Ticking time bomb TRAUMA IN THE CHURCH: WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? 3
NEWS SPD scholars contribute to bible conference 8
ADVENTIST RECORD | JULY 7, 2018 ISSN 0819-5633
editor’s note
Trauma and the church (part 2)
Psychological trauma is a leading cause of death. not merely know but be engaged . . . If we don’t under- Seven out of 10 of the leading causes of death have stand trauma we will be caught under the wheels of it.” been linked to having high Adverse Childhood Experi- The whole church needs to be aware and equipped—not ences or ACES scores. In other words, those who have just pastors. He goes on to say pastors can often suffer experienced trauma as children are more likely to die from “compassion fatigue”—they are traumatised vicar- from lifestyle-related chronic diseases such as high blood iously by trying to help everyone else journey through pressure, heart attack, even diabetes. marriage breakdowns, loss and grief. Given that most boys these days have been exposed to It’s important to realise that, unless we have special porn by the age of 11 (up to 90 per cent)—this exposure training in the area, we may not be able to help someone to explicit sexual material being a form of sexual abuse— fully. It’s best to encourage professional help. But people trauma is happening all around us and before we know it often don’t tell their trauma stories to professionals we may have a generation of traumatised young people for the first time—instead it’s trusted friends and family seeking fulfilment and purpose in the wrong places. members, a pastor or a teacher. That’s why it’s impor- Couple this with family breakdown, death, bullying, tant to know how to receive those stories with care and abuse in all forms, and we are in the middle of a trauma compassion. epidemic. For my recent Masters in Creative Writing thesis, I As Christians we should not be surprised. “The enemy examined how stories can heal—looking at trauma narra- the devil prowls around like a roaring lion tives and how they can heal the author and looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). also the reader. He seeks to kill, steal and destroy. He uses it is a ticking Bibliotherapy is the use of books to assist trauma as a tool to accomplish this. with a person’s treatment—there are many The seed of trauma, once planted in a life, time bomb. writing groups that equip those who have can grow into a choking vine, stifling spiritual had traumatic experiences to write them growth and destroying relationships—with others and with down. Many have found this activity to be liberating. A God. It is a ticking time bomb. church could easily run reading/writing groups. It’s important to note, it is not a sin to suffer trauma, We must create spaces for stories to be heard and told, but trauma can lead to addiction, self-sabotage and bad given and received. More space for testimonies can help habits. Unfortunately as a Church, we often look at bad a church feel like home for someone with a difficult story. behaviour as a sickness, instead of as a symptom. Many Gender-specific small groups, and to a lesser extent people, especially young people in our churches, act out close-knit Sabbath School classes, are spaces to from a place of trauma while we label them rebellious. create an atmosphere of trust and authenticity. Inves- So what can the Church do? The good news is the tigate starting a writing group, encourage members to Church already possesses some of the necessary tools to journal, using Forgive to Live and Depression Recovery become a place where trauma survivors can feel at home. resources—all these can be initiated in and by local Jesus healed people’s physical ailments before churches. addressing spiritual needs. Many people have had expe- As Christians we already know about the healing power riences that cause them to struggle to connect with the found in engaging with the “living Word” of God. God’s church, with God and their own spirituality. We should be Word doesn’t shy away from difficult experi- helping them to belong, not questioning their behaviour. ences and yet offers hope and healing. As a It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict on behaviour, not ours. Church we should model Christian trauma expert Dr Dan Allender says we must ourselves after it. jarrod stackelroth “know something of the core reality of human trauma and editor /JStackelroth
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July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 3 news why Rome? fruitful way to thank the police solomon paul The Seventh-day Adventist Church just Members of the Seventh-day held its Fourth International Bible Confer- Adventist Church in the Tambul ence in Rome. Conspiracy theorists and Nebilyer District put a smile on fringe “fake news” press have questioned why the General Conference president, the faces of the hard-working Church leaders, scholars, researchers, police of Western Highlands and ministry and theology lecturers would Province (WHP), Papua New hold such an event there. Guinea, on June 4. A handshake and a handful of bananas. During the meetings I presented a The church members brought devotional and proudly heard some of in truckloads of food to give to the 12 people from the SPD present the police as a way of showing strengthen our working rela- in-depth theological and practical biblical appreciation for the work that they tionship with the Church and the studies. I have been strangely warmed do and to share Jesus with them. community,” he said. “We all base as Scripture has been explained, and Adventist Community Service our laws and morality on one Book challenged to relook at Scripture in new (ACS) president Lawrence Lorenga and it is the Bible. Therefore, we ways that uphold truth and open the said, “We used to visit prison and will continue to work in partner- mind. Others have shared similar reflec- hospital and help out randomly, ship to curb problems and make tions with me. Adventists have always however this time we have Western Highlands Province a wanted to be people of the Book. The decided to touch the hearts of the better place for everyone.” introduction to our fundamental beliefs police and appreciate them with He said the quantity of the food says, “Seventh-day Adventists accept the the love of Jesus through the food was the biggest they had ever Bible as their only creed and hold certain that God blesses us with.” received from any organisation. fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of WHP Police commander Police throughout the Western the Holy Scriptures.” The Romans ruled the world in the Jacob Kamiak thanked the church Highlands Province were fed, even time of Jesus and the early church. Rome members for the abundance of down to Baiyer and Tambul Nebi- was their capital. The apostle Paul wrote blessings shared. “We wish to lyer police stations. a letter to the Christians in Rome. His life probably ended in Rome. Tradition suggests Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. We visited catacombs where health leaders tackle diabetes in fiji Christians buried their dead and hid from paul wood/record staff persecution. We saw Circus Maximus and Adventist health leaders in Fiji the Colosseum and Mamertine prison met with leaders from the Church where at different times Christians were of Jesus Christ of Latter-day persecuted, tortured and killed for their Saints (LDS) in Suva, Fiji, on June faith—at times by the thousands. It took 15. immense courage to be a Christian. Like the Adventist Church— We visited the Vatican, St John Lateran represented by Adventist Health Cathedral and St Paul’s Basilica—magnif- directors Dr Alipate Vakom- icent buildings with incredible biblical ocea (Fiji Mission) and Dr Paul Drs vakomocea and wood with A LDs leader. artwork as well as scenes depicting the Wood (Trans Pacific Union)—LDS work of popes. We saw evidence of the leaders are also actively seeking Dr Vakomocea’s presentation prophetic understanding that the Chris- tian church would fall away from biblical to combat the epidemic of type 2 outlined the Church’s 10,000 truth and follow tradition. The tours and diabetes in the South Pacific. Toes initiative, which has been presentations remind me that, in these It was noted that both denomi- devised to help stamp out type times, we need to nations encourage their members 2 diabetes in the Pacific, and the have the same to lead healthy lifestyles and to Complete Health Improvement kind of courage as help improve the health of their Program (CHIP). Both initiatives Christians of the communities. The LDS leaders were well-received and there was past and be people were interested to learn of the discussion about potential ways to of conviction, living initiatives that the Seventh-day work together in tackling type 2 by the Word of God. Adventist Church is implementing diabetes. Glenn townend in the South Pacific Division and To learn more about the 10,000 SPD president hope to do something similar. Toes initiative, visit <10000toes.com>. /SPDpresident 4 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 Ordinations, baptisms and a clean water supply in PNG community Adrian Ales
Seventh-day Adventist Church than half its estimated cost. members attending Mission 18 in Awan “This kind of project will take a village, Onga Waffa LLG (Markham company months to bring to comple- district, PNG), built a community water tion, but it took us a week. To God supply in just one week. be the glory for the miracle we’ve working on the water tank. Attendees came from as far as seen,” said Morobe Mission president Marawaka and Simbari to attend the Pastor Blasius Managos. program. The initiative was launched in Funds for the water initiative 2016, with the first Total Member were collected through offerings and Involvement (TMI) program held in contributions by Adventist churches Salamaua LLG in 2017. from across Morobe Province. The A baptism was also conducted on project was estimated to cost almost the Sabbath with 81 candidates from K100,000, but was built at no more across Morobe Mission. The program was an initia- a man is baptised. tive of the Morobe Mission aimed at meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the people. This was the second program of its kind after Mission Salamaua in 2017. Attendees also witnessed an ordination on the Sabbath: ministers Bairo Kiana, Sam Essau and Max Tola are now full-time pastors of the Men at work. Seventh-day Adventist Church. three ministers were ordained.
