12 Cover 21/3/05 6:09 PM Page 1
RECORDApril 2, 2005 In this issue Bomb damages Iraqi church
ADRA thanks tsunami volunteers
The adventure of faith TRY-athlon participant Lachlan White with Australian Olympic swimmer Daniel Kawolski at the Melbourne TRY-athlon event where a record-breaking 3100 children registered to race. Weet-Bix TRY-athlon sets records MELBOURNE, VICTORIA he 2005 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Crouch and Ryan Quade presented the TRY-athlon has continued to be a children who participated with medal- success with more than 10,000 chil- lions. The day’s activities were filmed by T dren participating in events around Channel 10’s kids program “Totally wild,” Australia, making it the largest children’s and were aired on March 7 and 8. event series to be held in the country. Melbourne was the next city to host the Students and teachers have experienced event and attracted a record 3100 chil- the TRY-athlon through school visits, and dren, which made it the biggest kids Cycling a many more children have been involved triathlon in Australia. Channel 7 covered through volunteer-run events that have Daniel Kowalski at the event as he swam been organised in most capital cities. beside heart-patient Lachlan White. The Sydney Olympic Park hosted the Lachlan’s mother, Sue White, says, “Circle of first event of the series on February 13, “Lachlan had a wonderful time. Daniel which attracted more than 1600 children. was just delightful and Lachlan thinks World champion triathlete Chris he’s a great guy. ” courage” McCormack and Sydney Swans Jared (Continued on page 5)
ISSN 0819-5633 12 Editorial 21/3/05 6:08 PM Page 2
editorial
As Christians, we are representing the idea of true forgiveness to the world. How do we forgive?
aturally, as a Christian, I freely that far from being “just a Christian obli- And who could forget that we are told to forgive people. . . . Naturally. I’d gation,” forgiveness can help to heal vic- forgive those who wrong us 70 times like to take a sharp stone and tims, both emotionally and physically.* seven? Not that we should keep a note- N scratch ‘I forgive you’ on the bon- When we don’t forgive others, there can book with the number of times we’ve said nets of their cars.” be physical problems because we are living “I forgive you” to people tallied up in it. When I first read that statement from in a state of stress. This can cause physical, There is meant to be no limit to the number Christian writer and humorist, Adrian mental or emotional burnout. Adrenaline of times we forgive people, in the same way Plass, I knew exactly what he meant. increases, and maintained high levels of this there is no limit to the number of times Of course I’d forgiven the person who have a serious effect on the heart and nerv- God forgives us for the mistakes we make had hurt me, but it would be so nice to have ous and immune systems. that hurt Him. something like that happen to him. Perhaps It can be difficult to let go of the hurt, However, we cannot expect that God God could arrange to have him stampeded and harder still to replace it with forgive- will allow us to be unforgiving of others by emus the following week, too . . . ness of those who caused it in the first place. while we are forgiven. The parable Jesus But wait a minute. But it’s better than cultivating a grudge, told of the unforgiving servant in Matthew That’s not forgiveness. which is what some people actually seem to 18 is an example of this. In Luke 6:37, He In his statement about “forgiveness,” I enjoy doing (presumably so they can hand says, “Do not judge, and you will not be think Plass expressed something we all it down to the next generation along with judged. Do not condemn, and you will not occasionally feel when someone hurts us the Royal Doulton hand-painted periwin- be condemned. Forgive, and you will be and we realise we have to forgive them, kle tea set). forgiven” (NIV). even though we don’t really want to. This can mean that the lack of forgive- As Christians, we are representing the David Stoop speaks about this in his ness lives on way past its use-by date, and idea of true forgiveness to the world. It’s not book Real Solutions for Forgiving the get to the point where people no longer something we can keep to ourselves, either, Unforgivable when he says, “When horrible remember why they don’t speak to certain but a gift we should be sharing with others. things happen to us, there is typically a other people. Although not every person will accept it, period of time when we fantasise about all For some reason, I suspect this isn’t the you can still offer it to them and be a kinds of retributive punishment. However, way God wants us to live. Jesus made peacemaker on behalf of God. staying with vengeful thoughts is like play- things clear about His expectations of for- As Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted, we are ing an endless and painful video in our giveness when He was on earth, and He set destroyed by sin and healed with forgive- minds over and over again.” the example of how we should be in our ness. We will make it into heaven because Constantly dwelling on these things is dealings with others. we have given ourselves over to God’s likely to make us bitter and twisted, rather Jesus asked God to forgive the people grace and forgiveness, not because we have than better people who are loving and who executed Him, even as He was on the done something to earn it. demonstrate Christ’s love to others. cross, which is amazing. He also told us to And by maintaining an attitude of hos- love one another as He has loved us, and if *Gary Thomas,“The forgiveness factor,”
OFFICIAL PAPER of the South Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company Pacific Division Seventh-day Senior assistant editor Lee Dunstan 3485 Warburton Highway Adventist Church Editorial assistant Adele Nash Warburton,Vic 3799,Australia ACN 000 003 930 Editorial assistant Scott Wegener Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 www.adventist.org.au Copyeditor Graeme Brown Email Letters: [email protected] Editorial secretary Meryl McDonald-Gough Email Newsfront: [email protected] Vol 110 No 12 Layout Nathan Chee Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Cover: Sanitarium Public Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Australia Relations and to New Zealand,$A43.80 $NZ73.00.Other prices on www.record.net.au application.Printed weekly.
