November 29, 2008 In this issue ACFI in voluntary administration
Fire destroys Echuca church hall
Wonder
Avondale Primary School students in their performance of “Terror to triumph,” a musical written by a teacher at the school. “Triumph” for school students COORANBONG, NEW SOUTH WALES
n term 3, 215 students from Avondale ing the audience that God has the power to Primary School performed “Terror to bring people through situations that seem triumph.” Written by Kindergarten impossible. Iteacher Coralie Fraser, the musical fol- The lead character, Joseph, was played by lows the storyline of the biblical character Year 5 student Zelman Wilkinson. Other of Joseph. signifi cant roles were taken by Peter Gould Nine classes were involved, covering (Pharaoh), Emily Chermside (Potiphar’s ABCs fi nd Years 4 to 6, with every student taking an wife) and Nicholas Borrot (Potiphar). active role. The musical was held at Avon- While music teacher Dianne Grieve di- dale College church and attendance was rected the music, John Venegas was stage “encouragingly high.” director for the musical, with Sam Livinston open day “Terror to triumph” refl ected on themes managing the stage and props. Cami Ward concerning God’s ability to turn bad cir- coordinated the event. cumstances into stories of success. Its mes- DVDs of the production are available success sage was one of hope and power, remind- from the school.—Susan Rogers
ISSN 0819-5633 editorial
The stronger, deeper and more profound the hope, the greater the audacity. “The audacity of hope”
have no qualms about borrowing works well as a kind of shorthand way of His action. But somehow, we are invited to this title from United States president- describing our expectations of God’s plans become part of enacting, incarnating and elect Barack Obama, given that he also for our world, we need to be careful not inaugurating God’s kingdom in our lives, I borrowed it from a sermon he heard to cheapen hope to just a slogan, label or through our church community and by our a number of years ago. But the phrase— TV channel. infl uence, as a way of making this kingdom “the audacity of hope”— has echoed in my We also need to guard against thinking a present reality and a future certainty: thoughts since reading Obama’s book of we are offering hope when we are really “Our great desire is that you will keep right that title earlier this year. practising despair. Too often, our view of on loving others as long as life lasts, in order By its nature, hope is audacious. It takes the future might be perceived by those to make certain that what you hope for will some measure of boldness to look at what with whom we might be trying to share come true” (Hebrews 6:11). is and see what could be. And it requires it as almost overwhelmingly bleak with a More than a profound book title, the audacity to begin to act as if the “could be” “happily ever after” tacked—sometimes importance of hope has been a recurring is a kind of reality. Without such audacity, awkwardly—on the end. theme of Obama’s public career and a hope remains merely a wish or a nice but Sometimes the subtext seems to be that signifi cant motif in his successful election fuzzy idea. there is nothing signifi cant we can do to campaign. In a speech given in 2004, he The stronger, deeper and more profound change the way things are, to really help the emphasised this focus: “Hope in the face of the hope, the greater the audacity. So when hurting or oppressed, or to otherwise make diffi culty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. we say with many Bible writers, “I will put a difference. And when our understanding The audacity of hope! In the end, that is my hope in God!” (see, for example, Psalms of faith—particularly in our attitudes to God’s greatest gift to us.” 42:11*), how audacious should our hope be, the future—tends to encourage us toward We should recognise the good that can built as it is on the history, promises and withdrawal, suspicion or a preoccupation come when people are inspired positively goodness of God? with escape, we need a bigger view of the by hope in various ways. But as people Because “we have this hope,” we can risk hope God offers us—which He also offers of God—more than any other group in ourselves by reaching out, embracing and to others, often through us. our world—we are called to live with the including. We can be more generous in our An audacious hope is not about a distant audacity of hope. Indeed, the Bible sug- lives of faith, how we believe and how we spot of light. Almost counterintuitively, gests that to live with an audacious hope live. At the same time as speaking up for hope is more about today than tomorrow. is integral to what it means to be part of what we believe, we can listen to and learn While hope looks to the future, a proper un- God’s kingdom now: “And we are God’s from those who are different from us. And derstanding of hope lights and transforms household, if we keep up our courage and we can dare to bring change to our com- the present. With the audacity of hope, we remain confi dent in our hope in Christ” munities and our world. Audacious hope begin to live now as we expect to in the fu- (Hebrews 3:6). is active, engaged and enlarging. ture, and we begin working to make a dif- As a church, we have tried at times to ference now in ways that fi t with how we *All Bible quotations are from the New Living market ourselves as “people with hope” expect the world will be one day. Translation. or such similar formulations. Hope has Of course, ultimately the kingdom of almost become a brand. But while hope God will be made complete by God and Nathan Brown
Offi cial Paper of the South Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company Pacifi c Division Seventh-day Associate editor David Edgren 3485 Warburton Highway Adventist Church Editorial assistant Adele Nash Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia ABN 59 093 117 689 Editorial assistant Jarrod Stackelroth Phone: (03) 5965 6300 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 www.adventist Copyeditor Talitha Simmons Email Letters: [email protected] connect.org Editorial secretary Kristel Rae Email Newsfront: [email protected] Layout Mitchell Harris Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Vol 113 No 46 Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Subscriptions: South Pacifi c Division mailed within Cover: Susan Rogers Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 November 29, 2008 news ACFI placed in voluntary administration
COORANBONG, NEW SOUTH WALES November 6, and was attended by more We feel very much for those who have suf- than 130 people. Telephone linkups were fered loss at this time.” vondale College Foundation In- also held in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Mr Brady says, “There’s been a great deal vestments Ltd (ACFI) was placed Perth and Port Macquarie for creditors un- of anxiety as to what’s really been going on in voluntary administration on Oc- able to attend the Sydney meeting. and what the likely outcome of it will be.” Atober 29, with the appointment of Subject to the investigation and work He believes, however, the meeting with PPB’s Stephen Parbery and James Lord as done by PPB’s administrators, it is esti- the administrators helped to answer a lot administrators. PPB is one of Australia’s mated those with deposits in ACFI may be of questions and dispel rumours that had leading independent strategic and advisory able to receive around 85 per cent of their been circulating. practices. money back. ACFI has deposits of around Mr Brady also addressed questions of In a statement released on the PPB web- $A54 million. whether the SPD will help those who site, Mr Parbery said administrators were A second meeting is tentatively planned have invested in ACFI. “While we look appointed as a direct result of deteriorating for December 2, although the date may at these things with our hearts, the money conditions in investment markets, resulting change. More information can be obtained the church has been given is tithes and of- in ACFI directors forming the view it was in from the PPB website,