patients give tick of approval to san cancer care leisa o’connor Sydney Adventist Hospital cancer directly to the San by BHI reveal its commitment and dedication of staff care services have received a tick of ranking compared to 48 public and two involved in the delivery of cancer care approval from patients, scoring second other private facilities. services at the San. highest in a state-wide survey of more San Day Infusion Centre and the “This reaffirms the exceptionally than 12,000 patients across 51 outpa- Radiation Oncology Centre patients dedicated team we have delivering tient cancer clinics. responded to more than 80 questions cancer care at the San,” he said. While its results were not publicly about the care they received, what “Their passion and commitment reflect reported by the Bureau of Health they would tell their friends, whether the hospital’s values of achieving Information (BHI), as this is the first they felt respected, the trust they had excellence, caring for our patients year San patients have participated in the health professionals and time with dignity, showcasing integrity and in the survey, the results provided taken to discuss their health. providing continuity of care. The survey results indicate the “Our purpose-built Integrated San ranks second in the state for the Cancer Centre provides the opportu- number of questions where patients nity for the best patient experience. rated their experiences of care signifi- “However it is the expertise, cantly more positively than the overall compassion, empathy and profession- NSW result. alism of all the staff involved at every Director of Sydney Adventist stage of a patient’s cancer journey, Hospital Cancer Services, Asso- providing a complete circle of cancer Associate Professor Gavin Marx, patient Tanya ciate Professor Gavin Marx, said the care, that underpins these survey Manwaring and Day Infusion Centre staff. results are a positive indication of the results.”
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 5 Teachers Contribute to Adventist Worldview Curriculum russell woruba/dorcas kuma Forty selected teachers from schools around the Central provide accreditation Papua Conference (CPC) of Papua New Guinea spent to answer the question, their holiday week participating in a “Developing Special “how Adventist is my Character and an Adventist Worldview Workshop” at Mt Adventist school?” Of Diamond Adventist Secondary School outside of Port the eight AAA modules, Moresby. the sixth pertains to the The scope of the Adventist Worldview Curriculum Adventist Worldview Science and Technology Framework covers schooling years from preparatory up to Curriculum Framework, Teachers Kivali and Kayaka. grade 10 and subjects as prescribed in the PNG National which CPC is imple- Department of Education Curriculum. menting on behalf of the schools in PNG. The 32-hour workshop, facilitated by CPC associate “All truth is God’s truth,” Ms Kuma stressed, “and how education director Dorcas Kuma, was aimed at ensuring much of that is integrated in the school’s framework is subjects taught in Adventist schools integrate the biblical dependent on such things being covered during this week’s principles or values that Adventists hold as distinctive. workshop. This includes religious education in non-Ad- The workshop ventist schools covered in module four, in which local was part of fulfilling churches are to be involved through their local education the requirements of leaders.” quality assurance The teachers were divided into specialist subject groups under the Adventist to produced subject booklets that incorporate Adventist Accreditation Asso- values in their outlines. Ms Kuma expressed satisfaction in ciation (AAA). the detail and coverage of the standards-based curriculum Ms Kuma framework. “God’s standard is always high,” she concluded, emphasised that “and it is incumbent on us as educators to make sure it dorcas kuma with sample subject modules. the AAA will stays that way.”
COMING SOON NEW.SIGNSMAG.ORG
6 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 Signs of the Times now on radio and podcast news grabs record staff Regular FaithFM listeners have I’m looking for a person who interviews become familiar with the distinctive well—articulate, energetic, informed.” upbeat marimba intro of Signs of the Guests so far have included US author Times Radio, which plays on Monday and apologist Clifford Goldstein, Adam evenings and is repeated through the Ramdin (presenter of the Reformation week. Lineage video series) and Carol Boehm, Wanting to get Signs out to a larger who shared a college dorm room with a audience, Kent Kingston, who was student who joined David Koresh’s cult recently appointed editor of the maga- and perished in the 1993 Waco siege. official statement zine (see Record, June 30), kicked off the “I really got to enjoy interviewing Following global outrage, US weekly half-hour program in March. interesting people during the Record President Donald Trump abandoned “Basically, it’s an interview show,” Mr InFocus TV days,” said Mr Kingston. “I his policy of separating immigrant families on the US-Mexico border. Kingston said. “All we do is find someone didn’t want to lose that experience and, The Seventh-day Adventist Church in who can explore the themes raised in an honestly, radio is so much more forgiving North America was among the many article in the current Signs magazine—it than TV. You can wear what you like, who had expressed concern about could be the author or someone else edit out all the ums and ahs and boring the policy and the use of Bible texts with expertise on the topic. Naturally, bits, and interview people interstate or affirming it.—NAD overseas via phone or Skype.” Each episode of Signs of the Times Radio is also available as a podcast on SoundCloud and iTunes. “So that takes the potential audience from FaithFM’s 100 regional stations around Australia to the whole planet,” said Mr Kingston. “And it’s an archive of podcast episodes that people will stumble across for months and years afterwards. You just safe water Kent Kingston. never know who it will impact.” The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) officially launched its first safe water kiosk in Mocuba, Mozambique, which will sabbath message leads 115 to baptism provide 20 litres a day of safe water solomon paul for more than 1000 people. Among the crowd who attended the kiosk’s More than 100 former grand opening was Mocuba mayor members of the Abundant Life Beatriz Gulamo.—ADRA International Church (ALC) at Puri Kona, Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea, were baptised into the Seventh-day Adventist faith on June 5. Their decision was largely triggered by former ALC baptisimal candidates. member Buddy Power who came across texts referring to the for a while to meet in the same building. Sabbath. Mr Power, who had donated However, due to the growing number of land to build the ALC church, asked attendees, they have decided to erect a Total member involvement his pastor about the different Sabbath new church. Following the success of the “All passages in Scripture. Unhappy with the Pastor Solomon Paul recently Japan 2018 Maranatha” programs, response, Mr Buddy decided to leave the conducted a week-long evangelistic Seventh-day Adventist leaders now intend to hold evangelistic meetings ALC church and about 80 per cent of the meeting in the area, which concluded at 2019 sites across the entire congregation followed him. on the Sabbath with a presentation by Northern Pacific-Asia Division in Local Adventist pastor Elvis Topo South Pacific Division president Pastor 2019.—Adventist News Network supported the new group, who continued Glenn Townend and 115 baptisms.