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news ADRA thanks tsunami volunteers weeks following the disaster WAHROONGA, NSW and received hundreds of calls DRA-Australia wishes to thank from people wanting to the hundreds of volunteers who donate or make inquiries. have helped out during the recent Many ADRA supporters A tsunami disaster. have also helped at fundrais- “The support has been amazing,” says ing events. For example, Volunteers answering the phones at the ADRA call centre, David Jack, CEO of ADRA-Australia. South Brisbane church mem- where 50 volunteers worked more than 140 hours. “We are thrilled to see that there are so bers Suraj and Gill Shrestha many people willing to donate their time organised a fundraising dinner at the thank everyone who volunteered.” and resources to helping other people.” Karma Indian Restaurant on January 22, Volunteers have also helped ADRA by The ADRA call centre, based at the 2005, which raised almost $A5000 for contacting local media. Articles about ADRA-Australia office in Wahroonga, tsunami relief. fundraisers and ADRA’s involvement with NSW, was manned by about 50 volunteers In Western Sydney, NSW, more than the relief effort have appeared in newspa- who spent more than 140 hours answering 100 ADRA supporters volunteered for a pers around Australia. “We are very appre- phones and providing support to ADRA concert held to raise money for tsunami vic- ciative of the effort people have gone to to staff. The call centre was open for three tims on Sun-day, February 20, 2005. help ADRA in this way,” says Mr Jack. The concert was organ- “We would like to encourage supporters to ised by AFD Enterprises continue to share ADRA’s story with their and held at Marconi communities.” Stadium. As recipient of the ADRA-Australia also received more proceeds, ADRA provided than 100 calls from people offering to vol- volunteers to assist on the unteer in affected regions. Offers came day. “The turnout of volun- from people with skills ranging from trades teers was fantastic,” says to teaching to medical. John Tompson, Sydney Overwhelmed by the response, ADRA director of ADRA Services. no longer requires offers to volunteer over- “The support from so many seas but would like to thank people for such Some of the people who attended the fundraising dinner at the Karma Indian Restaurant in January. was just great, and we generosity.—Candice Jaques
achievement,but I encourage you ister their interest on the web Brisbane Adventist College (Qld) to serve our good Lord always and site,” says Leighton Cantrill, created a golden trail of coins in I wish you God’s blessing as you recruitment promotions officer for aid of the schoolchildren in the begin your ministry,”Ms Hamura’s the South Pacific Division. Every tsunami-devastated regions of grandmother told her after the five years, the Adventist Church Asia.A 23-metre trail of gold coins graduation ceremony. She now reviews its administrative boards, represented $A1276,which will be serves in the Eastern Highlands committees and councils. A data- used to re-equip the schools that ◆ The church in PNG recently wel- Chimbu Mission.—John Hamu- base has been created to make it were destroyed or lost every- comed its third generation of ra/Melody Tan more convenient for church mem- thing.—Rachel Hosea local ministers when Nellie bers to register their interest to vol- Hamura graduated from Pacific ◆There has been an encouraging unteer on various boards and Adventist University with a BA in response to the new Boards and committees for the upcoming Theology. She follows the foot- Committees Online Database review. Interested parties can reg- steps of her father, Pastor John (Flashpoint, March 19). “I strongly ister their interest at
DAYS AND OFFERINGS: ◆ APRIL 9—HOPE FOR BIG CITIES OFFERING ◆ APRIL 16—LITERATURE EVANGELISM RALLY DAY
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news Cycling to build a “circle of courage”in rural areas College, Sydney Adventist Hospital, “I am very concerned about the increase WAHROONGA, NSW ADRA and Signs of the Times. A compact of risk behaviour in young people,” says Mr ix cyclists will ride across Australia booklet version of Signs will be published Duffy. “Research shows that the most in an endeavour to address issues of and handed out by the team at the places important protector against risk-taking for “at risk” behaviour among young young people is to feel valued by significant S people in small rural communities adults in their community. I want to chal- beginning on April 5. lenge the adults in rural communities to “Studies have shown that rural adoles- take the leading role in developing positive cents have some of the highest at-risk sta- community relationships. This will build tistics,” says Jonathan Duffy, director of resilience and self-esteem among the young Adventist Health for the South Pacific people.” Division. “They are up to four times more Mr Duffy and his team will be speaking likely to commit suicide, and females living at 31 towns across Australia and will be in a rural community are up to 11 times covering an average of 165 km a day during more likely to experience physical abuse. the tour. They will be speaking at local They are also more likely to use illicit sub- community venues organised through stances.” Jonathan Duffy,director of Adventist Health for the the community every evening. The The “Circle of courage” cycle tour is South Pacific Division,is prepared for a gruelling cyclists will introduce to parents and program of cycling and presenting talks across organised by Adventist Health. The Australia for “at risk”teenagers. other interested adults the “Circle of cyclists and their support team will start courage” principles for building resilience their journey from the Murray Street Mall they visit along the way. in young people. in Perth on April 5 at 8 am and finish in This booklet will contain articles about The “Circle of courage” is a model that Sydney on May 5. issues facing young people in rural com- focuses on four main areas—belonging, The 31-day, 4456 km ride is being spon- munities and an overview of how commu- mastery, independence and generosity. sored by a number of businesses and nities can make a difference for their young —Melody Tan Adventist institutions, including Avondale people. More @ www.cyclingincircles.org.au
