NEC Camp Meeting –

2014 by Geraldene Farmer, Peter Jeynes and Val Grossett

he North England Conference camp meeting was a deeply moving and spiritually revitalising experience emphasising the need for faithful stewardship in all areas of our lives, especially those of time, talent and Tmoney. The momentum for this was provided by a group of well-chosen speakers which included General Conference (GC) Stewardship Ministries director, Dr Erika Puni; his associate, Dr Larry Evans; director of ‘It is Written’, Pastor John Bradshaw; GC Trust Services Department associate director, Pastor Wilfredo Sumagaysay; and director and campus chaplain of the Weimar Institute, Pastor Don Mackintosh. GC Children’s Ministries associate director, Dr Saustin Mfune, ministered to the many children present, while Pastor Kameron De Vasher and Pastor Randy Skeete both made sure that this year’s camp meeting was memorable for the youth. One camper was heard to say excitedly, as he collected his set of DVDs, ‘Whoever chose the speakers this year was definitely guided by the Holy Spirit.’ Each speaker remained true to the theme of ‘Transformed Agents’ and provided practical insight into how we as Seventh-day Adventist Christians should live. This year there was a deliberate move to provide more opportunities for prayer throughout the week, including the physical space for intentional prayer for individuals and those prayer warriors who were praying while the meetings were taking place. According to Pastor Murphy a concerted effort was put forward to rebuild ‘the altar of prayer’, and restore ‘a relationship with God’ in which the church is inspired to pray more diligently. Campers attended early morning prayer sessions from 5.30am and NEC president, Pastor Lorance Johnson, was pleasantly surprised when they had to be moved to the main hall to accommodate the number of campers who turned up. In addition to inspiring speakers and opportunity for constant prayer, campers were treated to the inspired playing of professional violinist Jaime Jorge, who gave up a promising medical career to devote himself to a full-time music ministry. Cuban-born virtuoso Jaime has recorded more than 17 albums and ministered in more than 40 countries. Jaime also joined the other musicians to accompany the congregational singing, much to everyone’s delight. Each night Dr Erika Puni drove home the message that ‘stewardship is all of me in response to all of God’. His messages on personal transformation left no one with an excuse to remain the same. All were challenged to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about the transformation needed in each life. In his presentation entitled ‘The Trusting Agent’, Dr Puni made the point that giving is about faithfulness, thankfulness and gratitude, and that, from God’s perspective, ‘Our offerings are more important than our tithes because it is an expression of our gratitude.’ He reminded us that just as God instructed Abraham to offer up his long-awaited precious son, so God expects the very best from each one of us today – after all, He gave His best for us. He mentioned the blessing of transformation as: • The blessing of being in a right relationship with God. BUC president Pastor Ian Sweeney • The blessing of developing and nurturing kingdom values. Continued on p. 6 2 3 Coaches to editorial

Open Day During the recent FIFA World Cup in Brazil, TV at audiences were treated to some exuberant goal-scoring celebrations. These usually Which way do contained a combination of ‘knee-sliding’, camera storming, air punching, finger Dwagging, team hugging, cheek rubbing and Julian Hibbert Stanborough midriff flashing . . . not to mention that strange you point? Editor male bonding activity that involves the whole team flopping themselves enthusiastically religious habit’, was Press down on the goal scorer like a pile of on centre stage. pancakes! Overnight, she moved Oh, and we shouldn’t forget those devout from relative obscurity Travelling from Croydon, heavenward glances coupled with the Sign of to stardom, armed the Cross – which to many Christians is the only with a ‘simple Brixton, Battersea, Fulham, most basic prayer of all.1 crucifix’ and a Pendeford/Wolverhampton, stunning voice. Walsaw, Handsworth, Escape valves How did she react Camp Hill, Birmingham – I am sure that these ‘celebrations’ serve as to this? Did she step escape valves – opportunities to release all up to the cameras to that explosive emotional energy that the promote herself? Did Contact numbers: ‘beautiful game’ creates – especially during she mimic those 07868 288310 events like the FIFA World Cup. Footballers footballers? Well, 01384 213803 playing at that level must be under enormous according to reports, 07736 509625 pressure to deliver positive results, especially she ‘recited the Lord’s those branded as match-winners: the likes of Prayer after winning 07831 958114 Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and a dozen and invited the studio more. audience and a or by email: sceptical panel of [email protected] Self-affirmation judges to join her, saying, “I want Jesus to enter here.” ’6 According to sports writer John D. Halloran, The Time magazine of 23 June published a photograph of an exuberant Cristina on page 10 – all great strikers are audacious, possessing her right arm pointing heavenward – quoting her as making this comment about her singing ‘an almost inherent belief that they are success, ‘My presence here is not up to me. It’s thanks to the Man upstairs!’ invincible. Or, at least, that the normal Wow, what a stunning contrast! On the one hand, the humility of this Ursuline sister: on the limitations on what is humanly possible, other, the ‘audacity’ and self-importance of some famous footballers. 9. Spain 2 10. The Netherlands simply don’t apply to them.’ So, as I see it, these ‘celebrations’ usually John the Baptist The documentary was consistent with current research findings guarantee that the media spotlight falls firmly John the Baptist’s birth had been prophesied (Mark 1:1-3) and it was miraculous (Luke 1:5-25) advocating the benefits of a diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables, on the goal scorer. And in performing them he – contrary to nature. John had launched a successful ministry at a time when such things were and lower in red meat, sugar, saturated fat and processed foods. The asserts himself, affirms his skills and pumps under close scrutiny, from both the jittery Roman garrison and the suspicious Jewish leaders environment in which food is eaten was also identified as important. up his self-confidence, all of which helps to (John 1:22). Large numbers of people had flocked to listen to his inspired preaching: The coveted title won by Iceland was clearly not just about diet but a sustain that sense of invincibility. ‘The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their result of a wholistic lifestyle including the benefits of an optimal living Sometimes things can get out of hand sins, they were baptised by him in the River Jordan.’ (Mark 1:5, NIV-UK.) environment. It was noted that Iceland has the lowest pollution levels though, as happened a year and two months John’s preaching was having an electrifying effect, both on the Jewish capital and on the and cleanest environmental living. There was also a mention about their before the FIFA World Cup kicked off. The surrounding province. Nothing like this had happened in Israel for centuries. In fact, Jesus went unique gene pool, higher levels of longevity and lower levels of lifestyle culprit was Mirko Vucinic of Juventus who so far as to say this about John: ‘I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater disease. Along with their ‘balanced diet’ and superior environment they ‘whipped off his shorts and swung them over than John; . . .’ (Luke 7:28, NIV-UK). The world’s best had the highest male life expectancy in the world, with men expected to his head’ in celebration after scoring a goal – Surely then, if ever there was someone with a claim to fame, it was John the Baptist. But If you were asked who the healthiest people in the world are, how live to 81 years (or above). something he had already rehearsed back in notice how he reacts in the face of that publicity: 3 2010 while playing for Montenegro against ‘To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You would you respond? Incidentally, other research shows Iceland ranking among the top 3 One answer to that question was screened on Monday 30 June 10 of the world’s happiest nations (at number 9) and number 1 as the Wales. Ironically, far from looking ‘invincible’, yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride 2014 in a Channel 4 television documentary titled The World’s Best world’s most peaceful nation using the Global Peace Index. he appeared quite vulnerable, bobbing about in belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and Diet.1 Show hosts Jimmy Doherty and Kate Quilton collaborated with While we can’t all move to Iceland, perhaps we can learn a lesson his tight white underwear! is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He leading nutritionists, scoring countries, ‘tribal peoples and religious about the way they live. On balance it appears that Iceland has it all – must become greater; I must become less.” ’ (John 3:27-30, NIV-UK.) groups’2 according to their best and worst foods and the impact these that’s why they won. The day before . . . had on each nation. Based on a league table compiled by nutritionists, England came out at number 34 while Scotland, Wales and Northern Now, in sharp contrast with the reactions of He is an example these groups were assessed by rates of obesity, diabetes, heart dis- Ireland trailed at 35, 36 and 37 respectively. The Marshall Islands (last those ego-massaging footballers, let me tell As I see it, greatness is attributed to John the Baptist for two reasons: firstly, for his role as the ease, diet-related cancers, alcohol intake, cultural attitudes to foods, place at 50) and Mexico (placed at 49) had the highest rates of you about Cristina Scuccia, a 25-year-old nun Messiah’s herald; and secondly, for his attitude during the discharge of those duties. Despite the nutritional indicators and life expectancy. The top 10 were: processed foods, obesity and diabetes. of the Ursuline order. importance of his mission, and the success it achieves, John remains humble and self-effacing. We were pleased with the positive representation of the Adventist The week before the World Cup started, He turns attention away from himself, to the One who really deserves it: 1. Iceland lifestyle (at number 4) represented by Paul and Barbara Clee, who, in Cristina won Italy’s The Voice of Italy musical ‘The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who 2. Italy their interview, included the importance of preserving spiritual health competition. Her audition alone attracted no takes away the sin of the world!” ’ (John 1:29, NIV-UK.) 3. Greece along with an array of ‘healthy’ foods to be ingested on a weekly basis. fewer than 50 million YouTube viewers! Then So, which way do you point? 4. Seventh-day Adventists in the final round of the event this ‘singing 5. Japan Good health! nun’ won ‘the trophy with 62% of the Italian 1http://catholicism.about.com/od/prayers/qt/Sign_of_Cross.htm 2http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1623658-from-van-persie-to- 6. Sweden, Norway, Denmark (joint) votes’.4, 5 suarez-to-falcao-the-anatomy-of-a-perfect-striker 3https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/mirko-vucinic-booked- 1http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/07/0/worlds-best-diet-channel-4-iceland-_n_5546562. shorts-off-celebration-juventus-coach-195711361.html 4http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6113762/singing-nun-cristina- 7. The Kuna Indians (Panama) html 2http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-worlds-best-diet 3http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ Suddenly, this young woman, dressed in scuccia-wins-italy-voice-video-2014 5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristina_Scuccia 6http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/ 8. France travel/picturegalleries/10302485/The-worlds-happiest-countries.html?frame=2668696 typical ‘black shoes and ankle-length black 6113762/singing-nun-cristina-scuccia-wins-italy-voice-video-2014 4 5 senses.’ His grace springs from had fallen – for us. We’re justified His character. by grace – and by blood. devotional But the salvation strategy 3. And it’s this atonement, this doesn’t end there. If it did, God sacrifice, this blood, this gracious would be no more than an blood – that we accept by faith. has been spoiled, and we can’t overindulgent grandparent saying, Had we been left with ‘being get it back. ‘Don’t worry about sin – it’s justified freely by His gracious ‘Houston, we We also face a third harsh natural; here, let me just cover it sacrifice’, everybody would be reality: not only is this sin up for you.’ Sin has to be dealt saved. But we have to have condition keeping us from the with; it has to be faced and it has faith in the merits and the have a problem’ blessing we were created to enjoy to be overcome. effectiveness of the gracious and to be, but it actually carries a 2. And so, we are ‘justified sacrifice. In other words, we have death sentence with it. Romans freely by His grace’ through to believe that we need the blood, by Pastor Solon Kyriacou 6:23 is chillingly clear: ‘the wages what? – ‘through the redemption that the blood has the power to of sin is death’ (KJV). Eternal that is in Christ Jesus’. Let’s not do what we need it to do, and that Ever had questions about our faith, doctrines or practice that pollo 13 was the seventh God, only perfect righteousness death – one-way-ticket death, kid ourselves – grace is freely it has the authority, the right to do you want to see resolved? Each issue I’ll be hosting Q&A in an manned mission in the US will do. And no one’s perfect: non-refundable-deposit death, the given, but it’s not free. It’s not what we need it to do. And that is effort to answer them. Andrew Puckering Aspace programme and the neither in the past, nor in the only wages you can be certain even cheap: it’s very costly. It to take from us the sentence of third intended to land on the present. will never be cut. cost the life of the Son of God. eternal death, to reconcile us to ‘How can you say that the wicked won’t endure moon. It was launched on 11 ‘For all have sinned and fall But the verse doesn’t end Part of the plan, yes – but that God and to heal us of that sin eternal torment, when Revelation 14:10, 11 April 1970. Unfortunately, an short of the glory of God . . .’ there. It finishes with ‘. . . but the didn’t make it any easier for condition. apparently says that they will?’ oxygen tank ruptured on 14 April, (Romans 3:23, NKJV). This free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus to bear. The penalty for sin Salvation – being justified by Q approximately 56 hours into the falling short is actually translated Christ Jesus our Lord’ (ESV). I – the shedding of blood, the God – has three prerequisites: flight. The damage made the from the present continuous actually like the way the English death of the sacrifice – wasn’t God’s grace, Christ’s sacrifice If we take Revelation 14:10, 11 – part of safe return from a lunar landing tense in the Greek – it’d be more Standard Version joins these two done away with. But Christ, as and our faith. Faith means that we the third angel’s message – at face value, A it does look like it supports the concept of an impossible and the mission was accurate to say we keep on opposing elements in Romans our Substitute, as our Creator, still need to choose to believe and aborted. falling short of God’s glory – 3:23, 24 – not with a contrast like had the right to claim that His desire to be made right with God. eternally burning hell: ‘He shall be tormented with The crew, flight controllers and which is His character. ‘but’, but with the very matter- death, His sacrifice, His grace Jon Paulien puts it like this: ‘Faith fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the support personnel had to use (Remember when God said He’d of-fact conjunction ‘and’: ‘for all would be sufficient for every is more than just a mere mental presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends considerable ingenuity to enable pass before Moses on the mount have sinned . . . and are justified person, every sinner – past, assent to the gift of salvation. It is forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the damaged craft to circuit the and show him His glory? Moses by his grace as a gift . . .’ present and still to come. a daring trust in God. Faith means the beast . . .’ (NKJV). However, that would be one of the gravest moon in order to propel it back only saw God’s back, but he (author’s emphasis). During the American Civil staking your life on God’ – no possible misinterpretations of Scripture. ‘It is beyond the power of into Earth’s orbit. heard the declaration of His The phrase ‘are justified’ is War, the government gave matter where it leads, no matter the human mind to estimate the evil which has been wrought by 1 The quote from the 1995 film, glory – His character attributes: derived from the use of the early Adventists who were the cost.2 the heresy of eternal torment.’ How then do we explain that these which I’ve used as the title, is mercy, grace, patience, love, present participle in the Greek – conscientious objectors the He uses the illustration of verses actually speak not of eternal torment, but of annihilation? actually a misquote of Flight faithfulness, justice and so on.) though we’re sinning and falling opportunity to avoid being Blondin, the famous French According to Robert L. Odom of the Biblical Research Institute, Commander James Lovell’s But hang on – don’t we know short, we’re still being justified. conscripted. They’d have to find tightrope walker, who performed the word often translated as ‘forever’ might not always mean ‘in message to the Kennedy Space better now? Knowing the Bible Maybe that’s even more amazing someone who would agree to go such a feat on a cable stretched perpetuity’, but rather ‘continuity (without a break) of action, Centre. He actually said, like we do, haven’t we learned – we’re being justified, being to war in their place. One young across Niagara Falls. The being, or state of being’, which may mean ‘either a long or a ‘Houston, we’ve had a problem.’ how to be righteous yet? With made righteous, being put back in Adventist managed to find such a spectators cheered. He asked short period of time, either definite or indefinite’. For this he cites For the film, they didn’t want it to what we know, coupled with a right relationship with God at willing volunteer, a friend of his them who thought he could do it the biblical examples of Israelite bondservants (Exodus 21:1-6), sound as though the problem was our good intentions and our the same time as we’re still who was subsequently enlisted in pushing a wheelbarrow. Most Gehazi’s leprosy (2 Kings 5:27), David’s kingship over Israel (1 potentially over. determination not to sin, we’re managing to fall short of His the army of the North. Within a raised their hands. He succeeded Chronicles 28:4), and Aaron’s priesthood (1 Chronicles 23:13) – Can you imagine being that far bound to get this righteousness glory in the present. This was short time, his friend was killed at and again the people cheered. all said to last ‘forever’, but only in the sense of lasting until 2 from home and having something thing sorted, aren’t we? what filled Martin Luther with joy the Battle of Shiloh. Then he asked if anyone thought death. Even Jonah’s mere three-day stint of ‘hell’ in the belly of 3 so disastrous happen to you – Sadly, not only is our past – he called the condition ‘simul A year or so later, the he could do it with a man in the a fish was said to last ‘for ever’ (Jonah 2:1-6, KJV), and it something so bad as to be life- messed up, but the present is too iustus et peccator’ – at the same Adventist received another letter wheelbarrow. Again, most of the probably felt like it. threatening? For the Apollo 13 because we’re still sinning. We’re time justified and a sinner! from the draft board, calling him hands went up. But when he Mark Finley writes, ‘Forever in the Bible can be literally crew, teamwork, ingenuity and a faced with two harsh realities that That’s joyful news indeed. to enlist. The young man replied asked for a volunteer all those translated “until the end of the age” or as long as he shall live. large slice of good fortune saved make it impossible for us to get But this isn’t just an off-the-cuff that he couldn’t be conscripted same hands went down. The wicked are consumed, burned up, turned to ashes (Malachi 4 those three astronauts’ lives. rid of this sin problem by our own forgiveness and slate-wiping because he was already dead! There’s a great difference 4:1, 3).’ Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by ‘eternal fire’ But there’s a problem neither efforts. Firstly, we can’t just rub exercise by God. Just as there The authorities took him to court between a faith that just says, (Jude 7, NKJV) and Jerusalem by unquenchable fire (Jeremiah Houston nor anyone else can out our past record of sinful were three elements to the results but he won the case. The court ‘Yes, I believe You died for me,’ 17:27) – both of which were consumed and ceased to exist as fix, ingenious or not. It’s not actions, thoughts and attitudes. of our sin condition, so there are ruled that when his personal and one that’s a saving faith – the a result, rather than remaining in a state of constant, eternal fashionable to talk about ‘sin’ We can’t even make amends for three elements to our salvation, substitute had died at Shiloh, this kind of faith that stakes its whole burning. ‘They are not burning today. . . . According to 2 Peter today. Nobody likes to have the most of them. Rebelling against three parts to God’s strategy for young man himself had died to life on that belief. True saving 2:6, they were turned into ashes. An eternal fire is one whose way they do something called God’s perfect standard, against saving sinners. the draft. Legally speaking, it was faith is more than a decision – effects are eternal, one which totally consumes forever. . . . ‘wrong’. But if we’re taking our His law, can’t be put right by 1. How can God make the as if he himself had been there it takes hold of us entirely and Jerusalem is not burning today. The fire has done a complete 5 cue from God’s Word, we have to paying a fine or doing a little time ungodly right? By His grace. and had lost his life. becomes the central focus of our work.’ In other words, as Romans 6:23 tells us, the wages of sin recognise that, just as Romans at His Majesty’s pleasure. We’ve been sinful and we Maybe this can help us lives. People with such a faith are is death: an eternal death, but not an eternal dying! 3:23 says, every last responsible Secondly, even our present continue to be sinful. We don’t understand how the death of One, willing to say to Jesus, ‘Lord, I Yes, Christ hates sin, and will burn up this sinful world along person on Earth has a criminal best efforts, all our good deeds, deserve to be justified at all. a Saviour, can be accepted in the want to be in control, but I give up with those who, by stubbornly clinging to it, refuse His free gift of record. This is a record of past fall short of God’s ideal, of His This grace is more than what place of another, a sinner. And by my desire for me to be the centre salvation (2 Peter 3:10-12; Revelation 20:15). But He who died sins, which, no matter how much glory, whether that glory refers church-speak usually calls virtue of the fact that our Saviour of my universe to You – please for those who were His enemies (Romans 5:8-10); He who we try to deny them or cover to His honour, His praise or His ‘unmerited favour’. The Seventh- is also the Representative of all take my place – just as You did at prayed His Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him (Luke them up, blot our copybook. approval, or whether Paul’s day Adventist Bible Commentary humanity because He is also our Calvary.’ 23:34); He who is love personified (1 John 4:8), will not give Nothing we do or say makes writing about the glory of His puts it as God’s ‘unlimited, all- Creator and Sustainer, He can them a millisecond more agony than is absolutely necessary. any difference to that. In fact, no character. inclusive, transforming love legally claim to be the Substitute 1Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 536 2https://www.adventistbiblicalresearch. matter how many ‘good deeds’ Whichever, this sin problem towards sinful men and women’.1 for every human being. org/materials/theology-state-dead/how-long-forever 3Ibid 4Studying Together, revised 5 we’ve notched up in an effort to prevents us from sharing in God’s This grace isn’t the result of a Romans 3:25 tells us that edition, 1995: Hart Research Center, pp. 65, 66 Ibid make what we’ve done right honour or ever deserving His ap- particular effort on God’s part. Jesus was put forward as a 1Volume 6, p. 504 Do you have a question you’d like to see answered in Q & A? Why not send it in to us at: outweigh what we’ve done proval. God’s image, in which He It’s not a one-off idea: ‘Let’s try sacrificial atonement for the ones 2Jon Paulien, Knowing God in the Real World, [email protected]? If your question doesn’t appear in the next issue, don’t wrong, it will change nothing. For created the first human beings, this, see if it’ll bring them to their upon whom the penalty for sin p. 51 despair – we will deal with it in due course. 6 Recreation 7 Every year the NEC tries to include a variety of leisure activities in the programme. This year was no different and, in addition to the on-site leisure facilities, campers once again got the opportunity to see the pastors defeated by the members at both cricket and football. NEC camp meeting Available from the NEC There was also an excursion to Llandudno, which proved to be very popular. Communication department: • A five-DVD set of all the main Continued from p. 1 At the end of the week one very satisfied camper exclaimed, • Stewardship results in our giving beyond More than ‘bread alone’ ‘This is the best camp meeting we have had for years, at least since sermons for the week He also stressed that: and above what is expected. It Is Written director, Pastor John Bradshaw, I started coming back in ’91. What I liked is that the theme went (£25.00 per set) • Stewardship is the rule of Jesus Christ in did not allow jetlag to interfere with his clearly through the whole week and we had a chance to get a different • A health spot DVD with all the our hearts 24/7. Dr Puni summed up by calling upon all enthusiastic delivery of his first Midday Manna lectures by Pastor Don Mackintosh perspective on the same theme from the different presenters.’ (£5.00 per copy) excluding p&p • Stewardship is the fruit of our salvation. present to become repentant agents in order message of the NEC camp meeting. His sense • Stewardship makes us kind and generous. to experience the power that comes through a of humour and compelling delivery drove Football Coming soon: relationship with Christ. home the importance of knowing what we ‘Victory’ was the cry of the members’ football team as they gathered • The ordination service DVD is also The Friday night Communion Service was believe. After citing the example of an innocent on the Pontins football field for the annual ‘members vs. pastors available. once again carried out with precision by the man who, based on the testimony of so-called and workers’ football match in Prestatyn. That cry at the beginning • So is an audio-only version of prophesied the result accurately. pastors and their spouses under the direction expert witnesses, was executed by lethal selected sermons so you can listen in The pastors and workers looked the better team because of the of NEC Ministerial secretary Pastor Richard injection, he made the point that ‘Expert your car or while you work. Details to smart new kit they wore, but the members’ team was the first to follow. Jackson. During his address, Dr Puni spoke witnesses have been known to get things score. They carried on their winning way, much to the delight of the out about people not receiving communion. wrong but the expert witness of the Bible very large crowd of supporters – ending the match 6 to 1 in their Please contact Rachel Graham-Tohue on ‘Communion and the Lord’s Supper focus on never gets anything wrong; there is power in favour! 0115 9606312 to order your DVDs. Jesus Christ. We put the emphasis on the the Word of God, a living power to transform During the post-match congratulations the promise was made that wrong things. [Let everyone examine himself.] our lives if we let it be the cornerstone of our for next year’s match the members would also have a smart new The focus on Communion is not on our sins existence.’ football kit to wear. but on the forgiveness of God. There ought to be no fear. Communion is not about reminding Children Cricket There is always a traditional ‘pastors against members’ cricket match us of our failings but remembering the death In the children’s venues Dr Mfune spoke on ‘A at the NEC camp meeting – sponsored by Newbold College. This year of Jesus Christ.’ Castle Called Celebrations’, taking the children the college’s newly installed principal, John Baildam – both a pastor’s through twelve son and a certified cricket umpire – supervised proceedings. aspects involving the The pastors batted first and with a good knock from Pastor Alan stewardship of our Hush they eventually reached 114 for 6. Initially it looked like a good Ordination service bodies: choices, enough score but the members were up to it and won the match – This year’s NEC ordinands were: Sidney and Enila Almeida from exercise, liquids, much to the crowd’s delight. Brazil; Emanuel and Camelia Bran from Romania; Vasantha environment, belief, Kumar Jayaraj (known as Paul) and Angeline from India; and rest, air, temperance, Adam Ramdin and his new wife Aiko. integrity, optimism, Sidney was described as ‘God’s man’ by Pastor Steve Palmer. nutrition and Brandon Linck-Hernandez According to Pastor Rainford McIntosh, Emanuel was shown to social interaction. be a man with the core attitudes to equip people for ministry. Brandon is 10 years old and despite the Pastor Fred Mapp noted that Vasantha Jayaraj was the father Children’s comprehensive programme offered for children of the ‘best boy and girl in the world’, thereby alluding to the fact Ministries director, his age he chose to attend the adult programme that he was a caring family man. ‘Experienced evangelist and Pastor Pat Douglas, with his gran, Marie Steward from Darlington. revivalist’ were terms used by Pastor Alan Hush to describe the had a life-size Brandon was particularly impressed with the abilities of his friend Adam Ramdin. castle especially morning health programme and agreed to share These introductions gave the congregation some background the following reflection with the church at large: built in order to ‘When I think of Camp Meeting, I think it’s to the people who were about to be ordained. make these amazing how God has put pastors in this place Saustin Mfune Pastor Ian Sweeney compared the call of these four young lessons a real men to that of Jeremiah. Among other things he advised the to preach His phenomenal Word to us. It’s and interactive tremendous to me how the Gospel of the Lord pastoral couples to pray together: ‘Keep me ever in Your care . . . experience for the let me ever know that You are with me.’ Almighty is linked to the logic of science. If God The prayer of consecration truly sought to involve the children. created the earth then He is the most powerful congregation in this act of worship. They were invited by Pastor [being] of all time. Elohim created out of Erika Puni to extend their arms towards the pastors who were nothingness all the beauty of His planet. This lets laying hands on their brothers. Thereby the whole congregation me know that if we have disorders like obesity, became involved in the commitment of these men and their anger and anorexia God can change us through wives as they were set aside for their role as pastors in the NEC. His wonderful love. We aren’t saved by our eating The charge, by Pastor Lorance Johnson, the Conference or horrible habits but in Christ alone. If we ask we president, contained these words: ‘God has set you aside by receive; give Him your life and you will prosper.’ the laying on of hands, having the privilege of preaching and We want to thank Brandon and encourage him teaching in broader ways than you have before . . . this also as he grows in his understanding and observation, involves greater responsibility. I charge you to be a servant. . . . and we thank his gran for faithfully bringing him to I charge you to become like Him.’ church. This was followed by a happy tumult of responses, welcomes and greetings as everyone got their chance to congratulate these Excellent food provided by the catering team new pastors.

The ordination service Street witnessing led by Florence Manji Left to right: ordained pastors and wives, Paul Jayaraj, Sidney Almeida, Adam Ramdin and Emanuel Bran 8 9 British Adventism. These sixteen consequences for the rest of his to their senses and they had all were conscripted into the 3rd life. gone to work as good Britishers Adventist conscripts of World War I feature Eastern Non Combatant Corps at I’ve talked with the children should, and that I would only Bedford Barracks on 23 May of a number of these men. Their get into further trouble if I was 1916, and fourteen were sent to parents did not talk to them about stubborn. France soon afterwards. these things after the war. This news, of course, A matter of conscience: It was on the boat to France Willie Till broke that rule just surprised me, and I could hardly that trouble started. They were once – just before Christmas believe it, but I remember making already in possession of their 1938. Garth, then 9, remembered the statement that whatever my uniforms, but their rifles were it well. Willie’s sister had scolded brethren might do, I must remain Adventist heroes in handed out on the ship. The him, ‘War is coming; you need to firm to the truth of God, and I fourteen refused. At Le Havre tell us what happened: what les- endeavoured to get some sort of they were put to one side on the sons we need to learn.’ Willie spiritual understanding into the World War I docks . . . and after a while, to spent an afternoon and evening mind of that gross sergeant. I try and break the resistance, the telling his story; then suffered learned later, however, that all our by Pastor Victor Hulbert, BUC Communication director tallest and strongest of them, traumatic nightmares for the next young men in the cells remained who was perceived to be the month. faithful.’ ‘Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, ringleader, was tasked with The fullest account of these The sergeant’s attitude then carrying large rocks from one end events is in the 4 April 1918 changed and the inevitable and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, of the dock to the other. When he edition of the clandestine paper, beating came. But that was not except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our had completed his task he was The Tribunal. The Bodleian Library the end of the story. 4 past history.’ (Ellen White, Life Sketches, p. 196.) made to carry them back. in Oxford kindly emailed me a Armstrong writes, ‘A short Back, left to right: J. McGeachy, W. Coppock, W. W. Armstrong (BUC president), A. Penson, However, despite that bad photo of one of only two copies while afterwards a little way down Jesse Clifford (missionary to West Africa). Middle, left to right: S. Williams, D. Barras, A. F. Bird, H. W. Lowe (BUC president), F. Archer. start, accommodations were still extant. the corridor I heard somebody Front, left to right: G. Norris (Granose Foods manager), H. Archer, W. G. Till (missionary to regiment. However, most upheld made and for 18 months the Suffice it to say that in the whistling one of our well-known West Africa). the principle of the sacredness of Adventist group worked mainly as account it talks about bullying, hymns – although I cannot life, and equally had strong views stevedores, unloading ships on breaking men’s hearts, and that remember just which one it was. on Sabbath observance. the docks at Le Havre and the authorities were authorised to I was surprised to hear this There are many stories to tell. elsewhere. Serving in this non- use physical means to achieve because to whistle or sing was Seventeen young men, such as combatant role, and with the their objectives. On that first counted as gross insubordination, Pastor Hector Bull and Charles ability to keep the Sabbath, they Friday afternoon, in the prison but to my surprise I heard a voice Meredith, spent time in Dartmoor appeared to do alright. There courtyard, the Adventists downed singing with the whistling, and it Prison. Some were better treated is even a photo, in Romola tools at 4pm in preparation for was only a question of seconds than others, but these were Combridge’s collection, of the Sabbath. The sergeants were before many other voices were harsh times and conscientious group in fancy dress in some ready for them, armed with singing this hymn, and I found objection was not to be seen as kind of social setting. (Romola, a sticks, revolvers and boots. myself spontaneously joining in an ‘easy option’. Garth Till, Stanborough Park member, is the Following a severe beating to the singing of that good old whose father was one of those daughter of Alfred F. Bird, who every part of their bodies they hymn.’ who were court-martialled and was one of the group.) were chained in their cells, hands Armstrong noted that ‘the imprisoned in France, observed Things changed in 1917. They clamped behind their backs with singing of that hymn brought that prison ‘had to be worse than were moved to a new area with a the metal digging into their flesh. wonderful comfort and strength the trenches simply to discourage new commander where they were According to the Tribunal’s to us as we were there in that 3 Delegates at the 1914 Union Session deserters’. told to work on Sabbath, which account, such mistreatment and prison’. It had an effect on held at Battersea Town Hall The subject of treatment at they refused to do. They were worse continued the next day, but the sergeant and other non- Back, left to right: Fred Cooper, Albert Pond, Walter Marson, Ron Andrews, Claude Bienco, ?, Dartmoor Prison was debated in then court-martialled and it is actually W. W. Armstrong’s commissioned officers who Rutherford. the House of Lords on 30 April sentenced to six months’ hard personal letter, forty years later, gathered in the corridor and didn’t Front, left to right: Davies, ?, Jack Howard, Hector Bull. t might have been difficult to 1918. Lord Parmoor moved a labour. that inspires me the most. Let me know what to do. They became say ‘Praise God’ in 1914 as resolution which stated that On 23 November 1917 they read you a section. very subdued, and Armstrong I400 delegates to the British the non-combatant work of entered Military Prison No. 3 in reports, ‘We finished that hymn in Union Session met in Battersea conscientious objectors should Le Havre. Writing years later to a ‘When the Sabbath morning an atmosphere of absolute quiet.’ Town Hall the very weekend that be service of national value and young man who asked about the came, I remember hearing the While much of the horrors of World War I broke out. In their not merely of a penal character. experience, Worsley Armstrong door of the cell to my right being that time fell away over the years, special prayer sessions that He described, during the debate, wrote, ‘I will not go into the opened and the sergeant giving that moment remained. Even forty weekend it was not so much the work at Dartmoor, which details of the horrible treatment instructions to one of our young years on he could state with ‘praise God’, but that ‘the forces consisted of men building a wall we received, but finally each one men to go to work. I could not clarity, ‘There was something in of strife may be restrained in only to be followed by another of us was cast into a small cell, hear his reply, but I did hear him the hymn itself as well as the Europe, and that the lives of our group of men who took it down. approximately 7 foot by 4 foot leave the cell and the door was spirit in which it was sung which brethren and the interests of the A. F. Bird However, Charles Meredith with iron walls and a concrete bolted. affected those brutal men, for cause may be divinely guarded’.1 told his son Glynn that if you floor. It was mid-winter. There, The same thing happened to brutal they were to the extreme, They were fearful for what the worked hard there you were after punishment, our hands the youth on the other side, and I and although we did experience future might hold – particularly made ‘conchies’ very unpopular respected. He was one of those were placed behind our backs was left by myself. I heard other considerable persecution for their young men. people. It was no joke to be given who used a sledgehammer to and locked with what were called doors opened and bolted in the subsequently, I felt that these Even before conscription the ‘white feather’ of a coward by break up large granite blocks for “figures of eights”. This was very same way and finally the door to men had far more respect for us arrived life was difficult. Dr Hugh a young lady in the street. road building. On Sabbaths he painful.’5 my cell was opened, and I was after they had heard our singing.’ Dunton was a conscientious In January 1916, conscription was given the freedom to walk 15 Alfred Bird died early, in 1944, commanded to go to work. I The men were not allowed Back, left to right: Douglas Nichols, Albert Pinch, objector in World War II, following was enforced. Thousands more miles each way from prison to partly as a result of ill health refused to do this in a courteous Bibles – they were confiscated Lawrence Bevan, Bertram Bevan, ?, Albert Pond, his father’s example in the Great troops were needed to fight on Plymouth Church. resulting from this appalling way, explaining once more the on entering the prison. However, ?. Middle, left to right: Jack Howard, Davies, War. He well remembered the the Western Front and soon 130 If we want to focus on Claude Bienco, William Gregory. treatment. His daughter says the reason for my refusal. I fully one of them managed to obtain a Front, left to right: Fred Cooper, Ben Davies, scornful calls of ‘conchie’ hurled young Adventists were called up Adventist heroes, our attention marks of these irons digging into expected to be thrashed and copy of the Gospel of John, Hector Bull, Ron Andrews, Charles Meredith, at him at school and while he for military service. At least one needs to turn to sixteen students his wrists could be seen until beaten . . . but to my surprise the which they then divided up Rutherford. walked through his village streets fought: M. J. Nicholls – a former at Stanborough Training College – the day he died.6 Armstrong sergeant was quite affable. He between them and hid in their long after the war ended.2 Lord evangelist from Aberdare joined the forerunner of Newbold developed a heart condition while told me not to be a fool; that all caps.7 Kitchener’s propaganda machine the Herefordshire Light Infantry College and the training centre for in prison, and lived with its the other young men had come A typical ‘conchie’ cell Continued on p. 10. 10 Continued from p. 9. 11 A chaplain from a story it doesn’t look like it. He neighbouring camp was passing questions God in verse 13; the prison one day and heard confesses his family’s weakness news shrieks from the cells. He entered in verse 15; asks for a miracle in the prison and asked to see the verse 17; and when he has to tear Adventists. He knew they were down the altar to Baal, he does it there – but his request was at night so no one can see him! refused – and, moreover, he Then by the end of the chapter he wasn’t allowed inside the prison sets two more tests for God. again even though he had held a God humours him because He service there once a week.8 It is knows He can use him. God also possible that he raised the alarm challenges him by reducing his with higher authorities in Britain. army of 32,000 men down to By January 1918 the BUC 10,000 and then to 300. God can committee voted to protest to the do mighty things with 300 men. Make peace War Office about the treatment, He could do mighty things with ‘Make peace with others. Make peace with yourself. Make peace with and they were told that the matter fourteen young men in France. He God.’ This was the message Milan Gugleta, the pastor at Leamington had already been investigated and can do mighty things with you – Mission Church, shared with the crowds at Leamington Spa Peace the officers responsible punished. and with me. Festival, Sabbath afternoon 14 June. Thankfully their detention in Those fourteen young men Every summer the ‘Mission’s’ members reach out to the community Military Prison No. 3 lasted not who stood by their principles in from their stall at the annual Peace Festival in the picturesque grounds much more than a month. They France must be admired and of the Pump Room Gardens, next to the River Leam. This year’s were then released from the Army respected, along with the many highlight was the five-minute slot Pastor Gugleta had to talk to and sent to Knutsford Work more who served time in festival-goers from the bandstand in the centre of the park. Although Mission in the Gambia Centre. By July all fourteen were Dartmoor, Wakefield or Knutsford his speech had to be short and snappy, it was apt, thought-provoking The Leicester Central and St Matthews Community Fellowship churches released to civilian life.9 prisons – and who stood firm and well received. have become personally involved in funding a mission project in the Although the lives of at least despite Lord Kitchener’s pressure The weather was warm, which brought out the crowds to visit Gambia, West Africa. Through the visit to the region by Bona Matturi two of them were shortened that ‘your country needs you’. the many stalls, relax and listen to the varied music and different they became aware of the need for an Adventist school in a village because of this cruel punishment It was not easy for them. One performing acts. Many volunteers from the church, led by Antonia called Kashume. a number of the others went on of those young men was my Castellino, who organises this event, took it in turn to hand out literature Initially they designed and built a school to house 20 students, but it to lead the Church, both in this great-uncle. I didn’t even know and talk to passers-by. Face painting, balloons and children’s craft now has 150 in attendance daily. This is a wonderful witness when one country and overseas, following that when I started the research, activities were also provided. This offered good opportunities to talk to considers that the Gambia’s population is 90% Muslim. the end of the war. H. W. Lowe but when I discovered that it the parents while they were waiting in the queue. Nu Generation ministries is rooted in these two congregations and is was British Union president really brought the story home We now pray that God will guide all the people we interacted with largely driven by the passion of youth. It continues to support the before and during World War II. to me. I hold him, and the Women Together conference according to His plan for their lives. school by funding uniforms, building repairs and equipment. W. W. Armstrong also served as other thirteen, in the highest On 12 May the North England Conference hosted their fifth Union president after the war. admiration. I hold them as Excellence awards at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester, in LORRAINE GLINTON BASED ON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY NU GENERATION MINISTRIES Jesse Clifford and Willie Till both Adventist heroes. support of Mission to the Cities, which is focused in that area. went as missionaries to West And so, as I conclude, a Grace Walsh, NEC Health Ministries director, led out in a discussion Africa. G. Norris became thought for our future: it may be about mental health issues while Heather Haworth, retired BUC manager of Granose Foods and difficult to know what future Women’s Ministries director, provided interesting insights into the later a pioneer factory builder in choices may have to be made – development of this ministry in the NEC over the years, expressing South America. A. F. Bird, J. but whether or not we agree delight at the growth under the present leadership. McGeachy and others served as with Worsley Armstrong and Sharon Platt-McDonald gave an animated speech encouraging her local pastors, becoming valiant his colleagues, what is perhaps sisters to ‘arise, and shine’ and let God lead in our decision-making. spokesmen on behalf of the more important is for us to There was also a brief introduction to the matter of home-schooling, church – particularly when the think through the moral issues something which this department hopes to set aside time to discuss in issue of conscription raised its influenced by our faith. We need depth at the next retreat, to be held in October 2014 in Bolton. head again at the beginning of to be making positive choices There has already been a good response to a flyer handed out about World War II. These men had now – to be so much living our becoming a foster parent, and this too will be followed up at the made the choice to ‘stand for the faith that we can claim the words October meeting. right though the heavens fall’.10 of the angel to Joshua: ‘The An unusual twist to the day was the request of chef Babe Buzz to We may never know the full LORD is with you, you valiant read a poem for all the mothers, as it was Mother’s Day in most other story. Some of it is locked up in warrior.’ parts of the world. His cooking skills were even better than his oratory the National Archives until ‘We have nothing to fear for skills and the women were treated to an excellent array of dishes. 2042.11 But all of us sometime, the future, except as we shall Women’s Ministries director, Geraldene Farmer, believes the somewhere, have to make forget the way the Lord has led excellent attendance and participation at this year’s event was a direct Clapton’s concert difficult choices. The story of us, and His teaching in our past result of the department’s decision to hold women’s days of prayer for On Sabbath 7 June, Clapton Community Church opened its doors for these young men reminds me of history.’ (Ellen White, Life areas around the Conference during the first quarter of this year. ‘Area its ‘Restoration Concert’ in aid of the St Paul’s Building Fund. Their the challenge faced by another Sketches, p. 196.) co-ordinators were afforded the opportunity of interacting more closely objective is to restore the building to its original state so it can better timid young man back in the days than usual with local leaders and we have seen the response. Our serve their community and bring more lives to Christ. of the Judges. In Judges 6 we Note: Find out more by visiting: women are willing to work together. We have to harness their Artistes from across London, such as Devotion, The Company, read about the call of Gideon. A adventist.org.uk/ww1. enthusiasm and encourage them to become active where they are.’ Ministerz of Praise, Chiswick Choir and Sabrina Ramikie, were well scared young man, hiding in a In commemoration of a special milestone in the history of this received by more than 300 people. Each artiste raised the praise to a wine press, trying to thresh some 1Souvenir Messenger, 1902-1992, pp. 10, 11 annual event, the NEC Music department provided a short concert right 2Interview with David Trim, 18 March 2014 new level, leaving Israel J. Allen to end the evening with a powerful and corn out of sight of the enemy. 3Interview with Garth Till, 9 April 2014 at the end in order to close off an uplifting and inspiring day. soul-inspiring performance. But there were others who contributed to But the angel of the Lord appears 4Gath Till interview 5W. W. Armstrong, letter Girlie-Mae Andrada, area co-ordinator for Area 1, remarked that the success too: Clapton’s praise team, the audio-visual team, the chefs to him and calls him, ‘The LORD to S. Cannon, 25 January 1957 6Written ‘It was the biggest number of attendees we have had to deal with to statement from Romola Combridge, 24 and the ushers – everyone worked extremely hard. is with you, you valiant warrior!’ February 2014 7Garth Till interview 8The date. Despite some hitches at registration, the programme was very Clapton’s aim was not only to raise funds to restore its building, but Judges 6:12 (ISV). In the King Tribunal, p. 4 9http://www.adventisthistory. well received and women have been blessed.’ also to help others restore themselves spiritually. They succeeded on James Version it is translated, org. uk/documents/souvenirmessenger1902- The next Women Together conference will be held at the Sheridan both counts – raising over £3,000 from the concert towards their 1992.pdf page 11 10Ellen G. White, Education, ‘thou mighty man of valour’. p. 57 11http://discovery.national archives.gov. Suite on Sunday, 10 May, 2015. project. Was he? When you read the uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C4166800 GERALDENE FARMER ROWENA RAMKISSOON PHOTOGRAPHY BY WAHEEM 12 13