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 7 hot topics spd scholars contribute to bible conference Jarrod stackelroth/adventist review More than 360 Seventh-day Adventist theologians, college and university professors and church administrators convened in Rome, Italy, from June 11-21, for the fourth International Bible Confer- ence (IBC). faith and football The gathering, which takes Banned from sharing the gospel place every five years, seeks to at World Cup games, Christians explore a chosen theme associated GC president Ted wilson speaks to delegates. in Russia adopted a different evangelism strategy. More than 400 with theological studies through evangelical congregations across the presentation of papers, discussion ated some of the sessions. There were Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other panels and professional networking. representatives from Avondale College host cities opened their buildings for In Rome, the chosen theme was (Cooranbong, NSW), Pacific Adventist game viewings and fellowship during eschatology, a word that literally means University (Port Moresby, PNG), Sonoma the month-long international soccer tournament.—Christianity Today “the teaching of the last things” and (Kokopo, PNG), Fulton (Nadi, Fiji) and describes the study of last-day events Mamarapha (Karragullen, WA). and associated subjects. Dr John Skrzypaszek, director of According to South Pacific Division the Ellen G White Research Centre, president, Pastor Glenn Townend, the presented on “The Visionary Purpose of theme was topical and an important one the Prophetic Voice in the Context of the for the Church at this time. Seventh-day Adventist Eschatology”. “Adventist is in our name—it focuses “Participation in this conference gave on the return of Jesus Christ to the me the opportunity to explore, review world. This is our hope,” he said. and revive my conviction about Christ’s pray for kim “Seventh-day Adventists believe promised return and its relation to life A Filipino pastor is urging Christians that prophecy is fulfilled in history. during the time of waiting,” he said. to rally together and pray for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un following However, we need to be certain and Dr Skrzypaszek also felt that the topic his historic meeting with US not speculative in our understanding of of the conference was a useful one. “The President Donald Trump. Although Scripture and the end time. This confer- scholarly presentations focused on the human rights and religious freedom ence provided a good balance on these Seventh-day Adventist understanding were not the Singapore summit’s issues.” of eschatology from the perspective focus, Pastor Jerome Ocampo believes denuclearisation can pave Plenary presentations began with of Old and New Testaments, Adventist the way to a great purpose.—CBN Angel Rodriguez, former Biblical studies and missiology. Given the variety News Research Institute director, providing of extreme positions emerging within insight into the intersection of Adventist the ranks of the Adventist Church on theology and eschatology in general. the theme of last-day events, the Bible At least 12 delegates from the South Conference provided a framework for a Pacific Division attended the conference, balanced understanding of this relevant presented on various topics and moder- to our time and history topic.” Among the memo- rable aspects of the Rome IBC was the resisting authority sheer number of Archbishop of New York, Cardinal papers presented in Timothy Dolan, has slammed six parallel tracks. Attorney General Jeff Sessions Scholars from all for invoking the Bible in a parts of the world loose justification of the Trump presented a total administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy. “That goes of 102 papers on against human decency,” Mr Dolan a variety of topics, said.—Faithwire.com not including plenary attendees came from around the globe. sessions.
8 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 flashpoint
start of something big 50 years and counting A sod-turning ceremony was Riverside Adventist Christian held at Henderson College (Vic) School (Qld) celebrated its 50th on June 7 to mark the beginning anniversary in May, with past of the construction of a new garden honours president and present students, parents senior learning hub. The project, Paglum Adventist Secondary and staff joining together for co-funded by the Adventist School (PNG) unveiled the Glenn the special event. Among those prayers of thanks school and the State Govern- Townend Prayer Garden on in attendance was Riverside’s Women from the remote village ment, will provide homerooms Sabbath, June 2, with the South first headmaster Terry Menkens of Duramu brought food and for Years 9 and 10 students as Pacific Division president on (pictured right), who served at the traditional gifts, mats and brooms well as a flexible learning space. hand to celebrate the special school, known then as Townsville for office workers at the Central Principal Sandra Ferry said event. Pastor Townend, who District Adventist School, from Papua Conference (CPC), Ela students cheered at the cere- opened the garden alongside 1968 to 1976. “It was one of the Beach, Papua New Guinea, in a mony and are keen for construc- Papua New Guinea Union Mission most significant things in my life,” gesture of appreciation for their tion to get underway. Adventist president Pastor Kepsie Elodo, he said. “It’s nice to see it contin- work. They also offered prayers Schools Victoria director Brian said he was “humbled and uing to thrive.” Reflecting on “50 of thanks for the workers. CPC Mercer, meanwhile, emphasised honoured” by the occasion, as years of God’s blessings”, current women’s ministries director Joy to students that “the learning it was at Paglum 42 years ago principal Ian Humphries (pictured Koi took the visitors on a tour that happens in the [new that he made his decision “to left) said, “we are proud of our of the office, explaining how building] . . . is most important.” be a baptised follower of Jesus” little school and the big things the work is administered. The The project is expected to be after responding to “my Heav- it has done in the lives of many office staff highly appreciated the completed by October. enly Father’s voice through my hundreds of students”.—Townsville women’s efforts and thoughtful- —Sunraysia Daily—Mildura earthly father”.—Linden Chuang Bulletin (Photo: Zac Simmonds) ness.—Russell Woruba (Photo: Louise Barker)
HOME COOKING A whole food, plant-based diet was the focus of cooking demonstrations presented by Papanui Seventh-day Adventist Church (South New Zealand) have a members Nola Presnall and Laurel and Russell Woolley. The presentations were given over four Sunday evenings in May in Nola’s home, and were news story? attended by about 15 appreciative people. Healthful and appetising salads, savouries and desserts showed how increasing the number of vegetables email it to and fruit in our diet adds health to our life and life to our health.—Steward Presnall [email protected]
ministry of love Praise and give 21 couples Clothing, blankets and school resources were Pacific Adventist University (PNG) extended a A mass wedding for 21 couples was held just a few of the donated items loaded by helping hand to those affected by the February at Gizo, Solomon Islands, on May 31. The volunteers into a container at Wahroonga earthquake in the Southern Highlands and couples were assisted by Buruku Adventist (Sydney) recently. The items are destined for Hela provinces. With the administrative team, Church Family Life department and sealed Papua New Guinea to support the ministry the students hosted a Praise and Give evening their vows at Gizo Magistrate House. Two of of Operation Food for Life. OFFL has been (May 5) as part of their Adventist Youth the couples were grandparents—accompanied engaged in humanitarian work serving the program, raising K10,000. The event was a by their children. Pastor Fraser Reuben from less fortunate in PNG for more than 10 success with the help of singing groups of Kukuda Mission prayed for God‘s blessings years.—Dennis Perry family and friends, faculty members, staff and on the couples and conducted a weekend students.—Thomas Davai marriage enrichment program.—WSSIM News
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 9 Name: clif and karen maberly A day in the life of a... Job: vice principal/head teacher missionary teacher Where: nile union academy, egypt