dent. Another says, “I am being manager of Watson Park Conven- ◆ Many Adventist schools held a strengthened in what I believe tion Centre,Steve Plahn,the dubi- special dedication program to and this has been such an encour- ous privilege of drinking grape begin their school year on a high agement to me at a time when I spiritual note. Parents, teachers, know that my life is drawing to a students and friends of the schools close.”—Intravic all joined in for a time of praise, worship and prayer that touched ◆ The Caboolture church (Qld) many non-Adventist families who raised more than $A9000 at their attended. The two neighbouring auction night recently to support schools on the Victorian Adventist ◆ Residents of Coronella Retire- Pastor Michael Worker and his campground have started their ment Village, Vic,have had access team who are returning to Mon- year as a new entity. Nunawading to the satellite broadcast of Hope golia for their second trip. Auc- Adventist Primary School and Channel and 3ABN in their own tioneers Pastor Trafford Fisher and juice that had been freshly Nunawading Adventist College rooms since the beginning of this Warren Bailey put under the ham- pressed by the feet of two local have now united under the one year.“I love watching these new TV mer a variety of goods and servic- members, Peter Arnold and Brad name of Nunawading Christian channels, particularly the singing es donated for the cause.The tidy Marshall.—Kristiina and Warren College,after 30 years as separate as it is so beautiful,” says one resi- sum of $A240 was paid to give the Somerville schools.—Intravic
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news Weet-Bix TRY-athlon sets records (Continued from page 1) about the self-esteem of chil- dren, believes that the Kids Kids TRY-athlon events in other capital TRY-athlon is a great way cities including Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart to help build a child’s self- and Perth were well attended by children esteem. of all ages and attracted an increasing “The Kids TRY-athlon amount of attention from the media, allows children to have a including Channel 10’s TNN interviewing positive and challenging the director of the Avondale Centre for experience, while helping Exercise Sciences, Darren Morton, about them to feel confident in the difference that the Kids TRY-athlon their interaction with other Volunteers at a Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRY-athlon event displaying makes in children’s lives. children and with their par- some of the Sanitarium breakfast products that are available. The Kids TRY-athlon philosophy is ticipation in physical activ- based in the belief that inside every child ity. A positive experience in these areas of encourages kids into active, healthy life there is a champion, and it doesn’t matter life is sure to lead to greater confidence and choices.” about their physical appearance or sporting improved self-esteem,” says Mrs Keech. Our volunteers are one of the most ability. The event was designed to encour- Keech’s statement is backed by Kids important factors in ensuring the age children to get involved and feel like a TRY-athlon research that shows 75 per Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon in winner because they “had a go.” Every cent of parents reported an increase in a positive, fun family day out. When child who participates is rewarded with a their child’s self-esteem as a result of par- Sanitarium employees and church mem- medallion and a certificate for their ticipating in the Kids TRY-athlon and 92 bers who join us offer a welcoming com- achievements, with no placings or times per cent of parents say they would encour- ment and helpful service to kids and their kept. The event provides kids aged age their children to take part again. parents, it’s a step to creating a connection between seven and 15 years with a real con- Sanitarium’s corporate communications and potentially lifelong friendship with fidence boost with a challenging and manager Julie Praestiin says, “Our com- our consumers.”—Adele Nash achievable swim, cycle and run course. mitment to the health and wellbeing of our Motherinc editor, Claudia Keech, who nation is long standing. We believe the The Sanitarium Kids TRY-athlon will recently conducted a poll with Sanitarium Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon visit Brisbane next on April 10.
◆ On March 11,Josiah Turnbull, a shave their heads, but when we the jungle home of Sam from says school board chairperson Year 4 student at Northpine Chris- were approached by Josiah’s fam- Ghana. “The children were spell- Steve Fuller. “These new arrivals tian College (Brisbane, Qld), par- ily and they shared his desire to bound throughout the whole have very limited resources in ticipated in “The world’s greatest help others like his nanna presentation,” says principal Ross every circumstance.In an effort to through the “Shave for a cure,”we Reid. The children were intro- provide educational support to were touched by his passion to duced and invited to play various their children,the school is seeking serve and his selflessness,” says traditional instruments such as support from the wider commu- Robyn Dunlop, head of primary. the “talking drum,” bells and a nity to provide the opportunity of Josiah had his thick hair clipped gourd. Over at Darwin Adventist experiencing Christian educa- back to a #1, raising $A800 toward Primary School (DAPS), NT, they tion.”For further information con- his aim of $A1000 for the founda- are using $A38 per week spon- tact Athol Sparks on (08) 8927 tion.—Katy Bidmead sorships to pay for young African 9596. shave for a cure.”Josiah’s nanna is children to attend their little pri- undergoing treatment for cancer ◆ Africa has been the attention of mary school. “We are looking to and he wanted to show his sup- two of our schools recently.Noosa undertake an outreach into the port to her as well as to raise funds Christian College, Qld, students new African members of Aus- for the Leukaemia Foundation. had a session of African music, tralia who have relocated from “We don’t allow our students to dance and traditional stories from their home country to Darwin,”
