December 1, 2007 In this issue Off ering to take Hope to Lae
Cambridge celebrates 100 years
Partnerships needed General Conference president Pastor Jan Paulsen (centre) and retiring South Pacifi c Division president Pastor Laurie Evans (right) congratulate SPD president-elect Pastor Barry Oliver. New leaders nominated for SPD WAHROONGA, NEW SOUTH WALES
he South Pacifi c Division (SPD) will Pastor Lawrence Tanabose was voted have new leadership from January to this position on November 14. He has next year. Pastor Barry Oliver was served as president of the Trans-Pacifi c T nominated president of the SPD at Union Mission (TPUM) since 2005 and the annual meeting of the SPD executive prior to that was general secretary for the committee on November 13. TPUM. A Solomon islander, it is believed The change in leadership was precipi- Pastor Tanabose will be the fi rst Pacifi c SAH cancer tated by the retirement of current SPD islander to serve as an administrative of- president Pastor Laurie Evans, who has fi cer of the SPD. served as president for the past 10 years. The nomination of division offi cers was Pastor Oliver has served as general secre- overseen by General Conference (GC) support tary for the SPD during that same period president Pastor Jan Paulsen. A division and his nomination as president created president is also a vice-president of the GC the need to also nominate a replacement and, as such, the recommendation of the awarded general secretary. (Continued on page 7) ISSN 0819-5633
4466 CCover.inddover.indd 1 220/11/070/11/07 110:36:400:36:40 AMAM editorial
We are all in danger of falling prey to our prejudices. The price of racism
rief. She had felt it before. She churches and our schools but there is a ten- neighbourly. Likewise, we must make our had lost her husband, her country; dency to dismiss the unknown, to conform own decision to place aside hatred. The and suffered fear and doubt in her to stereotypes and conditioning. lawyer answers correctly as to who acted Gfi ght for survival, for freedom. But it Our region is made up of a multitude as a neighbour: “The one who had mercy was a grief she thought she had banished— of different nations. Whether we are from on him” (Luke 10:37*) left behind in Sudan with the violence and Australia, New Zealand, Samoa or Fiji, or We need to recognise all people as our destruction. It was not meant to be this any other nation, we all have preconceived brothers and sisters—Jesus died for them way, here in “the lucky country.” No parent attitudes toward different groups in society. all. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave should have to bury their child. It is not just a condition that affects white nor free, male nor female, for you are all one For years, she had struggled to be reu- people. We are all in danger of falling prey in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Ellen White nited with her children and now, one had to our prejudices. wrote, “No distinction on account of national- been taken from her. This was the terrible As Christians, it is our duty to break ity, race, or caste, is recognised by God. . . . All cost of a danger lurking unseen among our down these divisions. Unfortunately, Chris- men are of one family by creation, and all are society, which seems so advanced—far tians have promoted and aided prejudices one through redemption. Christ came to de- above petty hatred. As family and friends for too long. African-American theologian molish every wall of partition, to throw open crowded into the Dandenong Seventh-day James Cone notes, “In the old slavery days, every compartment of the temple, that every Adventist church, Matha Ojulo mourned the Church preached that slavery was a soul may have free access to God.”4 for her son, murdered teenager Liep Gony, divine decree, and it used the Bible as the Individually, it is not just our relationship with whom she had barely been reunited basis of its authority.”2 It is time we looked with others that can be affected by preju- after fl eeing war-torn Sudan. into our own hearts and made a change. dice but also our relationship with God. It Liep had recently graduated from Nuna- “Everybody thinks of changing humanity, is our decision to make. Do we overturn wading Christian College, one of our Ad- but nobody thinks of changing himself,” our sinful nature, our conditioning and ventist schools in Melbourne.1 This was a said Leo Tolstoy.3 our fear? It is our battle and the challenge boy from our community—not a faceless Every Christian knows the golden rule— that Jesus leaves with us. Now, “go and do delinquent or some victim of a gang turf to love our neighbour—yet how often do likewise” (Luke 10:37). war. Yet the monster lurks within us all. It we put it into practice? Jesus advocated is like a cobra under the basket, waiting to radical action—not passive inaction. In 1. The Age, September 29, 2007. strike. The apple shines appetisingly but the the story of the Good Samaritan, we see 2. James Cone, Black Theology and Black Power, core is rotten and fi lled with worms. an example of two men from different Orbis, 1997, page 74. Racism is an ugly word that we all tend cultures, raised with constructed hatreds 3. Rusty Wright, Christianity and Racism,
