Contacts Editorial
Cover photo: Dewayne Ayisi , SEC © Joshua Roberts n
Many have undertaken to draw up an happen? Will anyone believe us if we try and c o
Vol. 34 Issue 1 • January 2017 The purpose of ncounter is to account of the things that have been fulfilled talk about it years later, or will they have u n
Editor: Natalie Davison develop youth and youth leadership t among us, just as they were handed down to glossed into the haziness of the past? Maybe, e
Youth Dept, BUC, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JZ. spiritually and motivationally, r Design: Abigail Murphy in faith and in service. us by those who from the first were for some events, that would be a good thing. 2 eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Luke Painful moments of loss of a loved one, the 3 1:1-2, NIV grief of never knowing an unborn child, To contact us directly or for regional youth director contacts, Clearly, in the time since Jesus lived on bullying, a road accident, cancer – these please see the website for details or scan this QR code. earth and following His ascension, in the time moments should not be forgotten, but the www.adventistyouth.org.uk of the early church and the apostles, lots of hurt may fade so that we can move on with people thought it a good idea to write down our lives and live again, albeit with the all the events which took place during that memory. This issue’s contributors: time. But I think that we need to somehow Writing down the stories and events that record our moments of doubt, of outrage, of Science and Faith happen in our lives is a good thing, and sadly despair. Our setbacks are worth Ree Muroiwa graduated with BEng (Hons) in Forensic Engineering at Sheffield diary writing seems to have gone out of remembering, because out of all of them Hallam University. He currently works as a Forensic Metallurgist for one of the fashion. Nowadays we diarise our lives on come the stories of how we overcame them: world-leading producers of steel. A significant proportion of his time at work is social media, using words, images, photos the way we dealt with the lack of faith, the spent investigating failures of common parts used in aircraft, motor vehicles etc. There’s nothing wrong with that – I do it people who encouraged us along the way, and engineering equipment. too. As a busy, working mum, it is far easier to the positive outcomes and the overall good quickly pop something up on Facebook than that resulted. These stories – the bad with the Teen Talk it is to get out a diary and write it all down and good – are what we need to record. Because have to describe everything in detail. And only then will we be able to recall them when Joanna Evers is the author of this issue’s Crux of the matter , and tackles the when we want to search back, it’s all just a we need to offer assistance to others. question, ‘What happens when I die?’ She has two crazy kids and one scroll away. So, like Luke, maybe we need to write it wonderful husband, loves studying the Bible and is constantly amazed to learn Yet, what is it we post on down. And maybe one day our words will be more from it. She is homesick for heaven. these sites? Is it the happy able to provide encouragement family photos and videos and and hope and certainty. In comments which make us Luke’s case, he had no doubts Youth Issues chuckle? What about the about why he wrote his Gospel. realities of everyday life? Having carefully investigated Chantal Tomlinson takes over our Eat to live series with a look at longevity and The morning headache as everything from the beginning, I a plant-based diet. She is a registered dietitian, and is also the health ministries we slowly emerge from our also have decided to write an leader at her local church. She desires that we may all be serious about our cocoons to get ready for accurate account for you, most health and be the best we can be for Jesus! work/school. Do we post honourable Theophilus, so you can our careless words as be certain of the truth of everything we are nagged by our you were taught. Luke 1:3-4, NLT parents to hurry and get We have had a few new writers ncounter is a magazine for teens and young adults. If you are part of this age group then we are very happy to have contributions from you in future ncounter magazines. a move on? How about join our team this year, including a Perhaps you want to write about a recent faith-sharing experience or you want to tell us the struggles we have new blog spot. We hope you enjoy the about your time volunteering. Maybe you are a student in the field of science and you have with our siblings/ magazine, and if you would like to come across some research which has helped cement your faith in the Bible. Or you may spouses or the contribute please message us at: even have a topic close to your heart that you would like us to tackle in the Youth Issues difficulties and [email protected] section. Contact us – we’d love to hear from you! [email protected] anxieties at work or Love it, hate it or think you could do better? Have your say about your uni? If we don’t ncounter magazine. Fill in our online survey at www.adventistyouth.org.uk record them, did they really d Natalie Davison BUC Youth Ministries Secretary
Youth Issues
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t d d e ‘. . . for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your Regular exercise is defined as at least 30 Looking to God for advice in everything r works, and that my soul knows very well.’ Psalm 139:14, NKJV minutes of physical activity most days of you do will ensure that you make the right 8 9 the week. decisions for your life. Proverbs 3:5, 6 is a Psalm 139:14 is one of my favourite life is so busy with so many other things to d If you want to burn more calories go for great reminder of where to look if you want scriptures relating to our well-being. grab your attention? With an active school life, aerobic exercise, which raises the pulse success in your life. It reads: ‘Trust in the You know, when the psalmist David studies, afterschool activities, sharing your time rate and makes you perspire. Lord with all your heart and don’t depend considered the amazing formation of the with friends and family and the other social d Engage in activities that involve the full on your own understanding. Put the Lord human body and the awesome creative activities you enjoy, life can be demanding. range of movements and include the first in everything you do and He will direct powers of God, I imagine that he was However, choosing healthy behaviour, like varying categories of exercise, like your life’ (The Clear Word). This is great captivated for the following reasons: eating well and engaging in regular physical stretching, cardiovascular workout, toning, advice whether you are making decisions d When he assessed the 23 pairs of activity, will help you handle your daily life weight bearing, etc. If you are attending a about your