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news Truck bomb damages Adventist church in Baghdad could not have come at a worse time for BAGHDAD, IRAQ the morale of our members,” says Homer suicide truck bomb, which Trecartin, secretary-treasurer for the rocked the centre of Baghdad on Middle East Union. March 9, broke the two remain- Already the church administration in A ing stained-glass windows of the Iraq has received 24 requests for mem- Baghdad Seventh-day Adventist church. bership transfers in 2004. The force from the blast also shat- That translates to one Iraqi member in tered the floor-to-ceiling window that every nine emigrating to a congregation separates the parents room from the wor- in another country. The indication is that ship hall inside the building. many more have already left without The blast occurred close to the Ministry officially transferring their membership. of Agriculture, just 100 metres from the Iraqi insurgents have targeted church compound at around 6.30 am Christians of all denominations, and local time. No church members were many Christians have fled the country, The Seventh-day Aventist church in Baghdad prior to inside the building at the time. the damage caused by a bomb on March 9. particularly in the time prior to the The Baghdad church has now been January presidential election. damaged three times over the past 17 one was injured. “While we are eager for our members to months. A car bomb at the Red Cross “We have boarded up windows and remain and flourish,” says Pastor Trecartin, building in October 2003, 200 metres from done what we can to make the church “these latest statistics are hardly surprising. the church, broke several windows and premises barely usable, but much of the Their daily routine of insecurity is nerve- covered some of the church’s office work- building remains unrepaired,” says Basim racking. ers with glass. Fargo, secretary of the Iraq Field. “They cannot see the situation improv- In September 2004, a car packed with So far, all efforts to secure funding for the ing. We are praying that the Lord will give 150 kilograms of explosives was detonated repairs have been unsuccessful. the Adventists a supernatural courage and just outside the side entrance of the church, “This latest hostile incident, while not make them a force of peace in this land of causing $US150,000 worth of damage. No- specifically targeting the Adventist Church, turmoil.”—Alex Elmadjian/ANN
◆ Balham,UK,church’s “street pas- ◆ In 2004, Ray Yelick was bap- the third year in a row, Open tors” go out late at night to the tised one month after his 100th Doors USA organised the week- streets of major cities, such as birthday at the Meadow Glade end international prayer initiative London and Birmingham, to offer church,Oregon,USA.Ray had lived known as “Shockwave.” The help and intercede in potentially by Christian principles all his life event gives teenage Christians an serious or dangerous situ- but had never studied the Bible in opportunity to pray specifically ations—at times the only people number of weeks before they such depth before becoming for believers who face persecution standing between police and peo- graduate as fully fledged “street aquainted with Meadow Glade for their faith in Christ.Jeff Shreve, ple involved in highly charged sit- pastors.” With the known and church member Vera Powell. He coordinator for Shockwave, says uations. Predominantly church trusted community perception of was thrilled as Bible studies the initiative is designed to members, the “street pastors,” a the “street pastor”service that has revealed each new truth and increase young people’s aware- concept that comes from now gained credibility from law- couldn’t understand why every- ness of their fellow believers in Kingston, Jamaica, go out in enforcement teams, the recent one could not see the Sabbath parts of the world where Christian groups and offer words of com- graduation of 11 students (pic- truth.—Gleaner faith is met with oppression and fort, advice and prayers to those tured) drew highly positioned persecution. “This year, tens of found in despair. Because of the law-enforcement dignitaries to ◆ Teenagers across the world thousands of Christian teens took dangerous nature of the job, all the graduation ceremony.— spent part of a weekend praying part in this annual prayer street pastors are trained first for a Patrick McKerrow for the persecuted church as, for event.”—Allie Martin
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news ADRA helps ADRA display at flood anniversary MAITLAND, NSW in Indonesia aitland’s 1955 Flood Anniversary incorporated dis- plays of the various organisa- WAHROONGA, NSW M tions that comprise the NSW dventist Developmnent and Relief Disaster Recovery Services, which gave Agency (ADRA)–Australia has the Maitland area Adventist Development allocated $A320,000 to help restore and Relief Agency (ADRA) team an a functional school system in opportunity to showcase the numerous Local ADRA coordinator Terry Heath with A Mayor Peter Blackmore at the anniversary. Western Aceh, Indonesia, following the services preformed by ADRA both locally Boxing Day tsunami disaster. In this area, and internationally. the Minister for Local Government and the tsunami swept away schools, along The flood anniversary display, which Emergency Services, Mr Tony Kelly. with learning, teaching and recreational was well attended from all parts of the Various speakers recounted memories— materials, supplies and equipment. Hunter Valley, was officially opened by both personal and relayed—of experiences “The destruction of school buildings at Maitland’s Mayor Mr Peter Blackmore, during one of the worst floods ever all levels is causing a major disruption to who also introduced dignitaries including recorded in the Hunter and paid tribute to students’ educational progress, further the efforts of the numerous organisations exacerbating the trauma among students, that provided assistance for people both teachers and parents,” reports an ADRA- during and after the flood, which devas- Indonesia spokesperson. tated the area. In collaboration with UNICEF, ADRA Many of the visitors to the display, which has taken a lead role in addressing the edu- was held in the Maitland Town Hall, cational needs of tsunami victims in the expressed a lot of interest in and apprecia- Western Aceh District through an tion for ADRA, for the work it was accom- Emergency School Rehabilitation project. Helen Heath (right) explains the ADRA plishing in Australia and throughout the The project aims to help facilitate a return display to a visitor. world.