond to each other by attended an Exorcism”). as a hat adornment until NSW looking for our common There is a true and biblical 1952. Sorry. Proud ex-1RAR ground in a loving spirit. form of warfare but, sadly, Digger here. Blessings! LIVING WITH QUESTIONS It is the sense that we are in the vacuum currently Daniel Matteo, Tas The title “Saved from better than, more deserving present in our literature Dinosaur Panic” (October than the remnant elect/ on the subject, some of DINO DESTRUCTION? 20) certainly caught my chosen ones (rather than our members have turned Enjoyed the article “Saved attention, but disappointed Babylon) that results in to unbalanced literature from dinosaur panic” my expectations. such disunity and downright and websites from other (Feature, October 20). The writer’s sincerity is animosity—in our Church religious groups to address Similar ideas were held by unquestioned but his article even! It’s encouraging to this issue. Most of these our former church pastor, seems to build a conclu- see rational, thoughtful are based on Calvinistic the late Ben Marshak. sion based on numerous minds. God bless. assumptions, but sometimes There is however a ques- conjectures. I do not find it Darlene Douglass, even spiritualistic ideas are tion: how did the people obvious that Genesis 1 “is a via email the basis for the practices who carved the images of literal account of history” or they advocate. dinosaurs like the ones at indeed a modern scientific They can appear biblical Angkor Wat and the cathe- statement. Note: Views in “Have your say” do not necessarily rep- at the outset but can lead dral in England know what I would rather live with resent those of the editors or practitioners and patients they looked like if they were unresolved questions than the denomination. Comments should be less than 250 words, alike down a dangerously wiped out by the Flood? trying implausibly to answer and writers must include their unbiblical track. A balanced Maybe only the huge ones every dilemma. name, address and phone book I would recommend is that resulted from man’s A simple reading of the number. All comments are ed- ited to meet space and literary Spirit Baptism and Deliv- interference were wiped early chapters of Genesis requirements, but the author’s erance by Dennis Smith or, out, while the original, would indicate it’s as poetic original meaning will not be changed. Not all comments for a quicker, easier read, smaller ones could have as Psalm 104 and as para- received are published. Radical Protection by Derek been preserved on the Ark, bolic as the story of “The
December 1, 2018 | Adventist record 21 noticeboard
BROSSMANN, Annette Pearl FEHRE, Elaine Edith, JOHANSON-FISH, Bobbie-Mae, (nee Winter), born 28.1.1957 born 7.5.1931 in born 1.5.1936 in Singapore; died Anniversaries in Ballina, NSW; died 5.12.17 Brisbane, Qld; died 4.7.18 in Lake Macquarie, NSW. PARKER. Pastor in Lismore. On 19.9.1976 she 11.10.18 in Timaru, She was married to Vivian Fish. Ross and Janice married John. She is survived NZ. She was predeceased by her She was predeceased by her (Jan) celebrated by her husband (Goonellabah); husband Pastor Keith de Ville siblings Eric, Lyn and Jim. She is their 60th children Scott (Lismore), Nathan in 1982. She is survived by her survived by her husband; children wedding anniversary with their (Lismore), and Karli and Ben husband Kevin (Temuka); and and partners John and Anna, three daughters, sons-in-law, Veal (Tweed Heads); grandchild children Yvonne Stewart (Perth, Darlene, Robert and Therese, grandchildren and friends on Mirissa Pearl (Tweed Heads); WA), Mark de Ville (Invercargill, and Cheryl-Lyn and Geoff; 13 the Sunshine Coast (Qld) on parents Arthur and Pearl Winter NZ), Paul de Ville (Crescent Head, grandchildren; 13 great-grand- 27.10.18. Reaching this mile- (Brunswick Heads); and siblings NSW) and Andrew de Ville (Java); children; and sister Beth. In stone was extra special for Jan Brian (Grafton) and Christine sister Patience (Coffs Harbour) 1966 Bobbie-Mae moved from and Ross due to health issues. (Ballina). Annette loved God and and