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.org.au Copyeditor Talitha Simmons Email Letters: [email protected] Editorial secretary Kristel Rae Email Newsfront: [email protected] Vol 112 No 46 Layout Nathan Chee Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Cover: Nathan Brown Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Subscriptions: South Pacifi c Division mailed within Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 December 1, 2007
4466 EEditorial.inddditorial.indd SSec1:2ec1:2 220/11/070/11/07 110:37:060:37:06 AMAM news Mission off erings to take Hope to Lae LAE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Pastor Darius, people brought into the Ad- ventist faith in the city often return to their he Mission Extension Offering on villages to start new congregations. December 8 will help fund the trans- “Hope Channel is an effective medium mission of Hope Channel to the Mo- to reach the population of Lae. It will enter Trobe Province in Papua New Guinea and pacify homes that are hostile to our mes- (PNG). sage,” he says. “Because of their animistic “It’s no surprise that electronic media has culture, the people of PNG take religion played a major role in nurturing a posi- very seriously and readily accept religious tive image of the Seventh-day Adventist broadcasts.” Church in PNG, and contributing greatly The Hope Channel in Lae will reach a Actor John Soti and cameraman Rayner Paul to its growth,” says communication director population of more than 200,000 people, and prepare to shoot a scene in O Papa God. for the Papua New Guinea Union Mission including the tower, transmitter, antenna equipment and standby generator for the (PNGUM), Pastor Matupit Darius. and setting up, the facility will cost around Aviation Service. “In the 1980s, the production of a series of PNGK50,000. Pastor Darius says, “We have Pastor Ray Coombe, director of Advent- videos on health and hygiene, widely distrib- secured a piece of land on a hill where the local ist Mission for the South Pacifi c Division, uted and aired on local television, enabled the television has its tower and hope the station says, “Last year, the mission extension offer- church to enter many homes that had been will go on air by the middle of next year. We ing collected in the South Pacifi c Division closed to our message.” also have a committee that has laid out plans totalled $A123,000 and was directed to the Last year, the PNGUM produced O Papa for raising money toward this project. We will new University church in Suva, Fiji. Now God, Why Na Em Olsem, a DVD on HIV/ be very grateful for the help we will receive on December 8, we have the opportunity AIDS, directed by the late Martina Darius. from the December offering. of extending God’s kingdom through the The PNGUM health department has sold “Our plan for Hope Channel in Lae is am- ministry of Hope channel in PNG. thousands of copies since it was launched. bitious. Six months after the station has gone “These are very worthwhile projects that Other Christian denominations have adopt- to air, we hope to start airing local content.” help to extend the mission activity of the ed the DVD as the major teaching tool to Previous mission extension offerings given church. But the erection of a transmission combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in PNG. to PNG have been directed to rebuilding tower and broadcasting of Hope channel EMTV, the local station, aired the DVD in the Kambubu High School boy’s dormi- to the city of Lae is real evangelism, which June this year, with many people requesting tory, a classroom block at Sonoma College, will touch the lives of many. It will result it be replayed. security fencing for the North East Papua in hundreds of new interests turning up PNGUM is making plans to bring Hope Mission compound, housing for the South at Adventist churches on Sabbath.”—Ray Channel to the residents of Lae. According to West Papua Mission, and essential tooling Coombe/Matupit Darius
munity involvement. Acting prin- saw the resource and encour- cipal Neva Taylor is in full support aged us to make it available to of the program. “All involved are others,” says senior pastor Andre excited about this project and keen van Rensburg. Journey of Hope is to maintain our plot, even in the a month-long series, consisting of wet!” The school’s participation was sermons, small group materials ◆ The Hurstville City Council, featured in the local newspaper. and daily devotionals, focused on North New South Wales confer- Sydney, NSW, has recently devel- —Claudia Martin the hope we have in Jesus. More ence, along with Deidre and Dr oped a community garden on than 420 books were sent out to Alan Lindsay, was realised at the Wright Street, where Hurstville ◆ The Springwood church, pastors, making the series avail- dedication of the prayer chapel Adventist School is situated. Year Qld, recently sent a copy of its able to run in their local churches. located on Stuarts Point Cam- 3/4 teacher Sam Lett and his class book, Journey of Hope, to every —Travis Manners pgrounds, NSW. The chapel is are in charge of planting and car- Adventist pastor in Australia More @ www.journeyofhope. designed in an early Australian ing for this special project. The and New Zealand. “At South org.au country style, providing simple school was fortunate to receive Queensland camp, Pastor Gary but tasteful ambience. It can seat an assigned plot from the council. Webster [ministerial secretary ◆ A long held dream of Pas- 40 people. —North NSW Confer- It is a great opportunity for com- for the South Pacific Division] tor John Lang, president of the ence News