physical, emotional, academic, chromosomes that made him who he was; challenges. In fact, research demonstrates gym, the physical instructors will assist social or spiritual well-being. God can d when he thought about the 100 trillion cells that healthy eating and regular exercise can you to do this. point you in the right direction and the and 7 octillion atoms that make up an help you feel good about yourself, boost d A good exercise routine will enhance instruction you need in all these areas can adult; energy, and raise your alertness, which helps circulation, co-ordination, balance and be found in His Word – the Bible. d when he paused to contemplate the you to learn better and excel in your studies. body sculpting. Your physical instructor will d Daily Bible study, personal prayer time and complexity of the human brain; Scientific evidence over many years points be able to guide you to the exercises that reading devotional books are other ways d the functionality of the cardiovascular to healthy lifestyle habits lowering your risk for are better suited to your needs in these to develop a healthy spiritual appetite and system; diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart areas. keep you connected with God. d the expanse of the circulatory system; disease and even some forms of cancer. It is d Join friends and family members to d Finding a prayer partner – someone with d the intricacies of the digestive and important to address health issues now as undertake exercise if you dislike exercising whom you can pray on a regular basis – is eliminatory system; many lifestyle-related diseases can occur alone. also great for spiritual support and helping d the ingenuity of the endocrine and early on in life as much as when you are older. d Think of outdoor activities that you can do to keep you Christ-centred. lymphatic system; Health pointers together as a family. d Some people find having a spiritual d the detailed nervous system; As an introduction to the series, here is a d Play ball games in the park. guardian or mentor useful as they can d the impact of the respiratory and checklist of health tips and suggestions for d Go on family outings that will involve assist in giving spiritual direction and give musculoskeletal system . . . you to try: games or activities that encourage support in times of difficulty when your In an outburst of enthusiastic appreciation physical action. faith is challenged. to the Master Designer he declares, in Psalm 139:14 (NKJV), ‘I will praise You, for I am FFoooodd My prayer for us is that as we embrace the fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous SSoocciiaall aaccttiivviittyy aforementioned health pointers 2017 will are Your works; and that my soul knows very d Get involved with family shopping so you become our best year yet. d Choose friends that respect your values so well.’ are part of the decision making for healthy Are you ready for the journey to a happier, that you feel less tempted to succumb to Thinking about this marvellous body of food choices for the family. healthier and more hopeful 2017? Well let’s go! ours, I would like us to consider how we can d Ensure the kitchen is stocked with a variety peer pressure from friends who have get the most out of our bodies and enjoy the of fruits and vegetables. different value systems to you. process of daily living. d Ensure a good range of wholegrain foods. d Always check that the activity you are A prayer In this series on Body Talk we will d Minimise processed foods. engaging in will not compromise your Father God – Thank You for making us so undertake a holistic journey of discovering d Organise your own packed lunch if the Christian principles. wonderfully. Help us to make wise choices how to enhance our well-being in every facet school or college canteen does not d Get involved in activities that will enhance about our lives so that we can become the of our lives. provide the healthy foods you require. your well-being physically, emotionally, best that You would have us to be. 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B E w l 0 1 Teen Talk
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God’s plans are better than ours u n t e
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We know that teens have a voice and we want to hear from you! Elizabeth Roberts In this edition, Elizabeth shares her thoughts about her younger 13 years – and it might resonate with what you are going through right now. Body image is such a high priority in today’s media-obsessed world, and in truth not many would match up to the standards set out by the fashion and film industries. But remember that ‘man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV.) If you have something on your heart that you would like to share in this blog spot (it can be anonymously), then please write to us at [email protected]
Recently I was watching the ‘Love your curls’ advertisement by Dove and I was inspired by the aim of it. The message of the advert was not only to celebrate your curls, but everything else that may make you different from the norm. This was due to the negative connotation children as young as five associated with having curls and being different, which was present in the video. The encouraging theme really put things into perspective for me. When I was younger, I once said to my mother, ‘I wish I was born into another family so I could have longer hair.’ My mother was surprised and she replied, ‘You should never wish for such things.’ At that young age, I never understood what was wrong with my request until years later, when it finally dawned upon me. I found myself crying after I watched the advert because the realisation hit me: If I had been born into another family, I might not have had a mother that raised me in the Lord and taught me to respect Him no matter what. I might not have known that there is a Saviour who loved us so much that He died on the cross to save us from our sins, and that He is preparing a place for us in heaven so we can live with Him eternally. Sometimes we find ourselves envious of other people’s possessions or the features with which God has blessed them. However, we need to take a step back, take a deep breath and look at the life where we have an abundance of blessings. We must remind ourselves that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and we must trust and thank Him for the life that He gave us. He created us and thought of us in such a high regard that he planned our lives out for us, which is a million times better than we could ever imagine. God’s plan is bigger and better than ours; I thank God for the lack of longer hair because I have a chance to know Him. What can you thank God for? Verse of the day: ‘ “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ’ Jeremiah 29:11, NIV. Teen Talk
d Joanna Evers n when we die – where do we go? ‘All that are time. To believe in the immortality of the soul, c o