brother Damien (Woodford, Warburton to Cooranbong. She Their secret to a long marriage her family. She shared her love Qld). She helped raise her step- attended the Memorial church for is placing God first in their lives of her Saviour with the commu- children Gail de Ville (Townsville, 52 years where she shared her and serving Him together. A good nity craft groups she attended. Qld) and Trevor de Ville (Card- musical talents as a member of sense of humour also helps! She loved reading her Bible and well). A writer, poet and musician, the choir. She found beauty in her Family members travelled from gospel literature, which gave Elaine was driven by a desire to garden and in people, especially interstate to celebrate the happy her great faith in her Saviour’s share the gospel. For 30 years those passing through difficult event. Jan and Ross received soon return and everlasting life. as a pastor’s wife she worked experiences. A devoted friend to congratulatory messages from A memorial service was held as a LE, preacher, a leader of many, Bobbie-Mae loved and was the Queen, the Governor-General at Kingscliff church with many local friendship, youth and Bible loved by her church and extended of Australia, the Prime Minister, church, family and community studies. In the last decade of her families. other dignitaries and friends. members celebrating her life. life Elaine was faithfully supported Ross Goldstone Joel Slade, Tim Merritt by her husband Kevin as her COCK. Robert and mobility and independence were LOWN, Natalie Adelene (nee Mollie were BURGESS, Donald Reginald, born challenged. Elaine maintained a Trood), born 11.3.1925 in married on 16.2.1934 in Goulburn, NSW; steadfast faith and remained true Abbotsford, NSW; died 21.8.18 11.10.1958 in the died 22.7.18 in Wyong Hospital. to what she believed. in Kurri Kurri. On 24.8.1953 Archer Street Methodist Church. In 1956 he married Lorna Paul de Ville, Mebzar Quinto she married William Lown, who To this union two children were Harrison. He was predeceased by predeceased her. She was also born: a boy and a girl. They now his children Jennifer and Kenny. HALLIDAY, Harold predeceased by her son Ian. have five grandchildren: three In 1994 he married Ruth Turner. Glen, born 17.6.1936 Natalie is survived by her sons boys and twin girls. The Lands- He is survived by Ruth; stepchil- in Sydney, NSW; died Kenneth (Newcastle) and Ronald borough Catering Ladies prepared dren Jennifer Schur and Kevin 2.9.18 in Brisbane, (Kurri Kurri); and sister Hazel a 60th anniversary cake. Church Turner; and four grandchildren. Qld. On 19.1.1960 he married Waters (Alstonville). She held members celebrated with the Don was born into a Seventh-day Helen Norma Gardner in Bowral many offices in Kurri Kurri church, couple at a potluck luncheon. Adventist home and remained (NSW). Harold is survived by where she had been a loved and faithful to the Church to the end. his wife; children Russell and valued member since 1949. Before his retirement he ran a Amanda (Newcastle), Linda Wilfred Pascoe, Ken Love, successful business in Sydney. and Murray Hunter (Melbourne, Braedan Entermann Wedding Don was known to be indus- Vic) and Carolyn and Jacques JAKUPEC-MARTIN. trious and a person of integrity. Calais (Brisbane, Qld); and eight TAYLOR, John Nicholas, born James Jakupec, For several years he faithfully grandchildren. Harold served the 26.2.1958: died 16.9.18 in son of Kruno served as the senior deacon of Church with distinction in senior Grafton, NSW. John is survived by and Val Jakupec the Avondale Memorial church. leadership roles for 41 years, his two sons Andrew and Lachlan, (Altona Meadows, Vic), and He was strong of faith and looked including as secretary-treasurer both of Sydney (NSW). He joined Kate-Marie Martin, daughter forward to the second coming of of several conferences: NA, the Church after boarding with of John and Jeanette Martin Jesus. Tas, WA, North NSW and South Michelle Hoy during a difficult (Sunshine Coast, Qld), were Roger Nixon, Lionel Smith Qld; executive director of ADRA transition in his life. The experi- married on 