Smile, Jesus loves you The ‘longest’ day On the Sabbath afternoon of 28 June, ten members of the Carmarthen Emotions ran high for one family on the longest day of the year when church went into the town centre and gave out balloons and literature one special young lady gave her life to Christ on her 15th birthday. If a while others braided hair for both children and adults. Approximately double celebration for one daughter wasn’t enough, her sister also 150 balloons with a smiley face and the logo ‘Smile, Jesus loves you’ joined her in the baptismal pool to make the commitment, bringing their were given out, and also many magazines and tracts. Prayer requests parents – and the rest of the church – to tearful joy. Tia-Marie and Zara were offered though there were no takers this time. The hair braiding Meriez are two ‘very special young ladies’, explained proud father was busy all afternoon with many young ladies wanting different styles, Larry Meriez, elder at Cambridge Church. ‘My girls have quite opposite and although the weather forecast was for heavy showers the Lord temperaments – with Tia-Marie being more shy and Zara being a ball of blessed us by giving us fine weather. We hope to repeat this shortly energy – but both have a very bright future and could be anything they Whit and wilder! worships and in the Sabbath evening concert, led by the Winnitt family when, by God’s grace, we’ll be able to have more interaction with the want!’ and Josh. Aberdaron Whit and Wild Camp, 23-27 May, was an ideal mix of active shoppers. Their mother, Shanti, the church clerk, had the privilege of The kitchen team, led this year by Gill Poyser and Rose Smith, outdoor events with spiritual and temporal food. C. P. MERTENS welcoming them into membership at Cambridge Church and sealing produced a vast array of delicious and healthy food. The food must Sabbath started with good weather so the themed walk of Paul’s the deal in front of a full congregation, many being from neighbouring have been good judging by the amount of energy it provided for the missionary journeys took place first – complete with model Roman churches who had come to show their support. non-stop activities of four boats pulling doughnuts, water skiers and soldiers, shipwrecked boats, a Parthenon, snakes and prisons. The An ‘amazing’ The service was an inspiration to all who attended and served as a wake boarders. church programme was run in the afternoon when the rain tried to reminder that this young church’s membership just got younger with This aquatic activity was coupled with two grass go-carts that ran compete with Noah’s flood! event the arrival of these sisters. The sermonette invited all to win the victory red hot at every spare moment – not to mention the evening games, Pastor Dejan Stojkovic, the camp padre, challenged everyone to The disc jockey’s over sin and many were blessed and moved by it. There was no better which had all ages smiling and laughing. go home changed people. His combination of inimitable humour and programme of secular pop way to spend the longest Sabbath of the year than in celebration of our The weekend was typified by an atmosphere of warmth, helpfulness spiritual inspiration is irresistible and was enjoyed by all for the whole songs was unexpectedly commitment to God through communion and baptism! and friendliness. The campsite was immaculate too. Thank you Les and weekend. interrupted by strains of COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Steve, see you next year! ‘Amazing Grace’ ringing The campers were blessed by some superb music during the PHILIP EMM out across the fairground. That was followed by this announcement: ‘That request was from Beavon in North England Conference vacancy the health expo marquee.’ Glasgow Church member, Receptionist/Secretary Beavon Sanderson, is one of several regular volunteers Closing date – 5pm Thursday 7 August manning stations at a series Interviews on Monday 1 September 2014 of health expos during the Scottish Mission’s A friendly and energetic person is needed for the full-time position of Receptionist/ Secretary in the NEC office. Commonhealth & Well- Applicants must have good people skills and be flexible in approaching the being project this summer. work at hand, which includes answering and directing calls, preparation of On this occasion it was mail, receipt and storage of parcels, and the greeting of visitors to the office. the start/finish line and Responsibilities will also include a number of secretarial tasks and will require fairground of the Great competency in using Microsoft Office. Barbecue breaks the ice Scottish Walk in Edinburgh The role may involve working for more than one ‘manager’, so that applicants Everyone loves a barbecue and what better way to ‘break the ice’ and will need to adapt to change, meet deadlines, and be prepared to assist in the on Sunday 22 June. A activities of each department concerned. outreach, than to invite community residents to attend a free barbecue. number of sponsored and Salary and terms of employment will be in keeping with denominational And that is what Wood Green Community Church did on Sunday 8 June. ADRA T-shirted church members completed the 20km event that is policies and are available on request. The event took place on the lawn adjacent to the church, and the local expected to raise several hundred pounds for the charity. Among the The NEC office is committed to good working relationships, Christian service, Health and Personal Ministries departments used it to make friends in first to arrive at the finishing line were Andy Mckie and Adrian and the values of the Seventh-day Adventist faith. the area. Slobozeanu from the Irvine church. If interested, request an application form by contacting: On the menu was an assortment of wholesome vegetarian food The health expo banner, ‘Check your Health Age’, attracted a large cooked and served by a dedicated team. Also available was free number of walkers and visitors keen to do just that. Many left with Pastor John Ferguson (Executive Secretary) literature on the Church’s health message. The day was a huge health improvement leaflets and copies of the magazine, Amazing North England Conference, 22 Zulla Road, success, with many locals stopping to enjoy the experience. Some Nottingham NG3 5DB Health Facts – 8 Bible secrets for a longer and stronger life! expressed the desire to stay in touch and be invited to other such Scottish Mission Community Services and ADRA sponsor, John Email: [email protected] events. They gladly completed the survey forms, providing positive Wilby, said afterwards, ‘For many present that day it was probably their Telephone: 0115 960 6312 feedback and their contact details. first awareness of the Church and its separate health outreach Further outreach programmes at Wood Green include a Summer and humanitarian activities. It demonstrates what can be achieved when For more information, or for an online application form, visit our website: Gala on 31 August, to be held at Forty Hall in Enfield. To find out more departmental efforts are combined with the resources of several www.necadventist.org.uk about their programmes contact [email protected]. churches.’ JOHN WILBY BARBARA SOMMERS, WOOD GREEN COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT 14 15 marriage that was full of care, Their decision was made and they understanding and mutual respect. were baptised by Pastor Peter obituaries In Alan’s last painful six weeks Stearman in 1982. That was a in hospital, Joy was constantly at decision they never regretted and his side, caring for him as she had their newfound faith became Frances his baptism her husband passed done at home. In his final days, important to them both. Elizabeth Grant away, leaving Frances to raise Alan seized every conscious Through the church they made (1922-2014). On 3 her family alone, including her moment as an opportunity to tell many friends, and each Sabbath February a full cherished disabled son, Pete. Joy how much he loved her and to Iris treated her guests to a Camp Hill church Frances, as was her way, leaned thank his visitors for coming. delightful meal. celebrated the on the Lord, and rather than It is fair to say that everyone At the beginning of March this life of Frances withdraw she continued to open who ever met Alan could share a year Iris was admitted to hospital, Elizabeth Grant, who passed her home and her heart to people similar impression about him. then transported to Addenbrookes away aged 91. Family and friends near and far, demonstrating the He was a devoted and loving Hospital in Cambridge for heart came from all over the UK, love of God through simple husband, a kind, mild-mannered surgery. Unfortunately, the night North America and the Caribbean hospitality. Her family were Christian who was a gentleman in before she was scheduled for the to remember the life of this always on her mind; she prayed every way. Alan died with a operation she suffered a stroke. for them continually and, as was Bryan Watkins, former head teacher with Veronica’s class much-loved woman. The service blessed hope in his heart. May Sadly, she had to be returned to was led by Pastor Patrick remarked upon at the funeral, she this blessed hope inspire us all to the Norfolk and Norwich Herbert, one of her previous was one of BT’s best customers! share the same love and kindness Hospital, where she was cared Summer fun at Stanborough Park ministers, and the sermonette Always on the phone, sharing a with one