taking the offer of the baton ranks of the choir, the result- tastic and the event certainly from the Henderson choirmas- ant sounds are extraordinary. showcased our college,” says ter, Samson Helu, and giving a —Evan Fray principal Guy Lawson. The fair very animated and engaging day had face painting, ice-cream display. Mr Sibanda has a tech- ◆ Gold Coast Christian College, and coff ee vans, a sausage siz- nique that involves not only Qld, is abuzz with excitement zle, two massive jumping castles ◆ Two Adventist church choirs the use of his hands to con- after holding its second Chris- and a special visit from Gold performed at the official open- duct but also involves the eyes, tian book fair and grandpar- Coast’s Life FM. Lastly, an over- ing of the Pacifica Festival in mouth, shoulders and knees in ent’s day in October. The book whelming number of grand- West Auckland, NZ. The New lively motion. Mr Helu has pro- fair is an excellent opportunity parents attended to share in an Lynn Samoan and Henderson duced a very professional and for the community to get to afternoon of college work with choirs shared centre stage polished singing group, which know the college and purchase their grandchildren. Some 125 while local dignatries present- has become a major attraction Christian literature. This year, grandparents got involved in ed their speeches. Hender- for church services both locally almost 1000 people attended Maths, English, Science, stories son sang an African-language and nationally and, with the the book fair and, on average, and afternoon tea, served by song, with guest conductor involvement of most Pacific each person spent over $A10 the college students.—Sean Esau Sibanda from Zimbabwe Island nationalities within the each. “The book fair was fan- Berkeley
BELIEVE IN CHRIST > LIVE THE LIFE @ WWW.EDGEONWEB.ORG
November 29, 2008 3 news Record graduating ABCs fi nd open day success class for LAC WARBURTON, VICTORIA North New Zealand Conference, says, “We had more than 500 people in the shop—a LONGBURN, NEW ZEALAND dventist Book Centre (ABC) an- number of them in their ‘Sunday best’ after nual open day sales are signifi cantly going to their local church, as word of the ovember 8 saw not only the 96th up from 2007 in contrast to current open day sale had gotten around.” graduation ceremony for Long- Anegative economic climate, reports Paul White, ABC manager for the North- burn Adventist College (LAC) but Liz Dunstan, Signs Publishing Company’s ern Australian Conference, held his open N also the largest number of students book department manager. The rise was day on Saturday night, as it works better in graduating. The class of 2008 had 47 stu- refl ected across the division, with the low- the warmer weather. “Sales at the till were dents, all of whom achieved National Cer- est percentage increase still hitting 10 per double our normal open day, and we still had tifi cate of Educational Achievement Level cent, while the highest was more than 200 phone orders coming in,” he says. Tina Gil- 3 before sitting their external exams. per cent. christ, ABC manager for the Victorian Con- Students, family and staff attended the “In light of the economic situation, this ference, reported a “busy” day, as many of graduation weekend ceremonies. appears to be remarkable but in terms of the books were bargain-priced and the high LAC principal Bruce Sharp believes the the times in which we live, not altogether sales activity would not be directly refl ected students from the 2008 graduating class surprising,” says Mrs Dunstan. “I think in the till. She nominated those books that will be missed and their contributions to church members perceive the world’s need “got people excited” as Storytime, Real He- the school won’t go unnoticed. for certainty and are seeking an explanation roes, We Believe and Best News Ever, and the He adds, “This very large class encour- in Adventist literature. After all, through the “most excited” as Touched By a Miracle. aged and pushed each other along to suc- Spirit of Prophecy, we have insight into where Mrs Dunstan says that while she was ceed. Their collective desire to succeed we stand as a church, in history.” still to receive fi nal reports from the Pacifi c ensured no-one was left behind.”—Julene ABC managers and supervisors report ABCs, anecdotally sales refl ected those of Duerksen-Kapao having had an “amazing day.” Nerelle home unions. “We’re expecting big things Steele, ABC manager for the Greater Sydney out there, as our pre-open day shipments Conference, says, “One man waited on our from Signs Publishing to the islands were doorstep from 8 am until we opened at 10 huge.” She said that in the Pacifi c, open days am, all so he could purchase Ellen White’s often run for more than one weekend in Steps to Christ at the open day price—a order to allow more access to the less-mobile price at which we could have sold 1000 on population. The Pacifi c ABCs are situated the day. However, we were pleased with throughout Papua New Guinea, Solomon the results.” Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. Student Talia Brady accepting her certifi cates Cameron James, ABC manager for the —RECORD staff /Liz Dunstan and awards from LAC principal Bruce Sharp.
invested with the new Pathfi nder Mark Falconer says, “To have and their teachers pulled out Leadership Award (PLA). This is this number of leaders com- Pink Ragwort, an aggressive the fi rst group in the South Pacif- plete this course is indicative of weed, at the Tangimoana beach. ic Division to graduate under the strength and dedication of “The DOC staff were amazing— the new PLA program. The new our Pathfi nder leaders in NNZC.” incredibly helpful and friendly,” curriculum is in response to the —Mark Falconer says Ms Carter. A highlight for ◆ The North New Zealand Con- increased demands of govern- some was to see a katipo spider’s ference (NNZC) youth depart- ment regulations, which now ◆ Longburn Adventist College house. The Social Studies cur- ment held their Pathfi nder and require a higher level of compe- (LAC), NZ, Year 9 students are riculum encourages students to Adventurer rally and fair week- tency-based training for those taking a practical approach to be both involved in the commu- end over New Zealand’s Labour leading young people in out- helping out the environment. nity and environmentally aware. Day weekend, October 24 to 26. door activities. It integrates New For several years running, Marie This yearly daytrip has become The event was well attended, Zealand Qualification Author- Carter (LAC teacher) has taken a great opportunity for both. with more than 300 Adventurers ity units, which are government the Year 9 Social Studies class out —Julene Deurksen-Kapao and 500 Pathfinders converg- recognised. New Zealand Pacifi c into the environment. Working ing at Tui Ridge Park. During Union Conference youth min- with the Department of Con- ◆ Avondale College students the weekend, 22 leaders were istries associate director Pastor servation (DOC), 31 students have dedicated their 2008 year-
DAYS AND OFFERINGS: ◆ DECEMBER 8—MISSIONS EXTENSION OFFERING
4 November 29, 2008 news Good News plans circulation growth
RINGWOOD, VICTORIA outreach program, which employed pastors Alec Thompson and George Quinlin. lans are underway for the Aboriginal From there, the magazine has grown sig- and Torres Strait Islander Ministries nifi cantly, largely dependent on its budget. (ATSIM) quarterly magazine Good When Mr Piez took on the role of editor, PNews to have its circulation increased circulation of Good News was at about 6000 from 8000 copies per issue to 10,000. copies per issue. He and his wife, Kym, edit Steve Piez, ATSIM director for the Aus- the magazine and now publish it in full col- tralian Union Conference, says, “A circula- our. “We wanted it to have more of a ‘news- tion of 10,000 copies per issue is our target paper’ look. This is a contact magazine—it’s for early next year. We currently have a more than a newsletter,” says Mr Piez. union budget that just covers current costs He adds, “It’s clearly one of the most Copies of the ATSIM magazine Good News. but we’re going ahead in faith and wherever popular magazines of its type in Australia, I talk, preach or share with people our bur- and we’ve constantly had requests to increase News and vice versa. There are only around den to do this, donations have been coming the number we produce each year. We cur- 400,000 Indigenous people in Australia, so in and we should have enough to take our rently produce one issue per quarter, plus it’s an achievable target. number to 10,000.” a magazine. People would like to see it bi- “When you’re part of a small minority Production currently costs about 80 cents monthly but unfortunately, we don’t have group, go to church and don’t see others like per magazine to print and distribute. Do- the funds at this stage.” you there, it can be a bit daunting. It’s good