Where do you work? 12 class in reading and writing, Nile Union Academy is the premier followed by an ESL (English as Adventist high school in Egypt— a second language) class in the maybe in the Middle East. It has only same. They couldn’t be more 120 students but remember that its different—one is almost college constituency church has only around level; the other includes students 400 active members. who are illiterate even in their Our students are children of mother language. However in Adventist families—Adventist Egyp- 4-5 years they will be ready for tians and Adventist Sudanese university. The teaching has to be “refugee” residents of Egypt. The rest skilled and effective. are children of relatives and friends Following a class break Karen of Adventists—with the Egyptians then teaches ESL listening and being mainly Orthodox (Coptic) and speaking— some of the same the Sudanese mainly Evangelical or students, but a different skill Catholic. For us they are all brands set. These ESL classes need a plucked from the burning—youth who good textbook and significant would not have the opportunity to teaching aids. But more than get international education or long that they need assurance they exposure to Adventists if they didn’t are doing OK. Nothing is more come to our school. Quite a few humiliating than being immersed in a going shopping. A little catchup on become believers, some go on to language you don’t understand, taught Facebook, chatting or FaceTime with Adventist higher education overseas by a foreigner who couldn’t under- our children and grandson bring the and become Adventists there. stand anything you want to say to end of another 16-hour day for Karen. them! Unsurprisingly, ESL needs a lot On the other hand, my typical day What is your role and how long have of compassion and assurance. is never typical. I point my sorry self you held it? The rest of the day is filled with in the right direction around 8 in the Karen’s role is head of English training and advising the batch of morning, having kept Egyptian hours language and recently head teacher. inexperienced English-teaching the night before. I might teach the She has been teaching cross-culturally volunteers—some inexperienced at English grammar that Karen avoids at most of her life, from grade one to teaching anything, let alone teaching 10, followed by an English language university level—here for four years. in the language that is the content exam preparation class, and then my I came as “retired” professor turned of the class. Sometimes they are day turns to vice principal duties. It “trailing” spouse—Karen had the GC hardly-English-speaking teachers from might begin with a chat with the prin- call. I’ve gradually assumed all the Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and cipal on student discipline matters or jobs the principal doesn’t have time or elsewhere. Of course the only teachers on inter-staff issues. It may proceed to inclination to handle—so became vice without any accent are the Australians sitting under the giant ficus tree doing principal. I focus mainly on campus life, and New Zealanders :) quality control with the contractor of dormitories, government and commu- And then the administrative duties the day, or arguing aesthetic values nity liaison, and major projects. of a head teacher: advisor to the with the architect of the next project, principal and an administrative council or drinking tea with sub-contractors, What does a typical day look like member. suppliers and just acquaintances (anise for you? Maybe braving Cairo traffic—avoiding or hibiscus tea is a healthier substi- Karen’s typical day may be familiar donkey and horse carts, child-driven tute, although you still have to beg off to many teachers—up early to prepare tuk tuks and aggressive microbuses. on the hospitable 3-4 teaspoons of yourself, and your lessons and tests Potholes and sump-tearing speed- sugar). for the day. Begin the day with a Year bumps may add a different twist to I liaise with government officials and
10 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 their minders. I locate needed services the surrounding communities—called tively and specifically; and to broaden and products. At the moment, it is the out to by name (“Abdullah” here) from the circle of neighbours to love summer work program for students shops, balconies and passing vehicles. (almost) as yourself and your kind. who owe money to the school—so I meet with them at 5:30am, work What would you tell someone who anything else you’d like to say? beside them until 9, get their break- was interested in doing what you Karen and I are winding up 40 years fast by 9:30, worship with them and do? of mission service next year, the last refocus them before 10, then leave It is such a privilege to know another five in Egypt. However, that leaves our them to complete their tasks by 2pm. people, and to know people you school, Nile Union Academy, without Later I will need to keep some track never would have known otherwise. If a vice principal and head teacher for a of them until they collapse into bed you come to educate, you can make school year before they get a regular around 9. Then it’s off to make busi- a palpable difference in the life of replacement. We really need a locum— ness and social calls in the community wonderful young people, struggling to someone to step into our shoes (and until 11 or 12. become educated. house) for nine months—from early All workers, contractors and It is also a great opportunity to get August to June next year. sub-contractors deserve a social out of your comfort zone—and into You don’t need all of our skills call—especially night guards at 2am for another. For me, I had spent my life but the position would be ideal for a “night picnic” in their shack beside with Buddhists and then found myself a couple interested in taking a year the school wall, or their loyalty and in the middle of this Egyptian and out, or wanting a year back in, in an diligence may become perfunctory. If Arab and definitely Muslim commu- amazing part of the world. The school danger comes over the wall they put nity. All my previous opinions were has a number of significant breaks themselves at risk protecting us. The biases. Now I know what it is to be a throughout the year—so there is a world here turns with relationships not Muslim—a sincere, nominal or insin- chance to explore and experience the contracts. cere Muslim. It is great to find God is world outside. already here, and find the privilege of Dates are early-August 2018 to What is your favourite experience in the clearer revelation of Him we have mid-June 2019. this role? been granted. Find out more from: clifmaberly@ For Karen it is seeing her students yahoo.com; cmaberly on Skype, +20 gain skills and confidence. They know What are some of the rewards? 10 9300-6331 on WhatsApp or Face- she likes them, and is working to help The reward is to know yourself and Time. them. She knows what they need. your own faith better—by The cream on the cake for me is comparison and through friendships with community leaders. desperation. Then there is I undertook most of the Ramadan the opportunity to find ways fast last year (17 hours without even to share your insights with water), and was invited to “break- those others—the ones you fasts” everywhere, knowing I was now know. You can know more really breaking my fast with them. It is confidently that the revela- a highlight for me to spend a part of tion you have stumbled across the evening with a top businessman tells of a more compassionate in his home, sit with the “60s club” God and offers much sounder of village “problem solvers” in a circle teachings for life. of chairs in the middle of a dusty lane late at night, or watch a rigorous game How do you most experience of dominoes outside an Arab home at God in this role? midnight. I do feel good about being It is an opportunity to know recognised as I walk or ride through and love God more apprecia-