THE HOME OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION ADVENTIST.ORG.AU
December 1, 2007 3
4466 NNews.inddews.indd 3 220/11/070/11/07 110:41:170:41:17 AMAM news SAH cancer support Literature leader ordained centre awarded in WA WAHROONGA, NEW SOUTH WALES
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA he Sydney Adventist Hospital’s can- cer support centre and residential n October 20, Pat Downey was accommodation facility, Jacaranda ordained as a minister of the Ad- T Lodge, were awarded a special ventist Church. The service took commendation by the Australian Private O place at the North Beach Advent- Hospitals Association, during a congress ist church, with local leaders involved in in Melbourne in early October. the ordination. Pastor Cyrus Adams gave The award was presented to cancer sup- Pastor Downey and his wife, Frances. the offi cial welcome into ministry. Ton- port centre manager, Margaret Adams, nie and David Wilson provided special said he wanted to hear from the Bible, and and hospital CEO, Dr Leon Clark. music, and Ken Mulholland offered the the next four and a half hours were spent The award was made in recognition pastoral prayer. exploring God’s word. of the outstanding humanitarian work The story of Pastor Downey’s spiritual Following his baptism, Pastor Downey undertaken by the centre, benefi ting and journey was shared by Pastor Steve Goods. felt called to enter the publishing ministry, engaging the local community in the pro- Pastor Downey was brought up in a strict selling Christian books. In the 17 years he vision of its unique and broad range of religious family and attended boarding worked in this branch of ministry, he was services, education, counselling and facili- school at St Bede’s in Christchurch. invited to be a pastor on eight occasions and ties. The services of the centre are avail- Pastor Downey’s wife, Frances, initially fi nally took up the offer in 2001 in Perth. able, free, to anyone, regardless of whether began the journey of faith, which led her The address at Pastor Downey’s ordi- they have been treated at the hospital or to the Adventist Church, when attending nation was taken by Pastor Lynn Burton, elsewhere. Cancer patients, their carers, Bible and archaeology lectures in Christch- who used the leadership shown in the Bat- family and friends can use the drop-in urch in 1982. Pastor Downey didn’t go to tle of Trafalgar to illustrate that leadership centre and access information, resources the meetings but wanted to meet the pre- in the church needs to stand up and be and private or group counselling. senter, so Pastor Bill Otto and his wife were counted, as well as inspire confi dence in Executive director of the Australian invited to the Downey home. After some those they lead. Private Hospitals Association, Michael small talk, Pastor Downey asked a ques- Pastor Glenn Townend, president of the Roff, said the awards highlighted the tion and always remembered Pastor Otto’s Western Australian Conference, charged valuable community support provided reply—”I can tell you from experience or I him to serve faithfully as a minister of the by private hospitals around the country. can tell you from the Bible.” Pastor Downey gospel.—Steve Goods/NewsWest —Leisa O’Connor
formance of the stage band. The ◆ On November 3, Dr John Ash- was advertised to the commu- newly formed ensemble pre- ton, author and scientist for the nity through the Lakes Mail and sented pieces from the swing era. Sanitarium Health Food Com- the Lake Macquarie News. Pastor The audience enjoyed an impro- pany, spoke at Lakeside church, Clive Nash moderated a valuable vised, collaborative presentation NSW, on “The Hidden Hazards question and answer session at by three senior music students, of Alcohol—What the beer ads the conclusion of the lecture. ◆ More than 60 students from Lachlan Campbell (saxophone), don’t tell you.” Dr Ashton showed —Lakeside church Central Coast Adventist School Zack Passfi eld (bass guitar, pic- how alcohol reacts with diff er- (CCAS), Erina, NSW, had the tured) and Kale Dyson (drums). ent parts of our body, adversely ◆ Peter Kilgour, director of opportunity to showcase their These students decided to deviate affecting our health. He gave education for Adventist schools musical talent at a recent music from the program and indulge in evidence of the link between in Greater Sydney, graduated performance night. The evening a public “jam session,” which was alcohol use and the increased September 27 with a PhD in was coordinated by Barton Rae- enjoyed by all attending. These risk of cancer. This author of mul- mathematics education from thel, and featured both primary students are studying music as tiple books shared the latest sci- Curtin University, WA. Dr Kilgour and secondary students from part of their Higher School Cer- entifi c information about major entitled his dissertation, “The CCAS. One of the highlights of tificate (HSC) study program. harm caused by alcohol abuse classroom environments of the evening was the debut per- —Brenton Luchow in our community. The program Seventh-day Adventist schools