nations for the initiative have been coming Mr Piez says a wide range of Indigenous to have something that shows people they’re in from many Indigenous readers of the people read Good News, which is why a part of the larger church. It’s a great way to magazine. broad spectrum of articles are included, connect people and, other than Mamarapha Pastor Bruce Roberts, ATSIM founder, to appeal to as many people as possible. “I College, is one of the most successful things started Good News, which was launched suppose, ultimately, we see Good News as ATSIM has done.” on July 5, 1982. Pastor Roberts wanted to the Signs of the Times equivalent for Indig- Good News is hand-delivered where pos- start a newsletter that would connect with enous Australians,” he says. “It makes an sible and Mr Piez says, “This builds connec- the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander impact on their lives and the majority of tions with people and makes friends. In turn, people, and chose this particular name to readers aren’t Adventist, so it’s on the front this makes them more likely to go along link with a magazine of the same name, lines with outreach. We can see the need to a church if they know someone there.” published by Mary Stellmakers in the North out there and we’d like to see this become —Adele Nash New South Wales Conference in the late so well known that when Indigenous peo- More @ http://atsim.adventist 1970s. The conference had an Indigenous ple think of Adventists, they think of Good connect.org
to Dr Cox in recognition of his ing the Ukranian government in states that care about national 30 years of service to Avondale. a new program designed to fi ght health.—Ukranian Government Dr Jane Fernandez, a senior lec- narcotism, smoking and alcohol- press release turer in the Faculty of Arts and ism. General Conference presi- one of Dr Cox’s former students, dent Jan Paulsen assured Ukra- ◆ Students in Rwanda are receiv- wrote the dedication. “It is apt nian vice-prime minister Ivan ing the gift of enhanced science book to retiring president Dr John that a Jacaranda theme like ‘Sea- Vasiunyk of the church’s support and technology learning from Cox (pictured). “I am surprised, sons’ should be dedicated to Dr in the course of their meeting. By the Adventist Development overwhelmed and honoured,” John Cox. This dedication is both commission of the president of and Relief Agency. The agency Dr Cox said, as he took the stage a celebration of achievement the Ukraine, Mr Vasiunyk is lead- recently donated 18,000 Science during the fairytale-themed Jaca- and a signature of gratitude to ing a large-scale humanitarian textbooks to Rwanda’s ministry randa Banquet on November 2. a man whose career spans sev- program “Sound nation,” which of Education. The gift was made “I’ve enjoyed Avondale. It’s been eral seasons at Avondale College.” is to be completed soon. Pas- in response to Rwanda’s Vision such a big part of my life.” Sara —Christel Price tor Paulsen assured Mr Vasiunyk 2020 program, which aims to Tui Miles, who spent about 300 that his church wants people to promote national development hours editing the yearbook, said ◆ The Seventh-day Adventist be healthy, which is why he will in technology through education. the team dedicated Jacaranda Church has committed to help- cooperate with governments of —Gleaner
AVONDALE COLLEGE, DEGREES WITH A CHRISTIAN FOCUS @ WWW.AVONDALE.EDU.AU
November 29, 2008 5 news Tsunami-damaged Fire destroys church hall clinic to be replaced ECHUCA, VICTORIA DOVELE, SOLOMON ISLANDS olice are investigating the cause of a fi re that de- ork on the reconstruction of the stroyed the community Dovele Clinic, in the Western P hall at the Echuca Ad- Province of the Solomon Is- ventist church early on October Wlands, has commenced as part 29. Echuca Fire Brigade secre- of the South Pacifi c Division’s “Adopt a tary Warren Dwyer said up to 20 clinic” program. The Erina, Narromine and members worked for more than Tumberumba Adventist churches adopted four hours at the site. the clinic, which was damaged in the earth- The hall was completely de- Detectives, Country Fire Authority members and church quake and tsunami that struck the Solomon stroyed but firefighters were members inspect the remains of the church hall. Islands in April, 2007. able to prevent the blaze spreading to the type noises. To date, more than $A32,000 has been church building and house at the back of The building was insured and he says the raised for the clinic, with local people rais- the property. church is committed to rebuilding it. Prior ing $A2000. Some of the manual work of Country Fire Authority and Victoria to its destruction, the hall had been used demolishing the existing buildings and clear- Police investigators who worked in the for social functions and lunches following ing land was completed by local church and remains of the building following the 3 am church. All of the hall’s contents were de- community members. fi re were unable to fi nd its cause and placed stroyed in the fi re, including a piano that Representatives from the three churches, the scene under guard. Police believe the had survived the previous church building the division, Solomon Islands Mission and fi re may be linked to other deliberately-lit burning down around 35 years ago. members of the Adventist church and clinic fi res in the area. Pastor Ansell’s wife, Rosemary, says of at Dovele formed a committee, which has Church pastor Peter Ansell said he was the fi re, “It’s one of those things that happen helped provide direction to the project. “shocked” by the fi re and was “pretty sur- and we’re just dealing with it as it comes.” A “fl y ’n’ build” team from Australia prised” to have police knock on his door She also expressed gratitude to the Echuca will visit Dovele to work with the people at 4 am in the morning. Salvation Army for making its hall avail- to complete the building in the near fu- Former pastor Lyman Ritchie and his able for the graduation dinner for people ture, and local people are already work- wife live opposite the church, where he who had recently completed the Coronary ing on making bricks at the site. The fi rst had worked for 20 years. He was one of the Health Improvement Project, conducted by shipment of building material left Honiara fi rst people to call the emergency services the church.—Riverina Herald/Australian in the fi rst week of November.—Barry after being woken up by loud explosion- Broadcasting Corporation Chapman/Leon Hilder
◆ Seventh-day Adventist Church 23 countries in the region. A Puerto Ricans who support the for gas, bus and train stations. leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa year-end leadership meeting in campaign. In addition, church The law will come into eff ect in were counselled and tested for Johannesburg devoted a full day members are promoting aware- 2009.—ANN HIV on November 2, in a public of its six-day agenda to discuss ness in public schools, and have statement that the HIV/AIDS ways to address the HIV/AIDS distributed thousands of mag- ◆ A council has banned its employ- pandemic requires practical issue, which aff ects nearly every azines promoting family and ees from using the phrase “sing- attention in the community. “It’s family in the region.—ANN respect.—Gleaner ing from the same hymn sheet” good to know my status,” said in case it upsets atheists. Salis- Paul Ratsara, president of the ◆ Hundreds of Seventh-day ◆ The Croatian Parliament bury council in England, UK, has Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Adventists in Puerto Rico are passed a ruling to close the told employees that the religious Division. Saying he wanted to expressing concern over the nation’s stores on Sundays. This connotations of the saying could do his part in stamping out HIV/ steady rise in violence against decision comes after heavy lob- off end non-believers, reports the AIDS, Pastor Ratsara was joined women, children and the eld- bying from the Roman Catholic Daily Telegraph. Offi cials have also by his wife, Denise, for a private erly. Demonstrators recently Church, whose members make been told not to use the phrase and voluntary counselling and carried a 182-metre long ban- up 90 per cent of Croatia’s reli- “colour blind” but instead, to refer testing session, and was one ner through the streets of San gious population. Certain excep- to ‘colour visual impairment.” of the 54 leaders representing Juan, with handprints of 7500 tions to the law will be made —Ananova