Crux of the matter living on after death, is to fall for one of the u
in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall n t come forth.’ John 5:28, 29, KJV. ‘David . . . is oldest lies of all time. e r Q. My school teacher told me about her lovely dream/vision about being both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us People who have lost loved ones may find 14 15 taken up to heaven and meeting all her friends and family who had died. It to this day. . . . For David did not ascend into this a difficult concept – to think that the was very calming and reassuring for her to see that they were all safe and the heavens.’ Acts 2:29, 34, NKJV. Once we person they loved no longer exists. When my happy in heaven. Is that what the Bible tells us happens when we die? are dead, we remain in the grave. When grandmother passed away a few months ago, Jonah was in the belly of the fish, he cried out my brother and I read this passage at her to God as from the grave – a place of funeral – words of comfort and hope written darkness and decay. specifically to those who mourn: What is it like to be dead? ‘For the living ‘But I do not want you to be ignorant, know that they will die; but the dead know brethren, concerning those who have fallen nothing, and they have no more reward, for asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no the memory of them is forgotten. Also their hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose love, their hatred, and their envy have now again, even so God will bring with Him those perished; Nevermore will they have a share in who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by anything done under the sun. . . . For there is the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in remain until the coming of the Lord will by no the grave where you are going.’ Ecclesiastes means precede those who are asleep. For the 9:5, 6, 10, NKJV. Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a When Jesus was on earth, He clearly told shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with His disciples that death was like a sleep. the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will Responding to the news of Lazarus’s death, rise first. Then we who are alive and remain He said, ‘ “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go shall be caught up together with them in the that I may wake him up.” Then His disciples clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we What happens after you die? This is one of God who gave it.’ Ecclesiastes 12:7, KJV. said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort the universal human questions. As Next question: what is the ‘spirit’ that However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they one another with these words.’ 1 Thessalonians Shakespeare said in Hamlet, ‘For in that sleep returns to God at death? ‘The body without thought that He was speaking about taking 4:13-18, NKJV. of death what dreams may come when we the spirit [‘breath’] is dead.’ James 2:26. ‘The rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, What gives us genuine reassurance is the have shuffled off this mortal coil?’ Many spirit of God [‘the breath which God gave “Lazarus is dead.” ’ John 11:11-14, NKJV. truth found in the Bible – eternal life is people have put forward different him’] is in my nostrils.’ Job 27:3, KJV. This So, where do we get the idea of an possible through Jesus Christ. We do not philosophies and beliefs about the afterlife, means that another word for ‘spirit’ is breath – immortal soul that lives on after death? ‘And need to be anxious about death, for ourselves but all of them are based on speculation. In this has no consciousness, but is just the the LORD God commanded the man, saying, or our loved ones – it is only a short sleep the Bible we have a clear and definitive breath of life. “Of every tree of the garden you may freely until Jesus returns. answer, given by the Creator of life, who Some people also use the word ‘soul’ – eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good Himself has lived and died and come back to what is that? ‘And the LORD God formed man and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that For more details, visit: life. of the dust of the ground, and breathed into you eat of it you shall surely die.” ’ Genesis www.amazingfacts.org/media- Let’s start at the beginning: where did we his nostrils the breath of life; and man 2:16, 17, NKJV. ‘Then the serpent said to the library/study-guide/e/4987/ come from? ‘And the LORD God formed man became a living soul.’ Genesis 2:7, KJV. A woman, “You will not surely die.” ’ Genesis t/are-the-dead-really-dead of the dust of the ground, and breathed into soul is a living being. A soul is always a 3:4, NKJV (emphasis supplied). his nostrils the breath of life; and man combination of two things: body plus breath. This was one of the first lies spoken to became a living soul.’ Genesis 2:7, KJV. A soul cannot exist unless body and breath humankind by the devil – you will not die; you Joanna Evers has two crazy kids and So our bodies were formed from the dust are combined. can be immortal. The only times the Bible one wonderful husband. She loves by God. And what happens to our bodies So, can souls (body + breath) die? ‘The talks about immortality are in reference to studying the Bible and is constantly amazed to learn more from it. She is when we die? ‘Then shall the dust return to the soul who sins shall die.’ Ezekiel 18:20. So we God (1 Timothy 6:15, 16) and to what we will homesick for heaven. earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto are all souls and we do die. What happens be like when we are resurrected at the end of Events n
The European Youth Congress is taking place in Valencia, Spain from 1 to 5 August 2017. Registration options: c o
We hope that you can all be there! Here’s what you need to know: u A: Full Congress Package n t e
Includes Congress fee, all meals and accommodation in designated exhibition r
16 Who: halls. This means you need to bring a sleeping bag and floor mat. (You will be 17 The congress is for youth aged 18+. placed in a 2-person tent; there will also be a section for families, which you can Those aged 16-17 may attend, but must be accompanied by an adult who will specify on the registration form.) £165 be responsible for their safety and conduct for the duration of the entire trip. B: Congress and Food Where: You will be responsible for arranging your own accommodation. £110 Feria Valencia , Av. de las Ferias, 1, 46035 Valencia, Spain. C: Congress Only When: This means that you will have to provide your own accommodation and food. £70 1-5 August 2017. Those selecting option D below and staying in the BUC accommodation will have rooms booked from the evening of 31 July – and D: BUC Congress Package depart on the morning of 6 August. Includes Congress fee, all meals and accommodation in nearby student dorm. These rooms are all ensuite twin rooms with a small kitchenette. You will be Programme: allocated a roommate unless you tell us with whom you would like to share. £200 7:30am 9:30am 11:30am 1:30pm 3:30pm 6:30pm 8:30pm 10pm Evening Tue. Chill out Registration and payment: programme The registration form is available on the website: Morning Workshops/ www.adventistyouth.org.uk Worship & Afternoon Evening Wed. prayer & seminars Chill out In order to guarantee your booking, you must TEDtalks options programme exercise 2x45 mins complete the form and send in your payment. You can pay online through credit/debit card or Paypal. Or call the BUC office