—Northpoint to normal life for tsunami survivors, by rebuilding the school system with a strengthened capacity to manage trauma- Today’s New International Version arrives tised students and teachers. numbers, but are “spiritually intrigued” by GRAND RAPIDS, USA ADRA-Australia’s funding will help to Jesus and Christianity more than any other rehabilitate or construct a number of ears in the making, publisher demographic schools and provide materials, equipment Zondervan has released a new An independent group of 15 leading and supplies to those schools. It will also translation of the Bible that’s aimed biblical scholars, led by John Stek, a pro- help to provide a training program for Y at young adults—accompanying fessor emeritus at Calvin Theological teachers and administrators on psycho- the effort with a $US1 million media blitz. Seminary, developed the new translation. social counselling, disaster preparedeness “We believe it’s the best combination of The same group worked on the New and management. readability and reliability of any Bible,” International Version of the Bible in the The Western Aceh District was one of says Ben Irwin, product development 1970s. the worst hit places by the tsunami disaster, manager of Zondervan’s Bible group. “It The International Bible Society, a global affecting tens of thousands of people. doesn’t sacrifice one for the other.” Bible translation and outreach ministry, —Candice Jaques The translation, called Today’s New commissioned the TNIV. It’s the copyright International Version (TNIV), is one that holder and will publish versions for use by aims to be more gender neutral in some other ministries and evangelists while cases and, in others, a little more clear and Zondervan is the commercial publisher. plain spoken. “We really do believe the translation Grand Rapids–based Zondervan, a divi- itself is vital to the new generation,” sion of HarperCollins Publishers, is aiming Caminiti says. “The reality is, while every the new Bible at 18- to 34-year-olds by third Bible sold in the United States is the advertising in publications and web sites New International Version, it’s 30 years old including Rolling Stone, Modern Bride, The and the English language is changing Onion, MTV.com and AOL. faster than any other language in the Children in the Western Aceh District will be Zondervan’s reasearch shows that young world.”—James Prichard More able to return to school with ADRA’s help. adults are leaving the church in large More @ www.tniv.info April 2, 2005 7 12 Features 21/3/05 6:06 PM Page 8
perspective The adventure of Prayer keys: Praying for schools faith BY JEFF CROCOMBE BY JOY BUTLER
HE TERM “FUNDAMENTALIST” HAS answers.” Finally, giving in to fundamen- N THOSE SCHOOLS WHERE PRAYER IS A become a popular label—a label talism is simply easier—because the think- priority among parents, friends and often linked with terrorism, with ing has already been done by someone teachers, the impact is being felt. The violence and with religion. else—than grappling and wrestling with “prayer for schools” network is grow- TFundamentalism I has been aptly defined as a the difficult questions that confront us as ing as people realise its importance. world view or movement centred on we study the Bible and attempt to live as In schools across the South Pacific restoring a religious tradition or sacred followers of God. Division (SPD), parents and children are text as the guiding force in society, usually The author of Hebrews reflects upon the taking time to pray for protection, for in opposition to ideas or practices consid- story of Abraham’s journey to a new land encouragement and for direction to make ered modern. While the term originated in this way: “By faith Abraham, when disciples in every school. The aims of the with American Protestant conservatives called to go . . . obeyed and went, even prayer network is to “bring the needs of the in the early 20th century, it is now com- though he did not know where he was children and their schools before God; to monly applied to the efforts of Islamist going” (Hebrews 11:82). Like Abraham, support and encourage one another as groups or regimes favouring conservative each of us who loves God is called to Christians within the school communities, morality and strict application of Islamic follow. to pray that each child will come to know law.1 In John 12:26, Jesus said, “Whoever the love of Jesus; to pray for principals, Many similar definitions of fundamen- serves me must follow me.” There are no teachers, staff, parents and school bodies; to talism exist. However at the heart of each of ifs, buts or maybes in that command. pray that schools will be directed by biblical them is something simple: a fundamental- Following God involves leaving arrogance values; to be a Christ-centred, positive and ist is someone who thinks they have all the of heart and mind behind us as we jour- supportive influence in the schools.” answers and none of the questions. A fun- ney—going where we do not know. Such Maybe God is calling you to begin a damentalist believes everyone with a dif- a commitment is difficult and a little (or a “prayer for schools” network in your area. ferent viewpoint to their own is wrong—at lot) scary. However, it is not optional; for Here are some steps to help you begin: best deluded, at worst, intentionally pro- such a commitment lies at the core of Pray for someone to join you, pray moting dangerous error. Christianity. together, meet preferably at the school In the context of Christianity then, a fun- With Paul we must admit that “we once a week or once a semester (seek per- damentalist approaches the Bible with a know in part and we prophesy in part” (1 mission from school administration for closed mind and heart, seeing no need for Corinthians 13:9). We do not have all truth. this), set aside one hour to meet, advertise, further insight. A fundamentalist knows We do not have all the answers. None of us keep a book of requests and names, co-opt what the Bible says, seeing no need for knows where we are going—whether in another leader to help and support you. debate or discussion; no room for uncer- our jobs, our schooling, where we’ll live, or Ask the SPD prayer ministries for a book- tainty or the suspension of judgment. At its our belief systems. let about Prayer for Schools with added core, fundamentalism is ultimately about We are called by God to humility, to guidelines (
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feature Meeting the challenges at
Fulton College BY NATHAN BROWN