IS YOUR CHURCH DOING SOMETHING EXCITING, INNOVATIVE OR INSPIRING? EMAIL [email protected]
6 November 29, 2008 news Women winners of Off ering to extend “Hope” in academic awards Fiji and Samoa COORANBONG, NEW SOUTH WALES
WAHROONGA, NEW SOUTH WALES record number of female theology students won awards at the aca- he mission extension offering on De- demic awards forum on Avondale cember 6 this year will extend media ACollege’s Lake Macquarie campus ministry in Fiji and Samoa through on November 5. THope Radio FM and Hope Chan- Janet Augustinsen, Kelly Fry, Lyndelle nel TV. Knight and Emma Weslake joined 14 other Previous mission extension offerings given female students on stage in Avondale College to the Trans-Pacifi c Union Mission have Adventist church as recipients of awards been directed to providing Bible studies and ranging in value from $A100 to $A1200. evangelism series in local languages, building Ms Augustinsen received $A100 as the a house and transit facility in Tonga, building winner of the Elwin Currow Prize for New fences and housing in Kiribati, renovating The radio and television antennas used Testament Apocalyptic, Ms Fry $A500 for to broadcast Hope Channel in Fiji. the youth campsite in Fiji, and providing a the Edna Ferris Heise Award of Excellence generator for Aore High School. television ministry and producing Samo- in Communication, and Ms Knight and Ms “These are all very worthwhile projects an-language programs each year. From Weslake $A1000 and $A500 each for shar- that help to extend the mission activity of this ministry has grown a number of small ing the Arthur Ferch Prize for Hebrew the Adventist Church,” says Pastor Ray groups, and members of these small groups Studies and the Clifford Anderson Bursary Coombe, director of Adventist Mission for have been baptised and joined the Vailele Award of Excellence respectively with male the South Pacifi c Division. “But the exten- Adventist church.” classmates. sion of Hope Radio FM to the internet and Literature evangelist unit leader in Samoa “Female theology students come with a development of a production studio in Fiji, Nese Suisala says, “Since the operation of keen sense of calling to pastoral ministry along with the uplink of Hope Channel in Hope Channel in Samoa, there has never and a determination to serve God as His Apia, Samoa, is real evangelism that will been a time that our publications have been ministers,” says one of the presenters, Ca- touch the lives of many. It’ll result in hun- more readily accepted. Many customers we role Ferch-Johnson, associate to the Minis- dreds of new interests joining the church meet express appreciation for the work of terial Association for the Australian Union in the Pacifi c.” Hope Channel.” Conference. In 2007, the mission extension offering Pastor Coombe says, “In Suva, Fiji, Hope They currently make up only 25 per cent collected in the SPD totalled $A142,000 and Radio FM has been a great witness in the of enrolment in the Faculty of Theology. was directed to funding the transmission of community and reaches within prison “Their involvement in ministry will change Hope Channel television to the city of Lae walls.” This has resulted in a number of the face of local churches,” says Theol- in Papua New Guinea. “Now, on December baptisms. The mission extension offering ogy department dean Dr Ray Roennfeldt. 6, we have the opportunity to extend God’s this year will also provide funds to enable the “However, there is still much to do in break- kingdom through media ministry to Fiji Fiji Mission to develop a production studio ing down prejudice, interpreting Scripture and Samoa,” says Pastor Coombe. for Hope TV, which they wish to broadcast responsibly and in providing support for Earlier this year, the 24-metre satellite as a local channel. women in ministry.”—Brenton Stacey dish that downlinks the Hope Channel for “Media evangelism is the way to go,” says More @ www.avondale.edu.au local broadcasting was dropped and dam- Pastor Wame Sausau, general secretary of aged while being cleaned, and now needs the Fiji Mission. “After 117 years of the Ad- to be repaired and reinstalled. ventist Church’s presence in Fiji, Adventists Pastor Coombe says, “The church has make up less than four per cent of the popu- been offered the use of the equipment and lation. How else can we reach the others? facilities of Samoa’s TV2—a station that Radio and television are just beginning to closed down last year. There’s obviously scratch the surface for us and the responses a large cost involved but it would provide we’ve received so far indicate this is the most the opportunity of broadcasting Hope effective way to reach people at this time.” Avondale College Theology students Channel programs to the whole Samoan —Ray Coombe/RECORD staff Lyndelle Knight, Janet Augustinsen, community.” The mission extension off ering will be Emma Weslake and Kelly Fry each won an He adds, “The Ryan family in Apia have collected in churches next week academic award. They are pictured with spent thousands of dollars supporting this (December 6). Carole-Ferch Johnson (second from left).
November 29, 2008 7 feature
Lost 4 Found 3
BY ANDREW OPIS
elling a story is one of the best ways of conveying a message. But saying the same thing in a series of T different stories can either be mo- notonous, or add emphasis and depth. In Jewish oral and written history, a storytell- ing device called parallelism was employed to repeat the message in two different ways. Jesus understood this tradition and used both in the familiar parable of Luke 15 to tell the salvation story. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law ridiculed Jesus’ association with pub- licans and sinners (see Luke 15:1, 2). In the thinking of these religious people, the sin- ners and publicans were regarded as out-
side the covenant community. They were iStockphoto.com the backsliders—regarded as “lost.” The Pharisees and teachers of the law were the the following celebrations. with our personal, family and business proud religionists, applying civil, religious Jesus did not tell the listeners how the concerns—which are very important to laws and truths in the minute details of sheep was lost. Most listeners knew how our livelihood—we may unintentionally life. Jesus responded to the behaviour of it was lost. There are perhaps three sug- lose our footing; forgetting to pray, do the Pharisees and the teachers of the law gestions. First, a shepherd may have for- Bible study or share Jesus with those who by telling them a parable. gotten an abandoned cistern during pad- cross our path. Luke, like many Bible writers, did not dock rotation. Grass might have grown, Neglecting to spend quality time with provide headings like, “The parable of covering the hole. The shepherd leads and for Jesus can lead us to become unin- the lost sheep,” “The lost coin” and “The the fl ock back to this paddock and leaves tentionally lost. The Day of Atonement prodigal son.” Punctuation and section them to graze. While grazing on this fresh in the Old Testament was vital for those headings were added later for our use. grass, one sheep accidentally falls into the unintentional sins, just as the cross is for But Jesus told them one parable about the old cistern. us: “[Christ] was delivered over to death lost (see Luke 15:3). In the parable, He Another possibility would be while graz- for our sins and was raised to life for our described four types of lostness in three ing along a cliff, a sheep loses its footing justifi cation” (Romans 4:25*). As in the different stories. and falls, perhaps becoming trapped. One story Jesus told, we are found. additional explanation might be an attack Unintentionally lost by wild animals. While the shepherd fi ghts Carelessly lost (see Luke 15: 4-7) to defend the fl ock, some animals run in (see Luke 14: 8-10) The fi rst story of the parable—“The lost terror and one is lost. So it seems this story Jesus illustrated the second lostness with sheep”—clearly indicates that Jesus’ audi- illustrates one unintentionally lost. a woman losing a coin. In those days, coins ence knew about sheep and shepherding. Adam and Eve did not plan for our were part of a woman’s dowry when she He described the shepherd’s realisation world to be in this chaotic situation. While was betrothed and married.1 The coin was and concern for the lost sheep, how hard they made a choice, the results were un- valuable to her because it was a visible sign he searched to fi nally fi nd the sheep and intentional. Similarly, when we are busy of her engagement and marriage.