DAYS AND OFFERINGS: ◆ DECEMBER 8MISSIONS EXTENSION OFFERING
4 December 1, 2007
4466 NNews.inddews.indd 4 220/11/070/11/07 110:41:180:41:18 AMAM news Cambridge church celebrates centenary CAMBRIDGE, NEW ZEALAND present sent messages from different parts of the world. Those attending n October 20, the Cambridge expressed thanks to those who pre- Seventh-day Adventist church cel- pared the program and made the day ebrated 100 years of worshipping so memorable. O in Cambridge. Around 200 people A special centenary cake was cut by gathered over the weekend, to recount ex- four people who were part of the group periences of the past. of church children photographed al- Pastor Ben Timothy, who served in most 70 years ago, and attended the Cambridge for three years, conducted the centenary celebrations—Ian McGruer, service and encouraged members to con- Roy Lewin, Lois Rikard (nee William- tinue being a sweet savour for Christ (see son) and Sefton Boyle. (From left to right) Ian McGruer, Roy Lewin, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 15). The evening consisted of a musical Lois Williamson and Sefton Boyle at the Following lunch, a historical “journey” concert by descendants of the pioneers centenary’s cake-cutting ceremony. was enjoyed by attendees, as descendants and the celebration ended with an old- On February 3, 1908, 30 young people of the church’s families recounted special fashioned games evening. gathered in the uncompleted halls to begin experiences. This was accompanied by There are still four original Adventist the school year. Many families moved to a PowerPoint presentation of historical families with descendants living in Cam- Cambridge to allow their children to at- photos, depicting church people and their bridge—the Richards, Lewins, Jacksons tend school. A schoolroom was built on Mr community outreach in Cambridge over and Smarts. Richards’ property on Roto-O-Rangi Road 100 years. In 1898, two Adventists came to live in for the younger children to attend and this Former members who could not be Cambridge and by 1903, a group were wor- was used as a church on weekends. The shipping in the Anderson family home in college was sold in 1912 and the education Cook Street, Leamington. of young people was moved to Longburn Over the next few years, the Reid fam- College, so many families moved away ily living on a farm encompassing Roto- from Cambridge. O-Rangi Road and up to Redoubt Road, From there, the church’s portable build- sold 168 acres to the church headquarters ing was moved to Bracken Street, where it for the establishment of a four-storey, 54 was used until 1973, when a new construc- room training college, where young people tion to house the congregation opened on could come from throughout New Zealand the corner of Shakespeare and Browning Old Adventist school on Bracken Street. to be educated. Streets.—Leonie Lewin
Opened. The 23-year-old, who and played instruments. is currently studying music and Her brother, Jonathan teaching at Avondale College, Otto, is also the pro- Macarthur-141.jpg wrote all the music and lyrics on ducer of the album. Ms the 13-track album. “The songs Otto first started writ- are about recognising my weak- ing songs when she secondary mathematics class- ness and that God’s love is per- was in Year 5. She has rooms as aff ected by academic fect,” says Ms Otto. “My music’s been singing since a very young decision to centralise was made streaming.” He received support purpose is to reveal God’s true age.—Melody Tan after Ellen White’s advice about from the Australian government heart.” Ms Otto says inspiration the work to be done in London for his studies and six months for the fi rst song she wrote for ◆ Stanborough Park, site of and the advantages of a rural set- study leave from the church. the album, “It’s alright,” came the headquarters of the British ting. Originally a beautiful natural —Intrasyd after she finished praying at Union Conference, celebrates its property of around 75 acres, por- the end of high school and was centenary this year. The spiritual tions of the park have since been ◆ Melissa Otto, a member of the going through a period of not heartland of British Adventism, sold off , so the remaining land is Boolaroo church, NSW, has just knowing what to do. Ms Otto’s it has been the home for schools only one-third of the original size. released her fi rst music album, siblings provided backing vocals and a health food company. The —Messenger
AVONDALE COLLEGE, DEGREES WITH A CHRISTIAN FOCUS WWW.AVONDALE.EDU.AU
December 1, 2007 5