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 11 Faith you do you realised something during last year’s marriage personal beliefs about how to keep the Sabbath, plebiscite in Australia: the days of friendly disa- the best way to serve or what constitutes good Igreements are over. stewardship. I voted “No”. I’m comfortable admitting that. I’m not opposed to people sharing their I’m also happy if you—based on what you person- convictions. The issue is when we go so far as ally believed to be right—chose to vote “Yes”. to condemn a person for having an opinion or For some, however, an opinion contrary to making a choice contrary to our own. How dare their own was unacceptable. The mindset instead you think and act like that. It’s my way or the was, How dare you think that way. That’s not highway (to hell, apparently). Fall in line, or fall good enough. You’re wrong. And worse still, I will out of God’s grace. show you, prove to you and convince you why I thought this Mrs White quote to be rather I am right and you are wrong. One only needed pertinent: “While ministers”—which we all a passing interest in the plebiscite to know are—“preach the plain, cutting truth, they must that “agreeing to disagree” was not a popular let the truth do the cutting and hewing, not do option. it themselves.”2 Paul also advises in Ephesians The vote, by its very nature, was destined to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of to be polarising. The “how dare you” type of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building thinking, though, is perhaps more prevalent than others up . . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage and we might admit, even within the context of our anger, brawling and slander, along with every form own Adventist community. of malice (4:29,31). A few years ago a pastor told me the story of Notice that robust discussion, disagreements a young woman who came up to him distraught and personal differences are not part of that list. because a senior church member, armed with a Some of you may be concerned with how I number of Ellen White quotes, informed her she quoted Mrs White (regarding meat consumption). wasn’t going to heaven because she ate meat. Fair enough. She does indeed say more . . . Like the pastor, I was—am—baffled that somebody “What I want [is] that every one of you should would make such a claim. stand in your individual dignity before God, in your The irony is Mrs White herself warns against individual consecration to God, that the soul- using her words in this manner. “And here is temple shall be dedicated to God . . . Now I want [what] the health reform [fanatic says]: ‘Now I you to think of these things, and do not make any have told you Sister White did not eat meat. Now human being your criterion.”3 I want you not to eat meat, because Sister White When Peter inquired about the fate of John, does not eat it.’ Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain alive “Well, I would . . . not care a farthing for until I return, what is that to you? You must follow anything like that. If you have not got any better me” (John 21:22, italics added). conviction—you won’t eat meat because Sister Christ’s call was, is and always will be a White does not eat any—if I am the authority, I personal invitation. It is not enough for me to would not give a farthing for your health reform.”1 follow you following Him, or vice versa. But, you may counter, the health benefits of a Let us each own our walk with Christ, and let plant-based diet are scientifically proven. those around us do the same ( . . . albeit differ- Sure. Yet the same can be said of the ently). life-shortening effects of limited sleep, “work- aholism” and sitting too much. When was the 1. Coon, R. W. Ellen White and Vegetarianism, p. 26,27. last—or first—time you heard somebody make the Mrs White also said her writings should not be used as “a rule by which to measure all” (p. 382). Learn more at connection between a desk job and eternal life? http://www.whiteestate.org/books/bhp/bhpc11.html Don’t get me wrong—I am all for passion and 2. Testimonies, Vol 1, p. 383. personal conviction. As the saying goes, “If you 3. Coon, R. W. Ellen White and Vegetarianism, p. 26,27, don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” italics added. If it is on your mind and heart to be a vegetarian, fantastic. Own that. The same goes for your Linden Chuang ASSISTANT Editor/Graphic designer.
12 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 living his word witH wayne boehm
my LESSONS FROM SODOM AND GOMORRAH The sordid acts of these two cities ministry are well-known in both religious solomon dental vans and secular circles. Lot, a righteous man not tainted with the sins of the city, had taken specific steps to live within the gates of Sodom. CONSIDER the steps and thinking that brought Lot to live in Sodom (Genesis 13:11–17, 14:12, 19:15). What does this reveal about Lot? project brings smiles Willing to live in the city, Lot was distressed by the “depraved conduct of the lawless” (2 Peter 2:7). However, the luxuries of Sodom had magine having a terrible toothache and assess its suitability. Although done their work in blinding him to day and night and no way of stop- the cost of sea freight was high, the extreme depravity of the city, ping the pain. Or worse, there is no the amount was reached thanks to so much so that when commanded I to leave “he lingered”. CONSIDER dental clinic on your island. Sadly, in the generosity of church members Genesis 19:16 and the implications Solomon Islands this is the reality for and private donors. The van arrived of these words, not only for Lot but many. mid-2016 to great fanfare and made also for yourself. Like Lot, to what Dr Genna Levitch, a Sydney- the front page of the local newspaper, extent has worldly pursuit masked based dentist now in semi-retire- so great was the enthusiasm for the the clarity with which you view God? ment, was thinking about this. He much-needed dental equipment. recalled providing basic dental care in Dr Levitch followed up with Abraham enters stage right. CONSIDER Solomon Islands after graduating as a another trip to Honiara. On arrival he the clarity of Abraham’s vision and dentist in 1978 and decided to return was met by a beaming Dr Oti who purposeful spirit that brought him to to assess current needs. showed him the van fully installed plead for the righteous. The story of When he arrived in Honiara he met and in use. The hospital had built a the promised son sets the scene for what is about to take place. Notice with chief dental officer, Dr Loreen permanent enclosure to house two the key elements that established Oti, an Adventist, who explained that dental vans. The site has power, the foundation for Abraham’s plea: there is an enormous need in the city water, waste connections, a concrete 1. Genesis 18:1 and a greater need in the prov- floor and a metal roof to provide 2. Genesis 18:3-5 inces. “We have qualified dentists in weather protection. 3. Genesis 18:10,14 Honiara, but after our dental hospital “So far the Ministry of Health has 4. Genesis 18:16-19 was condemned as unsafe several not been able to provide funds to Having a personal encounter with years ago, we have had just one ship the other vans over,” said Dr God, Abraham initiates a conver- public dental chair to service a popu- Levitch.“We are appealing to church sation, pleading for the righteous CONSIDER lation of 70,000. Can you help us?” members to donate through ADRA to in the city. Genesis 18:21. God comes down to acquaint Following inquiries back in this specific project.” Himself personally with the activities Australia, Dr Levitch was given four According to Dr Levitch, $A35,000 of the cities. This was not a flippant mobile dental vans (ex-school). Each is needed to pay for the freight. “The act but one that would deal directly was fitted out with a dental chair, SI Government has agreed to provide with the wickedness of the cities. x-ray unit, air conditioning, overhead dentists and will pay for maintenance The story concludes on a sad note light, stainless steel cabinets and of the vans.” with a drunken father and two preg- benches. All that was needed was to The SI Dental Department is nant daughters. Was this avoidable? plug it into power, attach a garden hoping to send one van to Honiara It seems the acts of the wicked city hose and a waste drain. Hospital and the other two to hospi- had left an indelible mark on this family. What lessons from Lot’s story In partnership with ADRA, an tals in outlying islands. Visit
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 13 28 FUNDAM EN TALS
a church with no walls
The church The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to humanity and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:3-7; Matthew 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19,20; Acts 2:38-42; 7:38; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11; 5:23-27; Colossians 1:17,18; 1 Peter 2:9.)