8 November 29, 2008 feature
Again, there are three suggestions as to He is miserable, wretched and poor. He like heart to put rhetoric into practice. how the coin might have been lost. For- is treated like an animal: “His poor con- getfulness is one common way a coin can dition and guilt exposed his longing for Kinds of lost be lost. Or when putting the coin in a bag grace.”3 The boy comes to his senses and When all four types of “losts” are put or pocket that has holes, it falls out. Lastly, starts for home. together, we fi nd that the unintentionally when pulling something out of a purse or People leave God and the church for a va- lost sheep and the intentionally lost prodigal bag, the coin could slip out without notice. riety of reasons. Some leave for business or son were out in the wild. This represented The money is lost through carelessness. marital reasons, while others compare the the tax collectors and sinners outside the Interestingly, this second story focuses church with worldly things in terms of its covenant community. The carelessly lost not on a shepherd but on a woman seeking temporary benefi ts. Others just want to try coin and stubbornly lost older son were the lost coin. In the Bible, a woman often a change of lifestyle. Whatever the reason, lost inside. The Pharisee and the teachers represents the church (see, for example, 2 they make a conscious choice to depart from of the law thought they were doing the Corinthians 11:2). When Adam and Eve God and become lost intentionally. right thing but were lost inside the church: fell into sin, God established the church as Matthew, who tried to become wealthy “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth His agent to seek the lost.2 through collecting taxes, reports Jesus’ and do not need a thing.’ But you do not There are people in the church who are words: “What good will it be for a man if realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, lost because of carelessness. Backbiting is he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). We are a pest that distances members. People fear soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Like Adam and warned not to be wise in our own eyes (see criticism and do not want to participate. Eve, the beginning of evil will appear at- Proverbs 3:7). Some people avoid responsibilities, and tractive: “There is a way that seems right Any lostness is a tragedy but perhaps relationships without responsibilities can to a man but in the end it leads to death” the most dangerously lost is the one inside be a sign of “lostness.” (Proverbs 14:12). the covenant community, when those who Too many members are “missing” but we “Choosing to be lost is even more unbe- claim to be in the light neglect the respon- sometimes show little concern and forget to lievable when we consider the depths Jesus sibilities of faith. pray for them. Some do not feel accepted went to save us.”4 We need to heed the Holy The lost sheep, coin and younger son but just hang on because of the strength of Spirit’s conviction and make a move back were found and the stories end with cel- their belief. Church membership may be to God. The father’s run to welcome his ebrations. But the tragedy at the end of the fragmented and nothing holds them to- son back home is an expression of God in parable is that the older brother remains gether. Where there is an absence of love, a hurry to save us when we return. outside the party. the church suffers. Before a church becomes These four types of “lost” remind us that an evangelistic force, it must fi rst see the Stubbornly lost a broken relationship with God means we evangelistic fi eld within. The experiences (see Luke 15: 25-32) are lost. All of us are, or have been, in one we have in helping each other enables us The behaviour of the older son reveals to of these “lost” situations. But there is good to tell others about Jesus. us the fourth type of lost. The lost sheep and news: “For the Son of Man came to seek and This story reveals a relationship broken the son knew they were lost. The older son to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). “And through carelessness in the covenant fam- did not. He resented that his father showed grace declares that we are still God’s pride ily. The good news is the coin is found and love to his brother, who had squandered and joy.”5 We are in the capable hands of the relationship is restored. his wealth. He laboured with an anticipa- our Master shepherd and the loving arms tion of payment. He did not realise that of the Father. In our lost condition, He is Intentionally lost rewards are the result of love. His labour mighty and can save us. He says, “My grace (see Luke 15: 11-24) was an obedience lacking in love. is suffi cient for you, for my power is made The third story in the parable is about a So he refused to participate in the feast perfect is weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). young man who decides to break free from and share in its happiness. He hated the What a Saviour! R the “chains” of labour, parental control, behaviour of his father. And the Phari- and the cycle of family and farm life. He sees and teachers of the law ridiculed the *All Bible quotations are from the New International wants something different, new, dynamic behaviour Christ showed to sinners and Version. and exciting. He launches out to discover publicans. Hatred and love never abide 1. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol 5, page 817. the world. together. Inside the house, there was love He is lost because he left his family—the at its best. Outside the house was hatred 2. Ellen White, Acts of the Apostles, page 9. source of love and care. He allows infl u- at its worst. The story fi nishes with these 3. Philip Yancey, What’s so Amazing About Grace? page 34. ences from the outside world to control his two extremes never agreeing. This is the life. He wastes his resources and strength situation of the stubbornly lost. 4. Graeme Loftus, “The greatest story,” Signs of the Times, January–February 2006, page 40. on things that do not benefi t him. Without love, we are lost. A spirit of ex- 5. Yancey, page 171. Escaping from labour suggests disobe- clusiveness, self-righteousness and a disre- dience or laziness. The irony is he fi nds gard for our neighbours who do not know himself slaving for another man. He started Jesus is a recipe for stubbornness. We may Andrew Opis writes from Millmerran, Queensland. out to glitterland and ended in a pigpen. talk much about love but it takes a Christ-
November 29, 2008 9 feature
Wonder
BY ENID BOTTING
onder is a gift from God—a will enter heaven hav- tremendous gift given to us ing never read a Bible from the day we are born and but rather, having be- can be ours until the last day held and found God in