4466 NNews.inddews.indd 5 220/11/070/11/07 110:41:180:41:18 AMAM news Ballarat’s “new” church celebrates 50 years Awards for BALLARAT, VICTORIA quality at SAH he Ballarat Adventist church cel- WAHROONGA, NEW SOUTH WALES ebrated its 50th anniversary in its current location in late September. ontinuous quality improvement at T In 1957, the church was moved from Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAH) Sturt Street to Drummond Street South. has been recognised during a recent The celebrations, attended by more Cawards ceremony at Epping. than 50 guests, as well as current church The “San Baxter Awards” are a joint ini- members, featured presentations about tiative of the hospital and Baxter Healthcare, church history from families involved in Pastor Wayne Stanley with and were announced on October 30. the church, interviews with special guests Richard and Hazel Schneider. The hospital had submitted award nomi- and messages from former members and re-dedicatory prayer, acknowledging those nations for 16 internal quality improvement ministers unable to be present. gone before who had laid the foundation projects. Awards were given for single- and The Ballarat church pastor, Brian Lawty, for achievements, noting what is happening multi-department quality improvement gave the sermon for the day, and spoke in the church now, the contributions being projects for clinical and non-clinical areas. about social changes and the church’s strug- made in the present and trusting the future The winners included: the patient moni- gle to keep abreast of them. to God’s hands. toring project by patient services/informa- He went on to say every church needs to The remainder of the afternoon was tion services; the digital radiography project evaluate its own customs and traditions, so spent viewing a presentation of nostal- by SAH radiology; the pre-natal education they do not become barriers between itself gic photographs of church members and birthing DVD project by physiotheraphy/ and the community it seeks to serve. The “happenings” through the years, with a audiovisual/maternity education; and the very fi rst Christians were similarly chal- commentary from the church’s resident acute care lanyard cards project by SAH lenged and altered some of their customs. “historian,” Ross Matheson, and on-the- College of Education.—Leisa O’Connor The Adventist Church in 2007 needs to be spot refl ective interviews by Roger Thomas; constantly in a process of self-appraisal, yet or browsing the photographic displays and still be seeking direction. acquaintance with others. Pastor Wayne Stanley, general secretary Refurbishments have recently been com- of the Victorian Conference, was one of pleted at the church, including the instal- the guest speakers and travelled from Mel- lation of air conditioning, a new sound bourne to represent the conference presi- system and general refurbishment of the dent, Pastor Denis Hankinson. He led the church interior.—RECORD staff /Merrilyn congregation in a meaningful and uplifting Hastings The San Baxter Award recipients.
◆ Protestant leaders in Lublin, Of Poland’s 38 million people, 95 teachings of John the Baptist, has News Agency and spread to US Poland, have condemned a post- per cent are Catholic. The Advent- called Iraq home for almost 2000 media sites. “The Chinese govern- er campaign denouncing Martin ist Central church, Warsaw, was years. Sectarian violence and politi- ment has not come up with any Luther as a blasphemer and her- the only Protestant church in the cal strife have placed its followers such rule,” says a foreign ministry etic. The posters were captioned, country to organise a celebration in jeopardy, forcing many of them spokesman. Reuters said organ- “The blasphemy and heresy of of the 490th anniversary of Ref- to fl ee. With only 60,000 members, isers have already promised reli- Martin Luther” and pictured a devil ormation, said church sources in Mandaeanism risks extinction, clos- gious services will be offered whispering in the reformer’s ear. Poland.—ANN ing the history books on a unique during the Games. Foreigners They were displayed to advertise belief.—Religion News Service can bring in religious objects or lectures by Ryszard Mozgol, held ◆ The Iraq war has claimed many materials for personal use, and on October 15 and 31, the 490th victims but perhaps the least ◆ China has reacted angrily to there would be no change to this anniversary of Luther’s Protestant known is a small religion that reports in the European press that during the Olympics. The country Reformation. The lectures were scholars say is the last remain- the government will ban Bibles has large Christian, Muslim and planned by the Organisation of ing link to ancient faiths, which during next year’s Beijing Olym- Buddhist communities, who may Polish Monarchists. Founded in fl ourished during the time of the pics. According to a story by the only worship at state recognised 1989, the group seeks to establish Roman Empire. Mandaeanism, a Reuters news service, the reports churches, mosques and temples. a “Catholic state” within Poland. monotheistic belief that follows the were picked up by the Catholic —Australian Christian Channel