ost Sabbaths I’m woken by a church and Sabbath School I am matched by my concern. As a parent, four-year-old at my bedside unsure. (I suspect it may be the latter. their question is as worrying as it is Mwith a question, “Dad, is it No offence pastor.) comforting. church day?” But bless their young, energetic Of course, I want them to be Occasionally it’s a six-year-old but hearts—it’s good to be excited about excited by Sabbath and the church. the question is the same. “church day” isn’t it? Even if it is 6am I’d far prefer that to a weekly ritual Whether their anticipation is fuelled and I’d rather be sleeping. of ripping their fingers from the door by the captivating preaching or the Wiping the sleep from my eyes as frame as we drag them to the car in seemingly endless stream of sweets we pad down the hallway together, their Sabbath best. and snacks doled out to them during their excitement is increasingly What worries me is this: that at the
14 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 12
it doctrine, dogma or practice. The the lives of others? Cornerstone of the Seventh-day Did they see what happens Adventist Church is Jesus Christ—the on Sabbath as something to be Son of God who not only gave us consumed, or something to contribute breath, but breathed amongst us to? (Ephesians 2:19-22). Let’s stop thinking and talking about I’m proud that as a community church in a way that builds walls. of believers one of our fundamental Instead let’s really begin breaking truths emphasises that the church is down the walls of church in our mind— a living, breathing thing, whose very the physical and chronological, and tender ages of six and four my children heart beats for the single purpose of even the theoretical ones too. are already learning that the church amplifying the truth of Jesus Christ into If we’re feeling really brave why has walls. the world (Matthew 28:19). not consider the walls of depart- Physical walls. Chronological walls In the words of Fundamental 12 ments, limited or unlimited companies, too. And some walls that you can’t I see the energy of a movement of conferences (of the General or specific even see or measure but you sure can people committed to this vision; kind)—all of which are constructs feel. people who seek courage instead of built of walls in the mind and bank Walls that say—this is church and comfort; who spend more money on accounts. this isn’t church. their community than they do on their Instead of my kids asking me if it’s That this large brick building with an carpet; who understand the signifi- “church day”, imagine if they woke up oddly pitched roof (and all the others cance of their gathering is only found every single day asking with the same whose silhouettes look vaguely similar) in the manner of their scattering; and eager anticipation, “Dad, how can we are what constitutes “church”. whose defining characteristic is not an be the church today?” That when the clock hand points orange sign but the following of Jesus Then Sunday through Saturday in a particular direction, well that is Christ. are church days—seven days of “church day”—but shift it a few degrees I wonder if that’s really the church I connecting, worshipping, serving and either way, and well, it’s clearly not am helping to build. proclaiming. church day anymore. So every Sabbath I sit with my kids Then every place, be it school, a That church is a set of special and think about the week that has café or playground is church. clothes or a different set of songs. been, and how I have (and could have) Then, instead of seeing church as Throughout Scripture the church is shown them what a church without their pastor, Sabbath School teachers described in personal, human terms walls could look like. and the grinning greeters at the door, —as family (2 Corinthians 6:14-18), a Maybe my questions would be they recognise that among their bride (Ephesians 5:22-33) and a body useful for us all to reflect on no matter friends, in the family home and in the (1 Corinthians 12:27). Not as some our age: wider world that they are the church— inanimate object or legal concept. Did I help them see the sacred in and its mission can be carried out The real church has legs, arms the everyday? wherever they go. and faces. It has hearts and minds, Did I model and encourage conver- Imagine if we all woke up with that fears, tears and fist-pumping winning sations with people outside of our thought each day. at life moments too. It has, as they circle—people who might not look, I believe in a church with no walls. say, “warts and all” (even if some of sound or act like us? And I want to start building it today. those are covered by a liberal dose of Did I give them the responsibility of concealer and pride). speaking and sharing love and life with And there’s good reason for this— those around them? the church lives and breathes through Did I push them to consider the Braden Blyde the lives of its members because issues facing the world and help them Braden Blyde writes the foundation it is built on lives and see themselves as God’s agent of from Adelaide, South Australia where he breathes in the same way. change amongst it? serves as chaplain for The foundation of the church is Did we talk about Jesus and cele- Prescott College. not stone nor concrete; neither is brate what He’s doing in their lives and
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 15 Resilient disciples Needed
ur world is a hostile environment for disci- ples of Jesus Christ. Religion is on the rise Obut the patterns are complex. The global south—the developing nations of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and some of the nations of the Pacific—are experiencing an aggressive expansion of Christianity, often demanding and in tension with other world religions. By contrast, the global north societies of Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand—once shaped by Christian faith—are now largely post-Christian, with caustic, corrosive cultures that undermine faith and commitment. To survive and thrive in such environments, Mark Sayers, author of Disappearing Church, concludes, “We need extremophile disciples—disciples who are resilient.” Extremophiles—from the Latin extremus, “extreme” and the Greek philia, “love”—are life forms that thrive in physical or geochemical conditions detrimental to most others. Early Christians were extremophiles With everything against them, early believers not only survived but thrived. They followed the Spirit in replicating and expanding the disciple-making ministry of Jesus, cultivating a counter-cultural movement of church-planting in the most extreme conditions. What Jesus did on earth—as recorded in the gospels—was continued from heaven through His Spirit-filled disciples, as outlined in Acts. It is challenging and disturbing, compelling us to consider the impact Jesus’ methods might have if implemented today. Their experiences speak to our circumstances and issues, reshaping and
16 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 discipleship