W iStockphoto.com of our life on earth. The psalmist talks of nature’s wonderland. “proclaiming aloud [God’s] praise and A New England telling of all [God’s] wonderful deeds” preacher, Phillip Brooks, was noted for in his poem, he said: “Now, listen to this (Psalm 26:7*). his poise and imperturbability, so when thieving time, take what you must—/ My But most of us have to work to keep won- one of his friends called one day to fi nd quickness to hear, to move, to see/ When der alive as the years pass by. We say, “I’ve him pacing the fl oor, he inquired, “What’s time is running thin, I understand, such done it all, seen it all” and, under the de- the trouble?” needs must be./ But please, leave exempt manding siege of daily existence, our vision “The trouble is,” said Brooks, “I’m in a for me/ My curiosity! My wonder!” of wonder and God’s goodness can slowly hurry—but God isn’t.” The world will never starve for won- tarnish, shrivel and become blurred. We speed up the maturing of our chil- ders—only for want of wonder. Einstein I think the author of Proverbs had this dren and, in the process, rob them of the said, “The most beautiful thing we can ex- in mind when he said, “Where there is no natural wonderment of childhood. Assimi- perience is the mysteriousness of nature.” vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, lation of good is a slow process. It is the source of all true science. Like the KJV). Thomas Carlyle understood the A president of a large college was asked Bible, we cannot understand all its mys- importance of wonder. He said, “The man by a father if the course of study could be teries but what is revealed is our hope and who cannot wonder (and in wonder is a simplifi ed to allow his son a shorter route. wonder. type of worship) is but a pair of spectacles “Certainly,” said the principal, “but it all As David exclaimed, “I will remember with no eyes.” depends what you want to make of your the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remem- Do you remember the days of childhood, boy. When God wants to make an oak ber your miracles of long ago” (Psalm when each new discovery fi lled you with tree, He takes 100 years. When He wants 77:11). Wonder has a fragrance about it. joy? It showed in your words and in your to make a squash, He requires only three The Bible doesn’t have a lot to say about eyes. Awhile ago, a mother sat with her months.” traffi c jams—but it does speak positively four-year-old daughter on a bus. It was In its wonderment, nature furnishes about “Be still, and know that 1 am God” Christmas time. The little girl pressed her abundant hints that the mad pace of today (Psalm 46:10). In “stillness” and “won- face to the window in utter fascination, is unnatural. But wonder also produces derment,” we come into the company of turning to her mother again and again with humility! Mary was deeply troubled by our Maker. excited cries. “Look, Mummy, a Christmas Gabriel’s message about the pregnancy. Keep your “wonder” as long as life lasts. tree.” “Look, Mummy there’s Santa ringing “How can this be?” she asked (see Luke And I am certain that in the life to come, a bell!” “Look, Mummy—quick—there’s 1:34). She couldn’t understand what was the wonder of it all shall be among the baby Jesus in a manger.” taking place but her profound sense of greatest praises the redeemed shall sing in This continued as the bus swept past rows wonder moved her to say, “My soul mag- that land that “No eye has seen, no ear has of shops, until the mother looked over at nifi es the Lord.” heard, no mind has conceived what God me and said, apologetically, “You’ll have to Life is lit by mysteries we can’t explain. has prepared for those who love him” (1 excuse her for all the commotion. She still There is so much we can accept in nature Corinthians 2:9). R thinks everything is wonderful!” and life without completely understanding “That’s OK,” I laughed, “so do I.” it. Wonder produces honest humility that *Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are from Wonder restores the clarity of our vision frees us to serve God. the New International Version. when everything looks hopeless. It opens Mark Howe thought we could safely let the soul’s eye. No wonder nature is God’s everything else go in life, if we continue Enid Botting writes from second Bible. We are told that some people to keep our capacity for wonder intact. So Cooranbong, New South Wales.
10 November 29, 2008 feature Visiting Quirindi Hi kids! BY PEEMPAHN HENLEY God had shown Joseph, through Pharaoh’s dreams, that Egypt was ared and I drove in the driveway to see three cars park- in for seven years of abundance, ing in the Adventist church’s car park in the small New followed by seven years of famine. South Wales town of Quirindi. We had arrived in time for What did Joseph suggest that J the Sabbath school lesson and the adults were meeting in the would make sure Egypt survived church, so we checked in the back for a children’s class for our the famine? two-year-old son. The place was set up as a dining place in the older half, and the new half of the building had two tables “And now let look for a with a few chairs. and man and put him in of the There, we met a woman with land of .” Genesis 41:33, NIV two teenagers. She explained there had been no children at Word Puzzle the church for quite awhile. Pharaoh took Joseph’s advice and chose a But she rummaged through wise man to take care of all the plans. the cupboard and found He chose Joseph! Pharaoh gave Joseph his some fl annels and a box signet ring, put fine clothes on him and a of farm animals. Joshua gold chain around his neck. He even gave had fun with them. Joseph a new name. Colour in the letters During the follow- that have a dot on them to discover what ing worship service, I Joseph’s new name was. was touched to the point of tears as we sang the hymns with the small A congregation, 18 of them O W PJ C in all. The old organ M Z H made music as sweet as E N H the grand piped one we RNA T CP had seen in St Peter’s Cathedral in Armidale. The service was A D lovely and toward the end, everybody added their thoughts and KNBGER N comments in a friendly way. After the service, we approached two sisters—one in her 80s. NA SOHL She had gone to school in the “kitchen” building when it was just J L R a square room. They knew Jared’s great aunt, who had lived in Quirindi for many years, and that formed a tie between us. Word Search We were told the new wing was added to the building so they would have room to reach out to the community. A man by the DEWABUNDANCEEGLX name of Bill built the wing by himself and had been a faithful MAG I C I ANS J SG J PYP member of the church until he died recently of cancer—another hero who gave his all for Christ. I RBUSRCEDMSROHFA One woman apologised to us because they didn’t have lunch AE I TDEEHAOGOSAAL that week. Another invited us to move to Quirindi because they PGSNVAMEARLEERMA needed members with young children to keep the church alive. So after all the chats, hugs and kisses, they sent us away with God’s LYHBG I REK I B J PA I C blessings on our journey around Australia. OP ZSCD I DNONYHONE Please pray that God will guide and bless the church in Quir- CTZX I NTERPRETHEM indi as they reach out to the community. R Find these words in the puzzle above: More @ http://quirindi.adventist.org.au JOSEPH, PHARAOH, DREAMS, INTERPRET, Peempahn Henley (pictured centre) is from Sydney but is MAGICIANS, WISEMEN, PALACE, ABUNDANCE, currently travelling around Australia with her family. FAMINE, EGYPT, RING, ROBES, CHAIN
November 29, 2008 11 letters