another as we wait for for during the following weeks. Stanborough Park was filled with happy families attending the school’s presented by Pastor Richard blessing with someone who the great day of Jesus’ return. Her husband devotedly attended Summer Fete on Sunday, 6 July. This fund-raising event, organised by Brooks, both having been her needed it. JILL GOODWIN her every day until she finally fell Veronica Montgomery, chair of the Home Schools Association (HSA), pastor at Chelmsley Wood She is survived by five asleep in Jesus on 3 June. raised £2,390 towards providing iPads for Stanborough Primary Church. Pastor Brooks described children, ten grandchildren, Iris May Brooks (née Corbin) On the day she was taken to School’s students. the very petite Mrs Grant as a eleven great-grandchildren and (1931-2014) d. 3 June. Iris was Addenbrookes, she told the For Veronica it was a trip down memory lane: ‘My father attended the ‘massive woman’ because of her one great-great-grandchild. She born in High Wycombe, the writer that she was apprehensive primary school when it was in Sheepcot Villas on Sheepcot Lane; my indomitable spirit of kindness, was indeed a massive woman. youngest of four children, and is about the heart surgery but also WILLIAM ACKAH, JUNE BANJO AND CHEARINE sister attended the primary when it was located in the secondary generosity and wisdom, laced INGRAM survived by her eldest brother, expressed faith in her Saviour and school; my mother was the school cook; and I attended the primary with a distinctive Jamaican Cecil. Sadly, when Iris was only through prayer she was committed school in its current location. My children now attend the school. I flavour that never left her even Alladice Davies 15 she lost her mother. Upon into His hands. At her funeral remember the annual fete being a very large event and wanted to after spending nearly sixty years (1925-2014) d. 13 leaving school she started work service on 23 June, the church recreate an event on that scale.’ of her life in Birmingham. ‘Of May. Alladice in a wool shop where she was almost filled by those who The event was a complete success! Attractions included a musical her like we will never see again,’ Davies (Alan to his worked her way up to become came to pay their respects, and performance by the Ekklesia vocal duo (Nadine Lee and Yolanda Pastor Brooks stated. She was of friends) was born the manageress. Later she moved the writer was able to tell them Greaves); Bollywood dancing from Anita’s Dance Factory; a gymnastics that generation of post-Second in Usk, Wales, and to Bletchley, where she entered that Iris’s faith had rested securely display by Dolphina Gymnastics; and a marching parade by Staborough World War Caribbean pioneers to was brought up by the Civil Service at the in Christ. Park Pathfinders. There were fun activities such as bouncy castles, face the UK who sacrificed so much his grandmother. His rural intelligence centre, Bletchley He was able to share with them for their families and their childhood gave him a love for Park. painting and a traditional crockery smash! Representatives from the the wonderful hope that Jesus will church, enabling both institutions the outdoors and the natural Later, while employed in soon come and then the ‘dead in emergency services were present too, and the young ones thoroughly to grow and thrive through world that endured throughout industry, she met and married Christ shall rise first’ at that clar- enjoyed having their pictures taken with them. challenging times and his life. As long as he was able, Malcolm Brooks. The couple ion call of Christ, and ‘we which Bryan Watkins, former head teacher of Stanborough Primary School, circumstances. gardening remained a source of moved to Newport Pagnell, and are alive and remain shall be travelled from Wales to open the event. In his address he expressed his Frances Grant was born pleasure and solace for him. then to Sherringham in Norfolk, caught up together with them . . . delight with the school development and the spiritual leadership of its Frances Lawrence on 15 June Alan served in the Second where they purchased a new to meet the Lord in the air: and so staff members. 1922 in the parish of St Ann, World War, during which he first shop. This was turned into a Spar shall we ever be with the Lord’ (1 Stanborough Summer Fete was a great day out for the whole family Jamaica. She was the third of came into contact with the Food Market that Iris managed all Thessalonians 4:16, 17, KJV). and a fantastic opportunity to develop stronger links with the wider five children. In 1954 she Seventh-day Adventist Church by herself. In accordance with her wishes, community. married Gladstone Grant, and in Hong Kong. Alan often Out of curiosity the couple Iris’s ashes were buried in her Veronica thanks all who helped to make the fete a success. together they had seven children: mentioned that God is great and attended a spiritualist church; and garden at home, where she now TEXT AND PICTURES: V. PIZZUTO Patrice, Chearine, Sunny, June, that His providence has no end. the next day, while Malcolm was awaits the call to new life one Janet, Karen and Peter. It was Namely, being away from his telling his work colleagues all day soon. She is survived by her in 1957 that Frances joined her home in a foreign land, during about it, his manager overheard husband, Malcolm; her brother, husband in Birmingham, working the time of a terrible war, God the conversation and wisely Cecil; and a number of other at several occupations before brought Alan to Himself, giving advised him to leave that well relatives. becoming an auxiliary nurse at him hope and showing him love. alone. The name of the manager PASTOR MICHAEL I. WALKER the Coldshill hospital, where she The church that Alan attended was Peter Sindall, and as a lay cared for adults with disabilities. was a church in Happy Valley, preacher he was held in a Corrigendum: The Bible verses She enjoyed this role and worked Hong Kong, and Alan often certain amount of respect by the given in ‘The Girl from Moab’, there until her retirement. smiled when mentioning this employees. He was a Seventh- MESSENGER 18 July, p. 4, were taken A deeply spiritual woman, ‘interesting coincidence’. day Adventist and later invited from the International Children’s Frances initially attended a On returning to Wales, Alan Malcolm to attend a series of Bible, New Century Version. Baptist church in Birmingham, joined the congregation in evangelistic meetings in the but became convicted of the Newport, where he met and Norwich church. At first Iris was Sabbath truth after receiving married his wife, Joy. Alan used not inclined to go, but later she Bible studies from her work to say that although there was a changed her mind and they both colleague, Mrs De Costa. On 12 Happy Valley in Hong Kong, attended – with the intention of July 1975 Frances was baptised his true happiness was found just going on that one occasion. along with her husband and two in Newport. Alan and Joy However, their attention was of her daughters, June and Karen, worshipped together in Newport caught by the Bible teachings ‘Goodbyes’ at Harlestone at the Camp Hill church by Church for the last 60 years. presented by a young American On 24 May the Harlestone Road company said a sad farewell to two Pastor George Harris. She Although they were not evangelist, Jim Stevens. They Correction: The man in the back of their founder members, Reginald and Christine Goodwin, who are became a member of Chelmsley blessed with children themselves, were intrigued by what they row, second from the left, is Arthur moving to Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Both have been active in Wood Church and dedicated her Alan and Joy did a lot to help the heard, and, under the Holy Spirit’s Mudford, and not Reg as mentioned community work and Christine has been an invaluable head deaconess. life to serve the Lord in whatever children of the congregation. influence, they wholeheartedly in the 23 May issue of MESSENGER, ANASELIA MORRIS way she could. Two years after They also enjoyed a long, loving accepted the ‘Adventist Message’. page 4. in SDA publishing 120 years

Guest speaker: Dr Jeffrey Brown, president of the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Family Life director.

Music: Well-renowned Croydon Gospel Choir.

Church stall marquee: The church stall marquee is back, by popular demand. To book your pitch, contact Charles Bramble on 01476 515901. A small charge will apply! Stanborough Press Open Day is an opportunity for fellowship, to be able to catch up with old friends, make new friends, to stock up on all your favourite health foods and purchase new titles from our extensive book display. Adventist Book Centre (UK) Mark Sunday 7 September in your diary, and plan to come along, . . . we’d love to see you! Adventist Book Centre – UK

Messenger Volume 119 • 16 – 1 August 2014 Editor: Julian Hibbert Design: David Bell Proof reading: Andrew Puckering COPY FOR No. 18 – 7 August 2014

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