LITTLE MORE THAN THREE YEARS be economically viable. ago, Pastor Murray Chapman “At the end of last year we actually laid arrived at Fulton College—an off approximately one-third of our staff in A hour’s drive out of Fiji’s capital, order to make it work for this year,” Pastor Suva—from the Adventist Church’s Chapman continues. “It was very difficult. Middle East College. He says it was a Most difficult for the people who were “fairly dramatic” change of climate and being laid off, but for the rest of us who circumstance. Now in his fourth year as remain it’s difficult too because we’re all principal of Fulton College, Pastor having to work harder. We’re continuing to Chapman leads an institution similarly offer the same programs but with a smaller facing dramatic challenges. staff. There are a lot of challenges around The most immediate concern is that the that.” lease of the land on which Fulton College But, despite these real challenges, Fulton is built has recently expired. At the time of College continues to attract students from writing, the matter is before the courts in across the Pacific. Currently nine national- Fiji and the church’s legal advisers are ities are represented at Fulton College, making slow progress toward ensuring from the Solomon Islands in the west to the the college’s long-term tenancy is renewed. Cook Islands and French Polynesia in the Pastor Murray Chapman,principal of Fulton Fulton College has also had to face a east. College. declining enrolment in the past couple of Pastor Chapman says Fulton is well years. The college commenced the 2005 known in the wider Fijian society. young people can come to be trained so academic year with about 300 students. “It’s “Wherever you go, there’s always someone they can go and work in the business a significant drop from a couple of years who knows about Fulton,” he says. world.” ago when we had close to 450,” comments As such, Pastor Chapman sees the college And most importantly, Pastor Chapman Pastor Chapman. playing an important role in the mission of reports, Fulton College continues to have a He says there is a clear reason for this the church in the region. Another aspect of strong spiritual focus. “Spiritual activities drop in enrolment. “For five or six years, this role is the expanded theology pro- are really the centre of everything that the Fiji government had a desperate need gram beginning this year. happens here,” he says. “Maybe a symbol of for primary school teachers,” Pastor “We have traditionally had a three-year that is our youth program on Sabbath Chapman explains. “They would employ diploma program, but we’re adding a afternoons. It’s usually the best-attended every graduate that we could produce. But fourth year to that program,” says Pastor program all day Sabbath, which is unique, two years ago, the school system became Chapman. “At the end of that fourth year, I think. saturated with teachers and the Minister for successful students will receive a degree in “But our worship program is part of the Education decided they would no longer theology from Pacific Adventist University. spiritual life of the place here. Bible studies employ any of our graduates. They were It means that pastors can be educated to are always going on. In the three years I’ve probably employing 65 out of the 80 and so degree level without going to PAU, which been here, we have baptised about 25 that had a dramatic impact. The perception is much easier for people in this part of the people each year.” was created that going to Fulton might not Pacific.” According to Pastor Chapman, Fulton be the safest thing to do if you want a job at Fulton has also recognised the opportu- College continues to be a place of vision. the end. So our yearly intake for primary nities associated with increasing use of “We want to help young people to learn education has dropped from 80 down to technology and business systems in the how to use what God’s given them to serve fewer than 30.” Pacific. “We’re strengthening our business others,” he says “The one-word motto of According to Pastor Chapman, this has studies department quite intentionally, in the college is ‘Others.’ Everybody here real effects. “As our numbers grew, our the computing area and also in business knows that and the Fulton family is very staff also grew,” he says. “Now that the stu- management,” says Pastor Chapman. “We proud of that. And it really does work.” R dent numbers have fallen, our income has see that as a growth for us, not only pro- obviously fallen. It’s a painful exercise to cut viding trained people for the church, but everything back to the point where we can also providing a place where Adventist Nathan Brown is editor of RECORD.
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“Connect with children” BY JULIE WESLAKE T TAKES A CHURCH” TO PROTECT AND live through the consequences. who is praying for them. Pray for the chil- save children.1 Parents and children’s Model God’s grace. To children the dren’s parents, pray for the children’s lead- leaders are extremely important spiri- gospel is relational. They need you to be ers—pray, pray and pray. It makes an I tual providers, but they cannot do this Jesus “with skin on.” Show them what it enormous difference. alone. Children need a church community means to be forgiven and how God’s love Speak up for the needs of children at who loves them, values them and empow- for them will never end—how there is your church. Children don’t usually have ers them to minister and serve. They need nothing they can do that will separate a voice. They have no way of telling us you to build quality relationships with them from God’s love. Teach them that their needs. They need you to have the them. If you don’t do this, you will continue their “works” are a love response back to courage to do this. Ensure that their activ- to lose many of the children who are sitting God for what He has done for them. ities are adequately funded, and that they in your church today. Help children develop the gifts that God are ministered to by dedicated and gifted Take time to learn the names of the has given them. Although children may leaders. children at your church. This essential first not be baptised members, they are a vital step will show the children that they are part of your church. Take classes for them important to you. to help them see how God has blessed Make time Each Sabbath, greet them by name, say them. Show them how they can use their “Connect with children” is a strategy of hello and ask them how their week has gifts in service to God and His church. the Department of Children’s Ministries of been. Ask simple, open-ended questions Involve them in ministry. Children need the South Pacific Division. A poster cover- such as, What was the best thing you did to know