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6 December 1, 2007
4466 NNews.inddews.indd 6 220/11/070/11/07 110:41:190:41:19 AMAM news Young people light New leaders up Fed Square nominated for SPD MELBOURNE, VICTORIA (Continued from page 1) to a different place of service,” he says. dventist young people from across Pastor Oliver shared the reaction of his Melbourne worked together to host SPD executive committee is submitted to the wife, Julie, to the news of his appointment a benefi t gospel concert in the heart GC executive committee for ratifi cation. with committee members. “She said to me, A of Melbourne for the Adventist Pastor Paulsen expressed appreciation to ‘We’ve always believed that where the Lord Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Pastor Evans for his leadership. “We have calls and what He asks us to do, He will Australia on October 27. worked closely together, and I have always help us to do it. And this is no different,’” The free concert, held in Federation appreciated Laurie’s experience and crea- he said. “I will covet your prayers and will Square, aimed to raise awareness of the tive participation in the work of the global pray for you.” issues of poverty and provided an op- church,” he refl ected. “And I think the work Pastor Oliver says he is excited about the portunity for people to donate to ADRA in this division has been looked after well. possibilities and particularly the people of the Australia’s humanitarian work. It was at- “I am also extremely delighted with the church in the South Pacifi c. “We need to keep tended by more than 2500 people. recommendation that is now being brought,” doing the things we’ve done well, and fi nd “This concert showed the support young said Pastor Paulsen in congratulating Pastor better ways to do things we have not done Victorian Adventists have for helping the Oliver on his nomination. as well as we could have,” he commented. poor and supporting ADRA,” said the Fifty-six-year-old Pastor Oliver has worked “I want the church to be open to where God Victorian director of ADRA Services, in pastoral, evangelistic, academic and admin- is leading us, and to be ready and willing to Rebecca Auriant. “Without the support of istrative roles in Australia and Papua New go there. I would like to see the church utilis- the youth and schools, this event wouldn’t Guinea. “I have always been amazed at how I ing its full potential, using the diversity in the have been possible.” have been content working in a role and God church and our various gifts to further our Many of the young people also volun- has—seemingly out of the blue—moved me mission together.”—Nathan Brown teered their time to entertain the audience as part of the musical performances. Ad- Adventists celebrate 25 years of ventist artists included Adventist Brass Band, Tusitala Sisters, Strive, Brothers in Christ, Jola and the Statewide Youth promoting women leaders Choir. SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND, USA 25th anniversary conference, which ran The concert also featured the ARIA- from October 24 to 28 in Silver Spring, award winning Choir of Hard Knocks, n spite of strides made to include women Maryland, near the General Conference made up of approximately 50 disadvan- in ministry within the Seventh-day Ad- (GC) headquarters. taged and homeless people. ventist Church during the last 25 years, Some have hoped the church would match Throughout the night, young people Imore needs to be done to include the de- the gains women have made in other parts and other volunteers provided activities, mographic comprising 70 per cent of mem- of society. “Many women are being used but such as face painting, free showbags and bership, some church members say. not by the church,” said Pat Habada, retired a bucket collection. Overall, $A3000 was Members of the Association of Adventist assistant director for the GC Sabbath School raised for ADRA.—Rebecca Auriant Women (AAW) say they were considered by and Personal Ministries department. some to be rabble-rousers 25 years ago when “They’re in business and in politics,” she they fi rst advocated including women lead- said. “Some have wanted to serve but have ers in all levels of the Adventist Church. been frustrated at not being able to.” Many of the activists’ recommendations AAW was founded out of a desire to ad- have been realised—a department dedicated vance the issue of women’s ordination, which solely to women’s ministries on all levels of would give women pastors equal privileges the church, women executives and ordained as their male counterparts. women elders at local churches. Despite the But when brought to the world church gains, AAW members say their independent GC Session, the idea was defeated in 1990 advocacy is still needed. and again in 1995. Still, current GC Presi- “Our hope is that in the Christian com- dent Jan Paulsen and others continue to munity, there are no people who have greater encourage a greater inclusion of women favour than others,” said AAW president in ministry on all levels of the church. The Choir of Hard Knocks performing Verla Kwiram, during the organisation’s —Taashi Rowe at the benefi t concert.