surance of salvation the moment they be- whether in the local church, conference, The prayer of justice lieve in and accept Jesus. This is because union or division and, perhaps, even the Jesus has paid for their sins and credits General Conference, people remain there JOY BUTLER, KENYA them with His perfect righteousness that too long. And they become stale, rusty and In response to “Another prayer key,” meets the requirements of God’s holy law out of touch. Worse, they expect to continue (Letters, September 27), I fi rmly believe (see Romans 3:22-26; 4:3-6; 8:1; 1 John there as of right. prayer—personally and corporately— 5:11-13, John 5:24). If it’s the latter, be- Maybe the US political system has some- leads to action and positive responses to lievers don’t have assurance of salvation thing to teach us and that serving terms the “poor, oppressed and affl icted” in our until they are made perfect in glorifi ca- should be restricted to three or four years, midst. Without communion and fellowship tion. This makes salvation depend on the with the right of being voted in again being with the Creator who designed this, we will change in our lives, which is a subtle form restricted to two terms. not be impressed or care about those less of legalism. One may enter administration with the fortunate than ourselves. Many of us will remain proud and self-satisfi ed but really The choice of which view be “poor, miserable and naked.” Maybe this is one of the problems in our we follow is ours but let’s church today—we are so busy planning, be honest about it. preparing and talking between ourselves about it, we neglect to pray and ask God The difference between the two views best of intentions—as did Pastor Craw- to show us the way ahead. We then be- is the understanding of sin. The former ford—but, if honest, fi nd they are not come immersed in our own constructions sees sin as a tremendous evil, resulting indispensible and quickly lose touch with of what we think is important and neglect from the Fall, permeating every part of the church. Having pastors as long-term to hear God’s still, small voice, impressing our being and preventing us from per- administrators means they are usually no and leading us to action. fectly keeping God’s law (see Ephesians longer pastors—leading the fl ock—but One reason I now live in the centre of 2:1-3; Romans 3:10-20; 1 John 1:8). The simply businessmen—running a church. the world—in Kenya, Africa—is because latter limits the effect of the Fall and has I’d like to see two things happen: (1) I believe in justice. Millions of people on a weak view of sin, confi ning it to only bring in new people halfway through a this continent still need to know justice and conscious wrongdoing. term, or at the end of the fi rst term, and righteousness. I am here because prayer, While not all Protestant churches follow train them; and (2) have all administrators personally and corporately, led me and the former view today, it is the Protestant retire at the end of their second term at the I’ve come to hopefully help make a small view from the Reformation. And while latest. Perhaps they could be re-elected after difference. Please join with me in prayer not all Catholics are legalists—many are a term’s break. to see this happen. beautiful, born-again Christians—the lat- ter view is still the offi cial Catholic teach- ing from the Council of Trent. “Kitchen” applauded Understanding sin The choice of which view we follow is ours but let’s be honest about it. KRISTINE STAHL, SA ERROL WEBSTER, NSW I am excited about the new cafe in Bris- The central issue in salvation is not bane, Kitchen Sanitarium (“In Sanitarium’s whether God wants to make us righteous Terms of leadership Kitchen,” Feature, November 1). I always (“The real difference?” Letters, October believed this type of venture would have 25). Of course He does! The process of DARYL MARTIN, NSW a positive impact—and why not? People making us righteous is the work of the In the February 2007 issue of Ministry are more aware today of the impact diet Holy Spirit, culminating in glorifi cation magazine, I read the following headings has on their health. when the last vestiges of sin are removed in an article written by Pastor Ken Craw- I applaud Kitchen Sanitarium and would from our nature. Only sinless, perfect peo- ford, then-president of the Alaskan Con- like to see this duplicated in every major ple will go to heaven (see 1 Corinthians ference: “I no longer study as deeply as I city in Australia. What better way to ad- 13:9-10; 15:51-57). did as a pastor. I am losing the ability to vertise and share our wonderful health The central issue is on what basis does preach. I am growing out of touch with message? God save sinners—who deserve only the spiritual heart of the people. I fi nd death—and declare them righteous? Is it it much more of a challenge to build an Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent on the basis of the fi nished work of Jesus evangelistic base. I sense a change in my those of the editors or the denomination. Letters on the cross (see John 19:30)? Or is it on cognitive thinking.” should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name, address and phone number. All the basis of the ongoing work of the Holy These comments were made after only letters are edited to meet space and literary require- Spirit changing the life, culminating in two years in his current position as presi- ments, but the author’s original meaning will not be glorifi cation? dent. Yet many administrators serve for changed. Not all letters received are published. See If it’s the former, believers have full as- decades. It seems to me that too often, masthead (page 2) for contact details.
12 November 29, 2008 noticeboard
▲ Hope Channel Director—Adventist Media Network (Wahroonga, NSW). This full- Positions vacant time position is an important part of the church structure and the applicant will work throughout the South Pacifi c Division (including the Pacifi c islands), developing ▲ Webmaster—Avondale College (Cooranbong, NSW) requires a suitably-skilled programs and managing Hope Channel TV and Radio. The position also involves webmaster to take responsibility for extending the provision of web-based services a two-year project as manager of the new Search DVD series (undertaken concur- for internal and external stakeholders of the college. In addition, the opportu- rently with the management of Hope Channel). The successful applicant will ideally nity to teach within the IT Faculty exists for suitably qualifi ed and experienced be details oriented, well organised and able to meet deadlines; able to provide creative candidates. They will report to the Chief Information Offi cer. For the selection and strategic concept development; have technical skills to facilitate the development criteria of the above position, please visit
▲ Receptionist—New Zealand Pacifi c Union Conference (Manukau City, NZ) is seek- Weddings ing applications for the position of a full-time receptionist in Manukau, starting father, Bertram Johanson, was General immediately. Successful applicants should be familiar with PABX phone systems Manager of the Sanitarium Health Food Bell—Webb. Geoffrey Bell, son of Christo- and confi dent with the computer. It would be an advantage to have experience Company (SHF). Kelvin attended Long- pher and Suzanne (deceased) Bell (ACT), with Outlook and computerised phone systems, and they should also have had burn College, undertaking a business and Alysha Webb, daughter of Peter and secretarial or website experience, as this role provides secretarial support and is course, and Wilma also followed business Carolyn Webb (Kenwick, WA), were mar- responsible for our website. For further information or to apply, please contact training and worked at the SHF offi ce in ried on 19.10.08 at Kings Park, Perth. the Secretary-Treasurer, NZPUC, Private Bag 76 900, Manukau City or email Christchurch. Kelvin managed the SHF Gervais Cangy
November 29, 2008 13 noticeboard