Morning Workshops/ D Worship & Evening to pay over the phone on 01923 672251. i
Thur. prayer & seminars n Outreach – Impact TEDtalks L programme n exercise 2x45 mins u Those who will require a visa to travel to Spain are e n encouraged to apply and pay for their tickets as quickly as r c
Morning Workshops/ h Worship & Afternoon Evening possible (before 1 April) so that the visa process may be started Fri. prayer & seminars Baptism TEDtalks options programme in good time and avoid disappointment for anyone. exercise 2x45 mins
Morning Sabbath school Afternoon Evening Sab. Chill out prayer & worship options programme
Travel: The easiest way to travel is to fly, but prices will vary according to where you are flying from and when you book. The nearest airport is Valencia, and there will be shuttle buses from the airport to the centre provided by the Division organisers. For example, at the time of press, flights from Birmingham to Valencia are around £128 return. Flights are available from many airports across the UK & Ireland to Valencia but you will need to search online for your nearest airport. If you are coming by other forms of public transport, please advise your timings so that we can link you up with local transport or collections (if available). EP D KE T AN L OU 2017 Calendar PUL n c o u n t e r
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7 Spiritual Commitment Sabbath BUC 7 Health Ministries Day GC 7-16 Ten Days of Prayer GC 21 Religious Liberty Day GC 28 Day of Fellowship/Youth Leaders Lunch SEC 29 AGM NEC 29 Basic Staff Training SM
4 Tell the World: Personal Outreach GC 4 Newbold College Offering TED 4-11 Christian Home and Marriage Week GC 11 PBE Conference Testing SEC 12 Introduction to APLA NEC 12 PLA/MIT Orientation SEC •SM 12-15 Drill & Drum camp SEC 17-19 TLT Residential SEC 18 Missionary Health and Temperance Literature GC 18 PBE SM Tests SM 24-26 Winter Camp NEC •SM 26 Camping Skills 1/Drill & March SEC
3-5 Peace Alumni weekend NEC 4 Women’s Day of Prayer GC 10-12 MG/PLA Training Weekend (1) NEC 11 AWR Offering GC 11 Union PBE tests SEC •SM 17-19 MIT Residential SEC 18 Global Youth Day GC 18-25 Youth Week of Prayer GC 19-20 Global Youth Day Weekend, Rhyll WM 25 Christian Education GC 25-9 April ADRA-UK Annual Appeal, provinces BUC 25-16 April ADRA-UK Annual Appeal, metropolitan BUC 31-2 April Drill & March – Boot Camp NEC 2017 Calendar n c o u n t e r
7-9 PLA/MIT Training SEC •SM 21 1 Youth Day of Prayer & fasting GC 9 Big 6 NEC 13-16 Prayer & Faith Conference SEC 11-16 SM Camporee SM 14-16 3 Missions Weekend, Scotland MISSIONS 14-16 MG/PLA Training Weekend (3) NEC 14-22 Spring Ski Trip NEC 17-21 Student Camp, Chapel Porth NEC •SEC 17-23 PBE World Finals GC 23 Athletics Day NEC 21-23 MG/PLA Training Weekend (2) NEC 22 London City March SEC 28-1 May Prayer Warriors NEC 23-30 Summer Trip to Israel SEC 30-6 Aug Junior Camp, Aberdaron NEC
5-7 MIT Camping SEC 1-5 Pan-European Youth Congress, Valencia, Spain TED 7 Level 2 Youth Ministries Training NEC 6-13 Earliteens Camp, Aberdaron NEC 13 Youth Day of Fellowship, Cardiff WM 7-14 Youth Camp, Chapel Porth SEC 14 BST 1 SEC 11-14 Adventurer Camporee SEC 21 BST 2 SEC 13-20 Youth Camp, Aberdaron NEC 26-29 Coast-to-coast Cycle Ride NSEM C 15-20 Pathfinder Camporee SEC 26-29 Adventurer Camporee, Linnet Clough NEC •SM 21-27 Extreme Teens Camp, Chapel Porth SEC 28 SM Day of Fellowship SM TBC Welsh Teens Camp WM 30-4 June Pathfinder Camporee, Linnet Clough NEC
3 Stanborough Press Open Day BUC 1-2 School of the Prophets NEC 2-4 PLA Training SEC •SM 2 Summer Teens Concert SEC 4 Level 2 Youth Ministries Training NEC 6-10 ASC Student Training Retreat, Aberdaron NEC 11 TLT Support Day SEC 8-10 MIT Camping SEC 23-26 Master Guide Camp, Norway TED 8-10 MG/PLA Training Weekend (4) NEC 26-2 July Camp Meeting NEC 16 SM Rally Day, Edinburgh SM TBC Two Castles Team Aberdaron Run NEC 16 Special Memorial Day BUC 17 TLT Support Day SEC 2017 Calendar Science and Faith
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e and suffering r 23 1 BST 1 SEC An insight into the art of investigating failures of engineering components. 8 BST 2 SEC 13-15 Youth Congress SEC The question of evil and suffering is one of the most talked-about 13-15 Young Adults Prayer Retreat, near Swansea WM subjects in modern religious debate. I have seen or heard several studies 20-22 Global Public Campus Ministries Weekend GC and presentations on the theme. However, perhaps one of the more 21 BUC Student Day (Date to be confirmed) BUC surprising places I’ve found food for thought on this issue is through my 22-25 Drill & Drum camp SEC work as a forensic metallurgist. 26-29 Prayer & Faith Conference SEC The first question is, ‘What is forensic metallurgy?’ Over the years, I have had various responses ranging from, ‘Is it the kind of stuff they do on CSI?’ to the most common, ‘Never heard of it!’ I myself had never heard of it until I needed to find a job. Metallurgy is a field of materials science that studies the physical and chemical behaviour of metallic elements, their intermetallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. Forensic metallurgy is the investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing injury or damage to persons or property. 11 Youth Day of Fellowship, Swansea WM Over the years, I have been involved with investigations involving cracks or defects on aircraft components and automotive, oil and gas industry products, among others. To be able to successfully investigate and establish the root cause of a failure, one must have a good understanding of how the materials making up that component are formed, and their response to various stresses and strains. (In engineering, stress is a measure of the internal forces that neighbouring particles of a continuous material exert on each other. Strain is a measure of the deformation of the material.) The Bible states that humans were created by God and in His image. However, 9 Teens Day of Fellowship SEC one of the most commonly asked 8-10 Level 1 Youth Ministries Training Retreat NEC questions is: ‘If God is real, why would 9-10 Basic Staff Training SM He allow so much suffering in this world? Why can’t He stop the pain and misery?’ As mentioned, my experiences dealing with failure investigations have helped me understand what is going on.