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The cringe Hugo Maes/Dreamstime BY JAMES COFFIN
ave you ever experienced “the appear on the scene and whale on me for ed to the God-is-spanking-us school of cringe”? You know, that feel- no apparent reason. The nature of my thought with the statement: “In nature ing you get when someone says infraction and my inescapable guilt was there is neither reward nor punishment; H something totally inappropriate? always clearly established. Only then was there is consequence.” Or something totally jarring because it’s the discipline administered. Sin has brought changes into our world. at cross-purposes with everything you be- Similarly, my father never whipped Bad things happen. People get hurt. Gentle lieve? It happened to me recently when I every child in sight, just because I’d done rain falls on both the just and the unjust— was reading Time magazine. something he didn’t like. And I certainly and so does hail. I believe God weeps with The cringe-inducing statement was: “I wouldn’t have respected him had he done us as He waits for the time when He can do not know what we did. But we must so. But humans seem quite comfortable at- eradicate pain once and for all. have sinned for God to be angry like this.” tributing such behaviour to God. How ironic that the universe’s greatest Those words came from a survivor of an I fi nd it amazing that behaviour we would hater of human suffering should so rou- earthquake that struck Indonesia, killing consider deplorable were it to be done by tinely be portrayed as its prime source. some 5000, injuring many more, fl attening any human being can be laid at God’s door And that is perhaps why “the cringe” is whole villages and leaving hundreds of a feeling I often get when I read descrip- thousands homeless. The single most tions of why Jesus died on the cross. But Now don’t get me wrong—such state- fi rst, a little background. ments don’t come as a surprise. Unfortu- important fact of the I would argue that the single most nately, huge numbers of people subscribe important fact of the universe we need to the thinking this woman expressed. universe we need to to come to grips with is the character But sheer numbers and frequent repeti- of God. If we have the wrong picture tion don’t make such thinking any more come to grips with is of God, we’re going to have the wrong palatable or any more correct. I fi nd it the character of God. picture of what humanity should be. Not appalling for God to be portrayed as the only were we created in God’s image but Great Heavenly Disciplinarian, who we grow into the image of the God we uses randomly administered lethal force so casually. More amazing still, when we at- perceive. So how we view God has enor- to spank humans into line. tribute such behaviour to God, we portray mous consequences. When I was a youngster, I received my it as a virtue! Too many of us never stop to That’s why I’m uncomfortable with the fair share of spankings. (Actually, “fair think about the impact on others when we dualistic, angry-God/loving-God depic- share” is only a cliche—I probably deserved depict God in such a manner. tions about the respective character of God far more!) My father was a fi rm believer In a recent interview with Time, column- the Father and His Son, Jesus. Needless in the spare-the-rod-and-spoil-the-child ist/humorist Art Buchwald said: “Yes, I to say, when I read in an Easter presenta- school of discipline. And while I might believe there is a God, but he’s not the one tion that Jesus “made peace on behalf of disagree with his philosophy in general or all the religions claim. . . . There’s a God humanity with an angry God,” I felt “the its propriety in any given situation, never out there, but not the one that causes all cringe.” Maybe even some anger. You have did I have any question about why I was the trouble in the world.” no right to talk about my loving heavenly being spanked. The famed agnostic philosopher Rob- Father that way, I wanted to scream. Never was I standing around minding ert Ingersoll would have related well to So I’m doing it now. my own business, only to have my father Buchwald’s comments. Ingersoll respond- I have no question that God hates sin.
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He hates the state of alienation that leads to bad behaviour. He hates the bad be- haviour itself. He hates the appalling re- sults that spring from the bad behaviour. Indeed, God must be angry about all that has happened in the course of the great controversy that’s raging between good and evil. But God loves humans. He loves those who are both affected and infected by sin. And that’s all of us. Tino Tedaldi/Image Source Tino Tedaldi/Image God doesn’t need to be convinced to love us or accept us. The father of the prodigal son was ready and waiting. It was the way- Prayer keys: ward son who needed convincing. It was when he came to his senses that the love of the father could actually make a difference Partnerships needed in his life. Before then, all the fatherly love in the world was useless. BY JULIE WESLAKE So why did Jesus come to this earth? Was it to make peace with an angry God ne of the greatest spiritual learned about God as a result?1 on behalf of humanity? Or was it to make resources we have as parents is God intended the different generations peace on behalf of a loving God with the wisdom of grandparents, ex- to support each other. Psalms 78:4 is an in- a rebellious and angry humanity? The O tended family and church family. spiration for older generations: “We will question has huge implications about the We would see a major transformation in not hide them from our children; we will character of God. families today, if we asked and empowered tell the next generation the praiseworthy The Bible employs a long list of meta- them to pray for our