Lawrence—Reed. Allan Lawrence, son is survived by his parents, John and Noemi, school principal or local mission presi- ceased her in 1986. She is survived by three of Eric and Judy Lawrence (Narromine, from Bendigo church (Vic); and his sisters, dent. He tragically lost his wife and sons of her six children, Doreen Hannam, Gra- NSW), and Elizabeth Reed, daughter of Rebecca and Christina (Brisbane, Qld). He in a mission boat accident. Only he and ham and Brian. For over 55 years, Ethel was Bernie and Marilyn Reed (Bourke), were joined the army in 2006 and completed his baby son, Lester, survived. After two a faithful member of the Timaru church, married on 5.10.08 at Grassy Head Beach, the Royal Engineers training in early 2007. years with the WA Conference as a pas- NZ, and attended until a few weeks before Stuarts Point. Sid Griffi th Paul-Michael moved from his Townsville tor and speaker on the radio program her death. Ethel now awaits the call of the posting to WA to work in the construction “Midday Meditations,” Ern remarried Saviour, whom she loved. Jason Hankinson Lewis—Bongado. John Lewis, son of Peter industry. He loved life, loved all people and and returned to the mission fi eld. From Lewis (deceased) and Pam Ashworth, and was generous to friends and strangers alike. 1970 to his retirement in 1985, he served Stott, Albert Henry (Bert), born 31.7.1938 Marife Bongado, daughter of Max (de- “Now, he lives in the hearts of all those he as liason offi cer for the development of in Brisbane, Qld; died 21.10.08 in Brisbane. ceased) and Esther Bongado, were mar- touched.” Bud Beaty the Auckland Adventist Hospital, Stew- He is survived by his wife, Lyn (Fairfi eld), ried on 12.10.08 in Wistow church, SA. ardship director of TTUC, president of whom he married in 1996; his sister, Dorothy Marife is a former medical missionary East, David John, born 15.8.1951 in Syd- SQLD Conference and Stewardship di- (Acacia Ridge); his brother, Robert (Home with the Sulads Adventist Mission to Ani- ney, NSW; died unexpectedly 12.10.08 rector for the SPD. Following retirement, Hill); his children, Cole (Inala), Ted (Toow- mists in the southern Philippines. in Dubbo Base Hospital. On 19.3.06, he 1985 to 1991 saw him as a volunteer direc- oomba); his stepchildren, Tony and Shannon John Lewis married Ingrid van der Spek in Penrith tor for Christian Services for the Blind Hall (Caboolture); his 11 grandchildren, and church. He is survived by his wife; his and Hearing Impaired. Ern lived a very several great-grandchildren. Bert and Lyn Masters—Nurrish. Luke Aubrey Masters, mother, Jean; and his brother, Bill. Dave fulfi lling life, and even though suffering, were fi rst met by a literature evangelist, Gary son of Robert and Eleanor Masters (Co- loved the Lord and his positive attitude sadness and tragedy were involved, God Carr, in 1996, and were married and baptised oranbong, NSW), and Jessica Erin Nurrish, was an inspiration to all who knew him. wonderfully blessed his ministry. Only by Mike Brownhill a short time later. Bert’s daughter of Stephen and Janice Nurrish A very special person who will be greatly in God’s kingdom will we see the results was a tough life and he was no stranger to (Cooranbong), were married on 11.10.08 in missed. Mark Turner of God’s powerful leading in the life of tragedy. The good news is that he died in Morisset Hospital Chapel, Morisset. this dedicated servant. “He fought a good Christ and his eternal life is going to be a Wayne French Hebbard, Iris Edna (nee Findley), born fi ght, he fi nished the course, he kept the whole lot happier. Roan—Vivers. Jamie Dale Roan, son of 15.10.1926 in Sale, Vic; died 12.7.08 in Bris- faith. Well done.” Mike Brownhill, Gary Carr, Ted White Audrey and David Pierce (Melbourne, Vic), bane, Qld. She married Phillip in 1947, Orm Speck, Neil Tyler, and Jillian Lee Vivers, daughter of Philip and had 10 children. She is survived by her Bob Possingham Tweedale, Arthur Thomas, born in Brisbane, and Lesley Vivers (Newcastle, NSW), were daughters, Kaylene, Leonie and Nerida; and Qld; died 23.7.08, aged 86 years. He was a married on 12.10.08 in St Patricks, Nulkaba, her sons, Trevor, Stephen, Ian, Andrew and Lyne, May (nee Spruce), born 2.2.1916; died member of the Beaudesert church, where a Cessnock. Wayne French Keith, who all came to spend time with her 26.9.08 at the Adventist Retirement Village, memorial service was held on 15.11.08. Alive before the end. Iris knew sorrow in her life. Brisbane, Qld. May married Eric Lyne in forever more, when Jesus comes. Sparke—Gates. Jarod Lee Sparke, son of She lost two of her sons—Phillip, at age Cooranbong, June 1936. Most of their mar- David Reilly Kerry and Julie Sparke (Alstonville, NSW), 2 and Kenneth at 11. In 1977, her oldest ried life was spent in the Newcastle area and Katrina Gates, daughter of David and granddaughter died at age 6. Also in 1977, until 1992, when they moved to Brisbane, Rebecca Gates (Tenessee, USA, ministering Iris herself suffered a serious car accident, where both their sons Brian and Gregory Advertisements in South America), were married on 19.10.08 which left her in a coma for several months. had settled. May moved to the ARV in 2003, on Moreton Island, Qld. Throughout all her diffi culties, she main- after Eric’s death. She was much loved by Note: Neither the editor, Signs Publishing Andre van Rensburg tained a vibrant, positive attitude to life and her family, and will be remembered fondly Company, nor the Seventh-day Adventist a spirit of praise to her Heavenly Father. Iris as a wonderful Christian Nanna to her six Church is responsible for the quality of goods was much admired by the staff at the Bris- grandchildren, and great-grandmother to or services advertised. Publication does not Obituaries bane ARV Hostel for her courageous “can their 10 children. The staff at ARV recall her indicate endorsement of a product or service. do” attitude to life, which continued to the endearing smile and her faithful Christian Advertisements approved by the editor will Brown, Lorna Alice, born 11.11.1915 at Pros- end. Judy Fua, Barry Crabtree witness. May rests now till the morning. be inserted at the following rates: fi rst 30 pect, SA; died 12.10.08 at Enfi eld. She is Judy Fua words or less, $A55; each additional word, survived by her sister, Joyce Hopkins, and Hill, Kay Florence (nee Polglaze), born $A2.20. For your advertisement to appear, brother-in-law, Ted Hopkins (Lyndoch); her 27.5.1950 in Melbourne, Vic; died 3.10.08 in Mucha, Helena, born 23.2.1932 in Wisla, payment must be enclosed. Classifi ed ad- niece, Cecelia Hopkins, and nephew, Lance Perth, WA. She is survived by her husband, Poland; died 2.9.08 in Modbury Hospital, vertisements in RECORD are available to Hopkins (Prospect); her nieces, Dakodah Vivian; children, Craig and Joanne; her Adelaide, SA. She is survived by her hus- Seventh-day Adventist members, churches Hopkins and Jenista Drewer; and great- mother; her brothers, John, Robert and Paul; band, Edward; her sons and their wives, and institutions only. See masthead (page 2) nephew, Clifford Drewer. She was a caring and her grandson. Suffering illness for some Czes and Janene, and Mark and Shelley; for contact details. maiden aunt, who also took care of her late time, Kay’s faith in Jesus and her witness to and her grandchildren, Ashleigh, Cameron, parents. She loved plants, animals and all na- Him was an inspiration to many. Awaiting Adam and Emily. Another son, Eugene, Receive the Hope Channel and 3ABN. ture, and held different offi ces in the church the call of Jesus at the Second Coming, Kay predeceased her in 1966. A devoted wife and Complete satellite kit $265 + freight; in her younger days. Will Grobler. now rests at the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial mother, and an adoring “Babcia,” Helena prime signal areas in Australia only. Full Park, Perth, WA. displayed great courage and faith during instructions for DIY installation. Install- Clark, Leslie James, born 21.2.1926 at Inn- Eric Winter, Peter Fowler her last brief illness, qualities which charac- ers available. Rural Electronics (02) 6361 isfail, Qld; died 19.10.08 in Cairns Private terised her life. She now awaits the Master’s 3636; or
14 November 29, 2008 noticeboard
800 pictures from Tasmania—ABC book family and a friend. Drinks and nibbles shops or
November 29, 2008 15