30.9.18 in the East South Pacific; and vice president ence brought him in contact with Prahran church (Vic). They will CHAPMAN, Helen Strang, born of ADRA International. He was the caring community at Redcliffe make their home in Melbourne, 15.3.1953 in Invercargill, NZ; died a visionary, innovative and wise church (Qld) and Jesus became close to where James works as a 15.10.18 in a tragic accident. On leader. A loving husband, father John’s even better best Friend. storeman and Kate-Marie works 15.1.1977 she married Brian in and grandfather, he was a faithful He was baptised with his spiritual as a teacher at Gilson College. Invercargill. Helen is survived by man of God. sister, Kirinda Miller, by Pastor Terry Goltz Brian (Timaru); children Ben and Joe Webb Mike Brownhill at Suttons Beach Sonya Chapman (Christchurch), on 31.10.09. He loved his sons Emma and Nathan Piggott JACKSON, Matthew (Matt) Aldren, and his Lord. (Invercargill), Jamie and Rebekah born 25.5.1988 in Adelaide, Ian Baskin Obituaries (Timaru), Laura and Cam King SA; died 5.10.18 in Adelaide. BEDNAREK, Kazimiera (Kathy) (Timaru), and Andrew (Timaru); On 2.9.18 he married Susanna WAINMAN, Coralee (nee Mazur), born 21.2.1927; and nine grandchildren. Helen Frigo, but sadly their life together (nee Sperring), born died 22.8.18. She was prede- and Brian fostered many children was cut short when Matt lost 6.3.1912 in Adelaide, ceased by her husband Michael over the past 30 years. Helen his battle with leukaemia. He is SA; died 20.9.18 in in 1983. She is survived by her was very active in children’s survived by his wife; parents Alan Alton Lodge, Cooranbong, NSW. son Charlie and daughter Krystina and youth ministries, including and Sandra Jackson; brother Brett Coralee was married to Franklyn Jagiello (both of Sydney, NSW). teaching Bible-in-Schools for the and sister Sarah. The tributes Wainman at Hamilton church Kathy was a woman of God. She past 17 years and holding other presented showed how much on 19.6.1935 by Pastor Reuben was born just before the war and church roles. A large crowd at Matt was loved by both family Hare. She was predeceased by survived the death of most of her funeral was evidence of the and friends, and all now eagerly her husband in 1971. She was her family to live until nearly 92 appreciation of her loving life. await the Master’s call on resur- also predeceased by her daughter years. Stew Presnall rection morning. Gloria Kench in 1985. She is Nigel Ackland Allan Croft survived by her daughter Judy
22 Adventist record | December 1, 2018 noticeboard
Jackson and her husband Perry Gwen worked for many years (Cooranbong); grandsons Tony at Nelson Public Hospital: in the and Kim Kench (Tamarama), and intensive care unit and later in Finally . . . Michael and Kim (Gladesville); the pharmacy. After retiring, she and great-grandsons Douglas, enjoyed farming life and even- Joshua and Oliver. Franklyn and tually settled in Hanmer Springs If the Lord Jesus Christ has washed you in His Coralee ran Wainman’s Garage before moving to Culverden on the corner of Freemans Drive where she died at home after a own blood and forgiven you all your sins, how dare and Alton Road, Cooranbong, for brief illness. —Francis McNutt more than 30 years, where she Margaret Wells you refuse to forgive yourself? worked in the office and served customers. Her love for Jesus was ADVERTISING shown in the life she lived, her lifelong support of the Avondale Memorial church, and Sabbath ALLROUND TRAVEL NEXT ISSUE: ADVENTIST WORLD, DECEMBER 8 services on Hope Channel and Specialists in group and indi- 3ABN in her later years. vidual travel to all parts of the Sid Griffith world. Great tours in 2019, fully escorted. Iran–April 9. Israel/ WELLS, Gwendolynn Catherine Jordan–April 28 to May 12. SUPPORTING MINISTRY (nee Heads), born 11.4.1926 in Greece/Turkey–May 12 to June Invercargill, NZ; died 4.6.18. In 2. India–late April. Please contact PROGRAMS MANAGER—ASIAN AID 1953 she married Jack Stewart Anita or Peter for full details. Wells, who predeceased her in Email
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