they are an important part of your ing these points will soon be arriving at this week? Then take time to listen. church. Create opportunities for real lead- your church to display and help focus your Talking and listening will help you develop ership. Include them in adult ministries— ministry. We are asking that all church friendships. stand by their side and work with them. Be members and ministries work coopera- Spend time with your children. Show a mentor. tively and creatively to ensure that the them that their activities are important to Include them in worship. Children build children you have in your churches will you. Go to their Sabbath schools, faith when they have the opportunity to be accept Jesus as their Saviour and always Adventurer clubs and social events and join a part of a faith community. They learn by delight in worship. My thanks go to the them in their activities. modelling and hearing your faith stories. many who are already giving children the Show them unconditional love. Accept They need to see that your worship is for priority they need. Special thanks also goes them for who they are—children of God. them as well as the adults. Help connect to the RECORD for their new increased Treat them as you yourself would like to be them to God and your church community children’s emphasis (see page 12). treated. Support them through their mis- through worship. “If you connect with children today . . . takes. Lovingly, but firmly put boundaries Support the child’s family. They carry a then you will see the fruit of that effort blos- around them, and if they fail, help them huge responsibility to nurture their children som for decades to come. There is no better and build strong and lasting spiritual foun- investment than nurturing our young- dations. Encourage their efforts to worship sters.”2 R with their children. Be patient with their children. During church, sit with families 1.Gary Hopkins,It Takes a Church,2002. to help them. 2. George Barna,Transforming Children Into Spiritual Provide safe environments for your chil- Champions , 2003. dren. Ensure children are physically safe— protected by your policies and the imple- mentation of them. Keep volunteer screen- Julie Weslake is director of children’s ing a high priority. ministries for the South Pacific Pray for your children. This may need to Division, based in Wahroonga, New South Wales. be formalised so every child has someone
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“A special,please,
Daddy” BY BRAD WATSON
HY I VOLUNTEERED, I WILL dren were dodging and weaving between picked out the largest pink doughnut. never really know. Maybe it the legs of customers standing in line. The walk to the bank was heavenly. was a passing moment of mad- Caleb was hiding smugly behind a Peace reigned. For a few short minutes the Wness, one of those on-the-spot rather large leg calling out, “Nah, nah, nah, world became normal, and I even had time decisions that a man lives to regret. At the you can’t catch me.” to be glad I wasn’t the mother of a little boy time, however, I thought I was being a Zoey charged toward him, dodging who had just sprayed his milkshake all good husband. between several knees, completely over the floor. “I’ll take Caleb and Zoey out, Honey,” I unaware of the expressions on the faces She probably wished she had my kids, I said confidently to my tired wife who above. thought smugly as they sat in perfect could do with some time out. With our With the refund pocketed, looks of pity silence, devouring their treats. youngest in bed, taking Caleb and Zoey and relief followed us as we left, heading By the time we got there, all of 30 seconds out was the least I could do. off to the department store. later, Caleb had finished his doughnut. The pestering began before we even At this next shop, I got through 50 “Dad, I’m still hungry. Can I have left the driveway. metres without a single stop after piling another special?” “Dad, can we have a special?” Caleb both of them into a shopping trolley. For a “What?” asked. moment, I felt like I was on the home “I’m hungry, Dad. My doughnut was “A special, a special. We’re going to straight at Bathurst. too small.” have a special,” Zoey chimed in with her The printer cartridges were at the finish I tried to block him out and filled in the cute, three-year-old voice. line, but available only if I could remember deposit form instead. “Hey, be patient, you kids. If you are the model of my printer. After standing in the wrong line for at good, you can have something nice to eat “Dad, can I have this pen?” asked Caleb least five minutes, we were eventually when we get to the shops. But only if you as I wondered if it was an HP 200 or an served. don’t pester.” HP 2200. “Can I have your card please?” the teller I thought this tactic would be a sure “Daddy, look at my new scissors,” Zoey behind the counter asked. winner. They would be quiet and I would chimed in just as my fuzzy brain almost “Sure.” I opened my wallet. No card. be the hero who bought them doughnuts. made a breakthrough. “I’m sorry, I had it just a moment ago,” I After a few hours of productive shopping, “Dad, Zoey took some scissors!” managed to mumble. we would return home contentedly. Dad At that moment, I gave up trying to I could sense customers staring at my would have done it again! remember anything. There are cameras back as Zoey smeared pink icing on the My optimism was short lived. here, I reminded myself, lots of cameras. glass window while I emptied my wallet “Dad,” Caleb asked, with a worried I practised the breathing techniques for the third time. expression, “I don’t want an eating special. Fiona had learned in antenatal classes. Finally, I stood aside so they could serve I want a playing special. Can you buy me We eventually found most of the things other customers, and went to where I’d a special toy?” I had been hoping to buy, and even did a filled the form out to look for my card. That was just the beginning. little rearranging along the way. “Someone just handed in a card,” a When we arrived, our first stop was to With the department store conquered, it bank officer said, and with that I ended up take some bills to Medicare for refunds. was off to the bank via the doughnut shop. back in the inquiry line. When I finally looked up from completing Caleb chose a small purple doughnut with Finally, with card retrieved and cheque a form, I realised with horror that my chil- a plastic Mickey Mouse ring, while Zoey deposited, we left.