transforming our concept of mission, magic is not unfamiliar to us. New Age will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, inspiring and cultivating the resilience and neo-pagan spirituality is sold with and in all Judea and Samaria, and to needed today. good coffee and healthy food in the the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). It global north and south. Luke’s record seemed impossible, as it does still Their world and ours in Acts speaks to our syncretistic today. While vastly different, there are context. The proliferation of movies However, Jesus prepared His surprising correlations between the and TV shows with supernatural disciples for this task, demonstrating Graeco-Roman world of the first themes, and fascination with spiritual reproducible processes. Then, on the centuries and our mission environ- realms, would not have surprised early evening of resurrection day, He said, ments. Christians. “As the Father has sent me, I am As with an a la carte menu, in the sending you” (John 20:21). Days later, New Testament world there were Schism in the church on a mountain in Galilee, He commis- many gods and combinations from The early church wrestled with the sioned them: “Go and make disciples which to choose. Gods for lovers, evils of racism, nationalism, trib- of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). poets, bakers, farmers, travellers; alism, sexism, religious taboos and In Acts, Luke selects experiences gods to guard doorways and gods fundamentalism—each threatening to to illustrate the obedience of early of the beehive; gods of war, fire, the devastate its unity. Even within church believers to Jesus’ commission, underworld and the dead; gods of communities, migration creates chal- demonstrating that their message the home and healing. In farmhouses, lenges rarely discussed. As churches and methods were shaped by Jesus’ small urban flats and luxury homes, in the global north welcome Christians life, disciple-making and move- space was devoted to these deities. migrating from the south, rejoicing ment-building. Temples were integral to culture, art that they no longer face extinction and civic pride—even attracting tour- and that their buildings are attracting Chapter 29 ists. Today there is also a proliferation people again, tensions are never far Like Luke’s gospel, Acts has no of spirituality. Temples, shrines and away. Conflicts arise over ways of life, formal conclusion. There is another sacred objects adorn cities, homes diverse social expectations, cultural chapter to be written—Chapter 29. and gardens in the global south and understandings, traditions, demands, This is not a call to return to an north, with rituals celebrated in forest taboos, worship practices and theo- imagined glorious past. There can be and mountain grottos. Few in our logical perspectives. no retreat. We are to move forward. communities are devoid of spirituality. In the north and south, local Disciple-making is now to be done We can learn from the witness of churches, denominations, theology and in tough pagan, post-Christian and early believers. They adapted Jesus’ ecclesiological agendas are shaped next-Christendom environments. methods of disciple-making to their and reshaped by vastly different This is where Jesus has called us! A secular but spirituality-soaked world. traditions and differing social, gender new chapter is needed. Digging into and community expectations. The Acts and exploring Jesus’ continuing Syncretism and pluralism threats of schism in Acts speak directly mission will shape and cultivate the The early church shared Jesus in to some of these issues. Like us, the resilience needed for us to write the a world of nymphs, gods, spirits and early church wrestled with purity next chapter—Acts “29”. demons. Luke tells fascinating stories laws, gender equality, sexual diversity, of the supernatural, even a bonfire of food offered to idols, holy days and 1. Hubbard, M. V., “Greek Religion” in Green, magical texts and paraphernalia—with festivals, racial and tribal tensions, J. B. and McDonald, L. M. (editors), The World of the New Testament, 2013. an estimated value of 50,000 pieces inclusion and exclusion. of silver (Acts 19:19)—lit by Chris- Adapted from Following the Spirit: Disci- tian believers. “Such a colossal figure It was “what Jesus started” ple-making, Church-planting and Move- implies a large number of Ephesian Even with His promise—“You will ment-building Today by Dr Peter Roennfeldt. believers with an enormous investment receive power when the Holy Spirit in the dark arts.”1 The presence of comes on you”—the vision Jesus cast Dr Peter Roennfeldt Author, church diviners, exorcists and practitioners of for His followers was daunting: “You planting practitioner.
July 7, 2018 | Adventist record 17 health Natural ways to Cattle a try these tips on hills reduce inflammation thousand Inflammation is one of your body’s natural defence mechanisms. It helps your body to heal and is a vital tool for a healthy immune system. When you stub your toe or cut yourself, your immune system jumps into action. Extra Eat more plants white blood cells are sent to the injured area Pack your plate with a wide to surround and protect it. A similar thing range of different coloured fruits and vegetables, happens when you have a cold or virus. prioritising plant proteins like Your white blood cells protect and repair legumes, nuts and seeds. your body, so you can bounce back to better health. This is called acute inflammation. It’s a rapid response from your body that lasts a relatively short amount of time and is an important part of staying healthy. There is also chronic inflammation and Switch to this type of inflammation can lead to health wholegrains problems. Chronic inflammation is your Try to cut out as many refined body’s response to exposure to unwanted carbohydrates as possible, like white bread, white rice and substances like cigarette smoke or even highly processed baked goods. stress. Whenever possible switch to wholegrain instead. Chronic inflammation is constant, low level inflammation that can increase with age and also if you are carrying extra weight. It has been linked to the development of heart disease, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. In some situations, the immune system goes haywire and produces chronic inflam- Spice it up mation without any obvious trigger. This is Look to flavour food with plenty of herbs and spices like the case with auto immune diseases like turmeric, garlic and ginger. inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pesto zucchini roll-up lasagne So what can you do to reduce chronic inflammation in your body? Rolling the ingredients in strips of zucchini While certain things in our environment (courgette) to form pinwheels and baking them in a tomato sauce gives a new feel can increase inflammation, others can work to a family favourite. as natural anti-inflammatories for the body. Why not try some of our natural tips to re- duce inflammation? Get balanced Find this recipe and hundreds When you get stressed, more at: Visit santarium.com.au or sanitarium. your body tries to fight it Australia: sanitarium.com.au/subscribe co.nz for more great ways to improve your like an infection. If stress is a constant part of your life, the New Zealand: sanitarium.co.nz/subscribe health. inflammation could be constant too. It’s important to find time to relax, get some balance back and discover the best stress Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing management tactics for you. is now on Facebook!