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A good rule applied in the field when carrying out spectroscopy (EDX), used during scanning electron c o
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the investigation must be carried out by an independent the material composition. In this case, the region 24 body. The Bible tells us that the first unrest began in contained high levels of calcium sulphide and calcium 25 heaven, with one of God’s angels, Lucifer (Revelation aluminate, elements that are present in slag, which is 12:7-9). That war between Jesus and some of the used in steelmaking. Although present over a very angels has carried on ever since, with Lucifer (Satan) small area, (0.66 x 1.5 mm), this was sufficient to initiate and his angels now continuing it here on earth. fracture. Slag is unwanted in your final product as it has John 8:44 tells us the Devil ‘was a murderer from the a different strength to the rest of the metal, usually beginning’ (KJV), and a study of the Scriptures reveals weaker. Hence, if a stress is applied, the region with the that he is still the murderer. Evil does not come from God; slag cannot take the load and begins the fracture, it is instigated by Satan. However, if God is all-powerful, which subsequently propagates into your metal. why does He not just get rid of Satan, once and for all? The war in heaven was initiated by an area of To maintain a fair and just atmosphere, an weakness: pride. Lucifer wanted to exalt his throne over independent body of investigators has to be sought. Jesus. This propagated to some of the other angels, The Bible says, ‘Know ye not that we shall judge and consequently the angelic body was split into two. angels?’ 1 Corinthians 6:3, KJV. You and I, who were To this day, one of these groups continues to oppose not present, nor even created at the time of the event, the Son of God and causes sin and suffering. Satan will ultimately evaluate whether Satan was right in his seeks to bring more to his side by applying repetitive claims. Then God will proceed to banish evil once and stresses and strains on our weak points. for all (Matthew 13:41-43). The slag reminds me how we as humans have I was recently asked to investigate the reasons for character flaws. These are regions of weakness that premature failure of some parts that go into planes. The Satan loves to exploit by putting them under strain. But aerospace market is arguably the strictest industry in God wants to take these away (Ezekiel 36:26). As the terms of safety requirements. Bible points out, He wants to give us the fruit of the To conduct such an investigation, we often start by a Spirit: love, joy, patience, longsuffering, and more. visual examination of the fracture surface, i.e. the region Failure investigation can often be a costly and time- where the component broke. The origin of a crack can consuming exercise. However, the benefits far outweigh be found and the way it grew assessed, to distinguish, the cost. The number-one reason for investigating for example, overload failure from fatigue. failures is to stop their reoccurrence in the future. The The fracture surface characteristics differ dependent same turns out to be true with the suffering in this on the mode (type) of failure. On examination of this world. God promises to destroy evil, and that affliction particular failure, there was evidence of fatigue failure. will not rise up a second time (Nahum 1:9). Fatigue occurs as a result of repetitive exposure to The above are just some examples of elements I stress and strain, and when this exceeds the material have come across in my work that have shed some capability, the result is a failure. light on the issue of suffering. They help me come to a A fatigue failure usually has an initiation point. The realisation that God has a plan, a plan for the good of initiation site tends to be an area of weakness, such as mankind: a plan to eradicate evil in a fair and just a change in section or an area of non-metallics manner. Perhaps, though, more important even than resulting in a weakened structure in that region. understanding this, is the realisation that as He does On investigation, the initiation site on my recent so, He has a part for each one of us to play. examination had a region of non-metallics; as the name Ree Muroiwa graduated with BEng (Hons) in Forensic suggests, this is material that is not metal. Many Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University. He currently works analytical methods are used for material identification in as a Forensic Metallurgist for one of the world-leading producers of steel. A significant proportion of his time at work investigations: among these is energy-dispersive X-ray is spent investigating failures of common parts used in aircraft, motor vehicles and engineering equipment. Spotlight on: David Ran `ci c n
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Anasstassia, who is, leader to people who were 60-65 years to do everything I could to help them to u n
old? But they knew that I wouldn’t go to the mature and know God in a better way. t
as she says: ‘Almost 2’ e r Name: Job title: pulpit to lead the AYS meetings or do That’s how I ended up changing my anything else without preparing myself and course. 26 David Ra n`ci c Pathfinder Sponsor, 27 studying the Bible. I was transformed by ´´ Welsh Mission Why be a pastor/work in youth ministry? transforming others for the next 6 years. I From the time I was involved as a youth Age: Hobbies: started a little band with those members leader in that little church, there was one 40 Football, reading, who had once played different instruments thing that inspired me to keep on doing it. I staying cosy on dark but quit because of their arthritis or loved the feeling when on Saturday night I Place of birth: days with my family rheumatism. It was so much fun and the would go to bed tired and that tiredness felt Cuprija, Serbia Pets: church became alive again. They all got a good. There was satisfaction in knowing ´ None – but if I had new lease of life. During that period I was that people who came to the church went one, it would be a dog involved in the baptism of three of my Currently living: back home joyful and blessed and that I school friends. At that time, a 67-year-old with his wife Duska, in Most inspiring Bible text: was part of it. Later on, this feeling has elder became our mentor. Once a week, Newport, Wales Isaiah 43:2 grown into the decision to become a without exception, he would simply say, aters, I will be with you; pastor. I suppose that this was God’s way hen you pass through the w ‘Guys, we will meet at the burger place on ‘W t overflow you. What was your life like growing up? ugh the rivers, they shall no of saying to me that I care about And thro ot be burned, Monday at 3pm,’ or similar. He would then I grew up as an SDA pastor’s kid in hrough the fire, you shall n people/young people. And I want to think When you walk t buy us burgers and soft drinks and we Communist Yugoslavia, and back e flame scorch you.’ (NKJV) that if I ever lose this feeling, or if I ever Nor shall th would talk. We would talk about life, then pastors moved their districts stop caring about people, I would stop church, girls, food, God, everything. In every 3-5 years. This meant lots of especially my father and grandfather, being a pastor. I wouldn’t like to keep other words, my favourite memories as a disruptions, changes, adaptations, but on a standing up for their faith in God probably pretending and to lie to God or others. youth are connected with the times when I positive side, new challenges, new inspired me the most to be the person I am was involved in service to God and ministry Worst/funniest experience in youth/pastoral beginnings, and getting to know new people today. of my local church. ministry? and churches, as well as discovering my own Favourite memory as a youth? One of the funniest moments was to be the country. Where did you study and why did you When I was 13 years old, we had to move referee and witness to the famous ‘tug-of- By the 1980s, the Communist pressure choose that particular (those particular) again. This time from a great, big church with war’ battle between girls and boys at the had eased compared to the time after World subject(s)? lots of young people, to a small church where Welsh Mission Pathfinder Camp we had in War II when people were persecuted for their By an amazing turn of events (i.e. God’s my mother was the youngest adult person July 2010. Needless to say – the girls won, faith. However, when I started my school as a amazing/difficult answers to my prayer), I and closest to my age! I struggled with my and I can say that because I was there! 7-year-old boy, I had my ‘share of enrolled in the Theological Seminary in faith for the next year or so. My parents saw persecution’ by my friends and teachers, Belgrade, Serbia, where I got my BA in Your vision for youth ministries in the BUC: my struggle and by God’s help devised a which I went through every time my father Theology. I moved to Newbold College in Growing up in the Communist Eastern smart plan – I was elected to be the ‘youth moved to another district and I had to change 2002, graduating in 2005 and getting my Europe, we were taught that in everything leader’! A youth school. MA in Pastoral Studies. I initially enrolled for we do, we need to be better than the West. I need to mention my Biblical This made people endeavour to be good parents and my Studies, but workers, excellent students and prepared grandparents. I had the later to sacrifice. When it comes to the church, privilege to grow up in an discovered one doesn’t need to look out for worldly Adventist family and they the passion philosophies and ideas. We need to look all instilled positive values I had for up to God, who is an excellent and in me, especially my people and amazing Person. The pastors and leaders mother. Experiences of my the desire working across the union should be held family members, continued Spotlight on: David Ran `ci c Student Life n
up to a high standard of excellence and open talk about God an´d life´. c o
themselves, inspiring young people to be If I had to choose one specific moment, it Does religion cause wars? u n
excellent in what they do and who they are. would be a baptism of 6 young people from d t Dr Tihomir Lazi c DPhil e r When you read the Bible there is one idea Newport and Hereford churches in October Newbold College Lecturer and TED Director of Student M´inistries 28 that stands out for me – we should be 2011. It was an emotional, joyful and very 29 balanced and whole Christians. I pray that special moment for both churches to be At the 2015 BUC Student Day we asked students to share the questions they are future generations of young people will be involved in: also, one of the largest baptisms most frequently asked by their peers. Over the next few editions, we will look to better than us, knowing God for who He really in many years in Newport church. address these questions and hopefully provide some possible answers for you to is and being share with your friends as you continue to witness about Jesus. Dr Tihomir Lazic is mature Christians. the first guest writer for this new feature. ´ Your most standout moment in youth My answer to this question is: Yes! Questions ministries: Religion has indeed been the cause of many What, then, do we make of such anti- Just about every wars and is responsible for a lot of violence in religious claims? Could something be said in single moment our human history. No one could argue defence of religion? Or must we simply see when I am against such a claim convincingly in the face religion as yet another harmful human engaged with a of the examples of the Christian Crusades, invention? Can you even stay religious young person or a continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflicts in the knowing that this carries the seeds of group of a young Middle East, clashes between Catholics and violence, of social disruptions and of wars? people and we Protestants in Northern Ireland, the Syrian I was forced to wrestle with these and have an honest Civil War, or the recent beheading of Egyptian similar questions as a teenager. I grew up in Christians by ISIS. Serbia – a country that was heavily involved in Richard Dawkins, Britain’s best-known the Yugoslav War in the 1990s. This conflict atheist, uses war to argue that religion is evil. between Serbs, Croats and Bosnians is seen He believes that a world without religion by many as a religion-motivated conflict would most likely be without cruelty and war. between the Orthodox, Catholic and Muslim ‘No religion – no war,’ he asserts and then, populations of former Yugoslavia. What I like many other neo-atheists, proceeds to learned from this experience of war can be build his case against any belief in a good summarised in three statements. and just God or the very existence of a Supreme Being.