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Don’t look back, I reminded myself as numerous eyes followed our noisy departure. Too much pity does cruel things to a man. In the supermarket, they wanted everything. Zoey threw her shoes in the trolley and took off down the aisles. Almonds were not good enough. Only cashews would do. One of the items on my shopping list wasn’t in stock and this threw me into shock. My con- centration was shot. The trolley was out of control. My team man- ager was at home, and even my cornering was beginning to suffer. At the auto shop, Zoey did laps of the perimeter and finally ran Caleb off the aisle into a car-seat rack and a pool of tears. I’m sure they had the safety car out while I paid and left. When we finally buckled up in the car, Zoey was red-faced and crying. Caleb was complaining that he hadn’t gotten a special drink, and I was consciously trying to slow down so that I did not look like I was rushing back to my wife. At home, the kids wouldn’t eat their dinner and my princess was not at all happy. So much for the hero returning to his castle in a blaze of glory. “How was it?” Fiona asked at one point during the handover. “Yeah, not bad,” I replied to my slightly disbelieving wife as I headed upstairs to my study. Don’t look back, I reminded myself. Don’t let her psyche you out. It is a few hours later now, and the children are in bed. In an hour or so, it will be shower, prayers and sleep for Mum and Dad. Probably not much sleep actually, if the last few nights are any- thing to judge by. Besides being reminded what my wife goes through every day, I think I learned something valuable from my children this after- noon. And it is not just that my fathering skills need a little brush- ing up on. When I pray tonight, will I ask God for specials, or will I ask to be led? Will I pester my Father, or find time to encourage or praise Him? How nice it would have been today to hear my son say, “Dad, you’re special. Thanks for everything.” I love my son more than life, but somehow, drinks and sweets became so important to him today. It made me feel less. And yet how many times have I done the same? I guess it’s easier to be a kid than years and wrinkles suggest. And I wonder if it drives God nuts too. Jesus did not pray, “Father in heaven, You can give me every- thing. May my will be done through Your power. Give me today the desires of my heart, leading me to greener pastures. Make life easy, providing only the best.” Jesus actually said we should pray like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV). There is so much more to prayer than asking God for specials, isn’t there? R
Brad Watson is a lecturer in international development at
Avondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales. Peta Taylor
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specific. Abortion is a modern thing, and not sufficient justification where a benefit Postmodern God? for this reason it isn’t dealt with specific- to self is the motivation. Many would say ally in the Bible, so we must apply biblical that abortion is acceptable where the life LEONARD TOLHURST, NSW principles to arrive at a judgment. of the mother-to-be is threatened by the James Coffin said in “Mission in post- From the Bible we can believe that the pregnancy. This may well be, but if my modernity” (Feature, February 19) that we dead have no consciousness and “sleep.” wife and I had taken such medical advice, ought not say to the postmodern generation, Death is referred to as “sleep” only be- our last three children would never have “These are the answers; here it is, in this tidy cause we will one day awaken from it. Job been born. package.” But if we’re not to tell the world 3:1-19 makes it clear that the unborn that we have the truth for these last days, dead are also “asleep” with the rest of the then we’re not fulfilling our mission. dead. Lamenting the night of his Choice of Christians Postmodernism maintains that there is no conception and the day of his birth, in absolute truth, and I am concerned that we verse 11, he wishes he’d been stillborn or, CORRAN VINCENT, NZ Adventists are being too influenced by this in verse 16, miscarried. In other verses he The letters from Ian Rankin (January world view. This is seen in the “soft-ped- makes it clear that in either circumstance 1), Warwick Pascoe and Malcolm Ford dling” of our distinctive doctrines, the plu- he would have slept with the the dead. (February 26) gave food for thought. ralism in the church, and the lack of voices against teachings that aren’t Adventist. Jesus would never have subscribed to The question remains:When is it lawful to postmodern ways of teaching, declaring in John 14:6, “I am the . . . truth.” He was kill an unborn child? no postmodernist, and we Seventh-day Adventists need also resist the pressures From that we conclude that God counts For thousands of years humans have of the world lest we fail in our mission. the unborn dead. Were this not so, it tried to control the thinking of others. could not be said that Job would’ve slept. Nebuchadnezzar, for example, thought he Since a miscarriage can occur any time could do it with the threat of the fiery A higher view after conception, it follows that a child is furnace until Daniel and his friends stayed accounted for from that time. standing. LANCE WEARMOUTH, QLD The question remains: When is it lawful The Adventist Church has always been I find it strange that someone with Rod- to kill an unborn child? Since perceptions at the forefront of religious freedom for ney Woods’s Bible knowledge wouldn’t and circumstances do vary, I cannot all. However, while holding the flag for know how God perceives the unborn dead attempt any definitive rule, and clearly the ideals of the Christian way, it must (“Abortion: A mixed perspective,” View- there will be circumstances where God also allow people the freedom of choice to point, March 5) or that He has given us all would permit it. It’s my belief that such a go their own way. the information we need. decision should be taken only by the God has never forced humankind to Most Christians think they should be parents and only in circumstances where accept His way, giving a choice while opposed to abortion because of the they both feel they could justify their wooing us to follow His way (see Hosea command not to kill, but are unable to be decision before God. In any decision, it is 4:17). So a most important difference between Christianity and other religions just a coincidence is salvation by faith—a conscious decision in the mind, rather than by what we physically do. Just as the church claims freedom of choice, so people who want a different lifestyle have the right. While we may not like their lifestyle, they are entitled it. Those persuaded against their will are of the same opinion still.
Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination.Letters should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name,address and phone number.All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements,but the author’s original meaning will not be changed. Not all letters received are published.See masthead (page 2) for con- tact details.
April 2, 2005 13 12 NB 21/3/05 6:03 PM Page 14
noticeboard Stevens-Whitehead—Fulwood. Paul Stevens-Whitehead, son of Margaret Volunteers! Whitehead (Singleton, NSW) and the Positions vacant late Harry Stevens, and Karen Fulwood, ESL Teacher—Czech Republic. daughter of Rod and Rose Fulwood ▲ Required experience: must be native Marketing Communications Manager—Sydney Adventist College (Strathfield, (Innisfail), were married on 21.11.04 at is seeking a Marketing Communications Manager, preferably with three+ English speaker with a good ability to NSW) Avica Wedding Resort, Merrimac, Gold years experience in a marketing or related role and be degree qualified, with a busi- teach and have basic computer skills. Coast, Qld. ness degree (marketing major) or BA (communications). The successful applicant will Minimum education: 2 years Mark Pearce also possess well-developed communication and project-management skills, high-level college/university. Duties: Teach analytical and strategic skills, drive and enthusiasm, and a strong spiritual commit- English as a second language, Bible Adam Raymond Weal, ment. For further information contact Murray Chapman (02) 9764 3200;
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