18 Adventist record | July 7, 2018 Faith Cattle on a hills thousand the area. We never had a shortage of done. The things you planned for us y earliest memories of what people wanting to buy our produce. no one can recount to you; were I to belongs to God are connected Today in my garden I follow this speak and tell of them, they would Mto my grandmother. She was principle. I don’t sell my produce. But be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:5, one of the first Adventist converts in because it grows well and gives me NIV). The blessings God has showered Kuching, Malaysia—my hometown. more than I can consume, I give it on me are not only material but in all An impoverished and illiterate away to friends and family—but not aspects of my life—family, education, widow who brought up her 10 children without “tithing” it first. I put a rough career and good friends. through the proceeds of her market estimate on what the produce would How else has the Lord blessed garden, she faithfully served God in all have cost me to purchase if I were not me? I started working at age 20 and, the ways she knew how. able to harvest my own. except for a few weeks between jobs, By the time I was born, there was At any one time in my garden, I have never been out of work. I do not no need for her to grow vegetables there is something growing that is understand what it means to be poor, anymore but she continued to do edible, some weeks more or less homeless or hungry because I always so on a small scale. Each time she depending on the times and seasons. I have food in my garden and some returned from market after the sale have fruits—limes, oranges, mangoes, money in the bank. I am not wealthy of another lot of vegetables, I saw pawpaws, custard apples, guavas, by the world’s standards but God gives her putting aside some money in a pomegranates and avocados. I have me enough so I am never without. I special brown envelope. When I asked vegetables—leeks, beetroot, various often chide myself for worrying about her what it was for, she told me that Chinese greens, lettuces, spring tomorrow and retirement. How foolish it was the “10 per cent of one” which onions, beans and an assortment of am I to do that! I think and ponder belongs to God. I suspect that no herbs and other greens. again and again the promise in Philip- matter how poor she was in the early Like my grandmother’s garden, pians 4:19: “And my God will meet all days, she made sure this portion was my harvest is plentiful and delightful. your needs according to his glorious God’s. I’m sure the Lord blessed her. I do have a few bugs now and again riches in Christ Jesus.” How reassuring All 10 of her children went to school— but most of the time they do not and comforting is that! both English and Chinese schools. In completely destroy the garden. They For me, the exhilarating statement those days girls were not normally are ever-present and remind me of of God’s power and might is found in sent to school but Grandmother made sin. Snails are always around at dusk; Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, sure all her seven daughters attended. so are the choruses of frogs that and everything in it, the world and all I know I am blessed because of sound so melodious to any gardener’s who live in it.” It’s again emphasised in Grandmother’s faithfulness. She intro- ears. My garden is a testimony to my Psalm 50:10: “For every beast of the duced me to serve my Saviour in so Creator’s power. My part is small—I forest is mine, and the cattle upon a many practical ways. just need to put a few seeds in, water thousand hills” (KJV). We grew up with an “investment and fertilise at appropriate times, and God owns me and everything in this pawpaw” tree—all proceeds from the not neglect the weeding. But as I do world—nothing is mine. I am fortunate sale of that tree went to the invest- these jobs, I know my Lord is watching to be a custodian of the goods, time ment offering. We had birthday thank over me and my garden, and blessing and talents I enjoy while I live on this offerings, week of sacrifice offerings me in more ways than I can ever earth. How lucky am I? and even the idea of first fruits. So we imagine. learned very early in life that the Lord’s The psalmist says, “Many, O Lord Mui-Fui Shelly McCleary retired and hand touches everything we grow in my God, are the wonders you have living in New Zealand. our garden. Our fruits and vegeta- bles were always bigger, sweeter and more abundant than others grown in
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of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be convened at the Wedding Morphett Vale Seventh-day JOHN-KNIGHT. Meljo John, son of Adventist Church, 130 Pimpala George and Mary John (India), and Rd, Morphett Vale, September Ashleigh Knight, daughter of Alvin 22-23, 2018. The business of the and Sonia Knight (East Warburton, session will be as provided for Vic), were married on 14.1.18 at in the constitution of the South Projekt 3488 reception centre in Australian Conference of the Warburton. Meljo is continung his Seventh-day Adventist Church, work as a business assessor and including proposed constitutional Ashleigh is teaching at Edinburgh changes and reports covering College in Lilydale. all phases of the work carried Morrie King out within the South Australian Conference. The officers and the executive committee of the Conference for the next quadren- Obituaries nium will also be elected. MOSS, Muriel Stella, Joseph Maticic, general secretary born 10.8.1926 in Jerrys Plains, NSW; Request for information died 1.4.18 in Mait- about missing members land. On 21.4.1954 she married Caringbah church (Sydney) would Robert Moss, who predeceased be grateful to receive information her on their 33rd wedding on the whereabouts of the anniversary in 1987. Muriel is following missing members so survived by her children Peter and that contact can be re-established Mary Moss (Coonabarabran) and with them. Contact ruthlgibbs@ Ken and Elizabeth Adamthwaite gmail.com or 0422115747. (Singleton); and five grandchil- Penny Bjazevich, Nyree Bjazevich, dren: Leah, Ashleigh, Nathan, Herbert Cox, Regina Easterbrook Cameron and Adrian. Muriel (nee Bjazevich), Beth Makhanya, and Robert were baptised in the Heuifalelilo May, Maggie Roberts, Hunter River at Muswellbrook by Liliana Sasi (nee Freund), Sam Pastor Des Mowday in the early Sasi, Manase Slavin, Shane 1960s and faithfully supported Yasserie. the gospel message through their various farming activities. ALLROUND TRAVEL Sid Griffith, Miroslav Stilinovic Specialists in group or individual POSITION VACANT travel. 2018 tours: October Bible Robinson, Terrence Lands—Jordan and Israel. 2019 Raymond, born tours: April: Iran—experience VOLUNTEER ADRA OP SHOP MANAGER 19.4.1942 in Subiaco, Ancient Persia. May: Bible Busselton, WA WA; died 14.2.18 in lands—Jordan and Israel. All with Are you looking for a rewarding challenge in a beachside holiday Kalamunda Hospital after a long Pastor Peter Roennfeldt. Enquires location? The Busselton ADRA Op Shop has been successfully battle with melanoma. Terry is welcome
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july 7, 2018 | Adventist record 21 noticeboard Book of Acts Sabbath School Study Series QTR 3
Special Announcement for Local Church Leadership, Pastors, Sabbath School Teachers, Elders, and Church Social Media Coordinators.
13 short videos aligned to each topic of the lesson series will be available at:
w disciple.org.au/resources/acts or disciple.org.nz v https://vimeo.com/spddiscipleship/videos
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to enable this lesson study series to be a transforming encounter with the methods of Jesus in disciple making and the methods of the apostles in movement building and church planting. • Share them on your Church Facebook page to engage your Church with the lesson. • Show them in Sabbath School time. Includes ideas for discovery Bible reading and group discussion. • Watch how the Holy Spirit led the church in growing the movement through Acts.
Order free Discovery Bible Reading Bookmarks from your Union Sabbath School Department. • AUC [email protected] • NZPUC [email protected] • TPUM [email protected] • PNGUM [email protected] • CPC [email protected]
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