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Multiple causes In the light of this, it can be concluded that to inflaming violence and social disruption. o u
Firstly, wars always have multiple causes, claim that religion is a single, invariable and Since religion possesses enormous potential n t e
not a single one. For instance, wars are exclusive cause of war would be very naïve and opens the door to many unknown risks, it is r
30 caused by conflicting views on ideologies, and reductionist. important for all the religious people to be self- 31 politics, race, economics, and religion. critical and constructive in their approach to Therefore, if you want to avoid one-sided Two sides to religion spirituality and religion. Religion can be both good explanations of the causes and mechanisms Secondly, religion has what we call an and evil. The fact that many powers abuse religion of war, you need to go further and expose all ambivalent nature. This means that it can be does not mean that we should just dismiss it. Our the factors that contribute to this used both for good and for evil purposes. fear of being exposed to some possible distortion phenomenon. This might lead you to discover Religion reaches all the way to our deepest should not take away an opportunity to experience that the link between religion and war is not convictions, values and beliefs. It defines us its positive aspects. always as straightforward as some opponents and shapes our individual and collective of religion might want it to be. identity. However, our religious identity is not Powerful and creative To illustrate my point, I would like to refer to the only identity we have. As Nobel Prize Thirdly, religion can represent one of the most The Encyclopedia of Wars , an extensive study winner, Amartya Sen, rightly explained, one powerful and creative impulses for positive change published in 2008 – a study that chronicles person has multiple layers of identity, in the world. I often return to my memories of the 1,763 wars throughout human history. What is determined by their nationality, ethnicity, foundational experience of fellowship that I gained interesting for our discussion is the fact that social class, political lineage, culture, sexual in my local Seventh-day Adventist community in out of all these wars, it is only 123 that are orientation, profession, favourite Novi Sad, Serbia. During the time of war, in the named as ‘religious in nature’, which is a little games/hobbies, and so on. midst of shooting and of bomb explosions, the under 7%. Similar conclusions are reached by Our multi-dimensional identity might well church brought us a deep sense of hope, fulfilment the New York and Sydney-based Institute for be an explanation of how it can be that a and fearlessness; surrounded by turbulence and Economics and Peace, which studied the religion that is known for its tireless and unrest, it stood as an oasis of peace. This conflicts that took place in 2013. In 40% of the selfless efforts to promote peace and experience sparked my love for exploring the cases, religion did not play any significant harmony can suddenly become an instrument mysteries of God revealed in the church and role. In fact, only for 14% of the studied armed of violence. As one of the most powerful inspired me to go on and pursue my theological conflicts was religion the major cause. forces in the identity-making process, religion education. I wanted to show to my compatriots that Certainly, religion is one of the can easily be abused. It is by no true religion can never be behind brutal and many contributing factors to means immune to crude distortions. inhumane crimes. That religion – when lived as it war. But the claim, like that This is especially the case when should be – always brings healing and compassion; of Dawkins, that religion is people are using religion to it always breaks the barriers humans build, be those solely responsible for hide their true motives, ethnic, cultural, religious, racial, gender, national or much of human such as wealth, other. Religion, in short, creates harmony among conflict was a huge power, prestige people, uniting them with their Creator. overstatement. and status. In conclusion, we can say that religion is a There are Under these powerful agent of identity construction and always conditions, maintenance. It has a unique ability not only to multiple the bestow a collective identity on its followers: though factors that perverted religion is sometimes abused, real religion should interact religious help its followers promote peace and harmony. Real dynamically outlook religion should elevate the quality of human life. This and mutually becomes is, I believe, today’s challenge to all religions. when generating an disruptive socio- important political conflict. factor in Dr Lazi c is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Newbo´ld College and Director of Student Ministries for the Trans-European Division. d Victor Hulbert n c
TED Communications Director o
Can cinema be church? Desmond Doss & Hacksaw Ridge u n t For Karolina and Monika, 19-year-old was the first conscientious objector to receive The film Hacksaw Ridge will be e r twins from Krakow, it certainly was, last the US Congressional Medal of Honour. But released on 27 January 2017 in the UK 32 33 November when Hacksaw Ridge was Adventists with a conscience do end up as and features the story of Private First Class released in their country. unlikely heroes. While Doss was saving lives Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist They have seen the film four times. Each in the Pacific basin, Dutch Adventist John medic serving during the Second World time they wore World War II look-alike T-shirts Henry Weidner ran an escape route for Jews War. Although the film itself does not shy similar to the uniform Adventist pacifist and and allied servicemen. (See Flee the Captor .) away from portraying the horrors of war, by medic, Desmond Doss, would have worn. On Jump back to World War I and faithful all accounts it is a fairly accurate account the back is written, ‘Desmond Doss saved young Adventist men in this country went to of Desmond Doss’s early years and 75. Jesus saved all. I’m an Adventist like prison and were beaten and tortured ‘within wartime experiences. His views on not Desmond Doss – ask me more.’ an inch of their lives’ rather than bear arms or breaking the Ten Commandments meant Together with 100 other youth across five break the Sabbath. Their testimony also bore that when he enlisted he became a non- cities in Poland their initiatives have led to fruit. In one case, an inmate of Dartmoor combatant and refused to bear arms. This Bible studies being given, total strangers prison, where the strict regime did not allow decision caused his superiors as well as attending church and lots of interesting for any conversation, held Bible studies using the members of his regiment to mock him conversations. chalk on a cell wall. After the war his new and relentlessly abuse him for his beliefs. Why did the twins get involved? friend was baptised. (See However, he held true to his convictions, ‘The movie was great, but above all, we www.adventist.uk/ww1 for more details and while serving in Japan he performed a y t admire Doss’s moral rigidity. We are proud to including a documentary film.) daring rescue mission lasting several i c i l b
be Adventists,’ they claim. Yet until recently It is inspiration like that that motivated hours to save the very soldiers who had u P
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they were not Adventists. Their mother joined Karolina and Monika to become active been bullying him. a g s n
Christians. To volunteer at the cinema, on the o the church ten years ago. Their father never When the film is released, it will provide i L ©
street, at the Krakow International Book Fair – : joined. The girls showed little interest – that an excellent opportunity to share Seventh- t i d e sharing Jesus’ love and message of hope r is, until Polish Union Youth Director, Marek day Adventist beliefs with friends. But even c
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with those around them. o
Micyk, introduced the Sabbath Sofa to if you prefer not to visit the cinema, many h Krakow. They were fascinated by the idea of Take out the names Karolina and Monika of your friends will have watched the film, P placing a sofa on a busy shopping street and and put your name there. Hacksaw Ridge , the and you can still share some thoughts ‘Desmond Doss was singular. sharing with people the idea of rest – Sabbath Sofa . . . or whatever is happening in about the character of Jesus that inspired There are few, if any people, particularly the Sabbath rest. They got your local church. Your active involvement this gentle man to do what he did in the who could or would replicate involved in the video editing. Six months ago could make a difference – perhaps most of all face of persecution and danger. his actions. The humility he they were baptised. to you. For more information see www.adventistyouth.org.uk maintained in discussing his For teens such as Karolina and Monika, Photo credit: ©Lionsgate Publicity heroics is a testament to the the example of Desmond Doss and others mettle of the man. In fact, like him provides an ideal role model for them Desmond was asked in the difficult choices of the modern, permission for years to adapt sometimes anti-Christian world of school, his story into a film, and community and work. Doss knew what he repeatedly declined, insisting believed in. He was bullied for saying his that the “real heroes” were prayers, for reading his Bible, for refusing to the ones in the ground. In a pick up a rifle. He was ridiculed – but cinematic landscape overrun ultimately rewarded as he saved the lives of with fictional “superheroes”, the very soldiers who had previously taunted I thought it was time to him. celebrate a real one.’ The Doss story may be unique in that he Mel Gibson, director. visit is worth over £130, and includes the opportunity to:
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d Yunuen Carrillo n Why not share your c o
What’s your story? experience today? You too u n t
could have an amazingly e
to when she is in town. r Do you like to listen to stories? We were powerful and positive 36 created to engage through stories! Jesus As soon as I got to church the following impact on someone’s life. 37 taught through stories. Everyone has a story Saturday, I asked about the Pathfinder club. If you have a Pathfinder- to tell, including you – your story. Who better The next day, Sunday, I was the first one to be related story or experience than you to tell it? My story with God started there to start at 8am sharp! There was you would like to share, when I was 9 years old and living in Mexico. something special about making fire and please send it in to It’s full of sad and joyful experiences, as cooking on fire, with all the smoke getting in [email protected] probably yours is. I would say it all started my eyes and trying to place the food in the We may feature it online when I met a girl at a junior camp; we enjoyed pan rather than on the fire; something about (website or social media) or camp and exchanged postal addresses to the challenging hikes that we tried to avoid; in print. keep in touch – I can’t believe my story something about the evening socials; there started when there were no email addresses was something in the trips to the lake or to the or mobile phones for children! river, something about the time spent with A few months later, my friend talked about new friends and all my mentors who were so Pathfinders in one of her letters. All she said caring. My mother realised that I was in a safe was, ‘I’m so excited that I have finally joined ‘village’ and supported me all the the Pathfinders; I will do the real stuff and I’ll way through. get to go on expeditions!’ That was enough to When I finished my awaken my curiosity. I asked my mum if she university degree, I had by knew what Pathfinders were. Mum then also completed my hadn’t the faintest idea and APLA (Advanced suggested I ask my aunty, the only Pathfinder Leadership Adventist in the family. So I did and Award) and my father her answer only got me more confessed that he always interested. asked and thanked God for I felt intrigued to find out by stepping in as the Father he myself what Pathfindering was like, was not physically present to but there was just one obstacle: how be. I deeply love and was I supposed to ask my mother to admire my father and I take me to church to attend Pathfinders when am equally convinced we were not Adventists and my Adventist that ‘the something aunty lived far away? special’ in Pathfinders God was already preparing something for was my Heavenly me although I could only see impossibilities Father’s presence, around me. After a very sad and drastic guiding me and family argument, I felt as lost as a lavishing my life with child can feel with no direction on a love. vast open ocean. The timing was That’s my story – very close to my 11th birthday. My what’s yours? mum meditated on the issue and days later suggested that perhaps I could go to the church that aunty takes me Pathfinders & Adventurers n
Generations of Seventh-day Adventists have grown up with c o
stories of the exploits of Private First Class, Desmond Doss. • Level 2 u Knot Tying Recreation n t
His heroic actions on the island of Okinawa in one of the e r bloodiest battles of World War II were shared with Adventist Requirements: 38 39 youth at summer camps and in Pathfinder meetings for 1. Define the following terms: decades. Doss himself would teach groups of boys and girls • Bight • Running end • Standing part the bowline knot that he used to lower 75 injured soldiers to • Underhand loop • Overhand loop • Turn safety, an act that awarded him the Congressional Medal of • Bend • Hitch • Splice • Whipping Honour, the highest military award in the United States. Know how to care for rope. ‘This year his incredible story, told in Hacksaw Ridge , will 2. rence between laid rope and appear on more than 3,000 screens around the UK, and in 3. Describe the diffe list three uses of each. every major media market of the world. What was once an braided rope and es of rope: “Adventist” story will be known to people of many cultures and Photo credit: ©Pacific Press 4. Identify the following typ faith traditions.’ Pastor John Bradshaw, It Is Written/NAD. • Manila • Sisal • Nylon • Polypropylene Just like Yunuen did on page 36, don’t be afraid to tell your story. You never know who might s of synthetic rope? 5. What are some advantages and disadvantage be waiting to hear your words! the following to rope: Why not try the Pathfinder knot tying honour or Adventurer knot tying award for yourselves? 6. Do end of a rope with a double crown, • Splice • Eye splice • Back splice • Finish the whipping, or a Matthew Walker’s knot. native materials or twine. 7. Make a six-foot piece of three-strand rope from nots and know their common uses and 8. From memory tie at least 20 of the following k limitations. Demonstrate how they are used. hitch Bow or shoestring • Anchor bend • Binder twine band • Blackwall • knot or Alpine slip knot • Carrick • Bowline • Bowline on a bight • Butterfly loop end Figure eight bend • Clove hitch • Double bow • Double Carrick b • d Lariat or bowstring knot • Fisherman’s knot • Halter hitch • Hunter’s ben • ’s knot Packer’s knot • Pipe hitch • Lark’s head • Man harness knot • Miller • epshank Sheet bend • Slippery half hitch • Prusik knot • Running bowline • She • e’s knot Strangle knot • Slippery sheet bend • Square knot • Stevedor • itch Two half hitches • Wall knot • Surgeon’s knot • Tautline hitch • Timber h • . 9. Make a knot board showing 25 or more knots Knot Tying Recreation Requirements: 1. Know and explain the different types of lashing that exist.
2. Learn to make the following knots and explain their usage: • D ouble loop • S liding • F isherman • L oop • L ark clip • F lat • S heet bend • B owline • P earl • S urgeon • C love hitch • F igure of eight 3. Prepare a model over a table or cardboard that includes twelve knots you have learned to make.