children. deeds of the Lord, his power, and the won- phors to give us confi dence and certainty. My own four children have always been ders He has done” (NIV). Jesus is the Good Shepherd, solicitously blessed with grandparents who continu- Instead of ignoring or criticising the caring for His sheep. Jesus is the faith- ally uphold them in prayer. They ful relative, who pays an enormous debt have been blessed by church lead- So began a journey on our behalf so we can have a new start. ers, who have nurtured and men- Jesus is the mother hen, who protects her tored them. where I know my chil- chicks. Jesus is the one who bears our pun- But, as they grew older, I realised ishment, so we can go free. Jesus is all this I needed to be more intentional in dren have been blessed and much more. linking each of them to a prayer war- But when we so slavishly apply a meta- rior. All it took was a card, written and upheld before God. phor portraying an angry God who has to four godly people, with an invita- to be appeased—who demands so much tion to pray for the named child. Each of children in our churches and extended punishment for so much infraction—I these people agreed, and so began a jour- families, we need to take personal respon- think we’ve missed the clear intent of ney where I know my children have been sibility for their spiritual growth. What a Scripture. Sin separates us from God blessed and upheld before God. blessing it would be if every child in your and from each other. God’s love unites Ensure your children have a prayer war- church knew that someone was praying for us with Him and with each other. It’s rior. Find someone who will plead with them. Invite children to pray for the older our only hope. God for their physical, emotional and generation. God is waiting to answer the Jesus came to convince us to accept spiritual safety. prayers of His children. God—not to convince God to accept Keep your whole family spiritually ac- “Every person needs to cry out to God for us. R countable by inviting an elder or an older the next generation; one generation being godly person to help you. Ask them to the intercessors for the next, one genera- Adapted from Conversations With My Church by James contact you monthly and ask: tion being a mighty band of warriors for Coffi n, Signs Publishing Company, 2007, paperback, • How many times have you prayed to- the next.”2 R 118 pages. Available from Adventist Book Centres, price $A19.95; $NZ24 .50. gether as a family this week? • How many times have you worshipped 1. From Mark Holman, Faith Begins At Home. together as a family this week? 2. Daphne Kirk, Born For Such A time As This. James Coffi n is a former editor of • Have you recently done a service project RECORD and currently pastors the as a family? Julie Weslake is director of children’s Markham Woods church in • How much time have you spent in ministries for the South Pacifi c Longwood, Florida, USA. God’s Word this month? What have you Division.
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hen we do our theology, titled The Rise of the Cults. The book was to and other issues, he was not consulted in do we grow in understanding? include a section on Adventists, who were any way concerning the Adventist–Evan- Are our former ideas and per- considered by evangelical Christians to be gelical dialogues or the publication of W ceptions challenged as we learn a cult. Martin, however, wanted to commu- Questions on Doctrine. Hindsight suggests more? Is it ever appropriate for Seventh- nicate directly with Adventists, so as not to this was a painful mistake by the General day Adventism to refl ect on its self-identity misinterpret their views. Conference representatives. The fact that and theological journey, as it is challenged During the process, Martin and Barn- Andreasen was sidelined caused immense by a changing world? house formulated a number of questions consternation, which coloured all future If we respond affi rmatively to these ques- regarding Adventist theology they believed discussion with Adventist leaders. tions, we are in good company—not only warranted further explanation. However, Richard Rice noted the irony that a book with our pioneers but by those who sought their concerns majored on two pivotal intended to summarise Adventist beliefs to present Adventism to sceptical evangeli- points: that the atonement of Jesus was not for those outside Adventism should prove cal Christians during the 1950s. During the completed on the cross; and that Jesus took to be so divisive inside the church, expos- last week in October, the Questions on Doc- man’s sinful nature at the incarnation. Es- ing “serious rifts among Adventists on a trine 50th Anniversary Conference brought sentially, the evangelicals wanted to know range of important theological issues but together pastors, students, academics and whether the “Adventist emphasis on the nowhere was the ensuing controversy more interested onlookers—each with a com- heavenly sanctuary and investigative judg- acute than over its description of the nature mon interest in Adventist history, thought ment meant that Adventists believed in an of Christ.” This has much to do with Ad- and practice—to consider this landmark in incomplete atonement at the cross.”1 Be- ventist identity, including the vindication of Adventist history. cause Adventism had taught these beliefs, God and remnant perspectives in relation Throughout Adventist history, there among others they considered questionable, to “fi nal generation theology.”3 have been signifi cant periods when the Martin and Barnhouse deemed Seventh- Andreasen and other critics supported church has sought to examine its theology day Adventism to be non-Christian. 97 per cent of the book’s contents. But he and identity. These periods include 1844 The Adventist representatives insisted considered the section on the atonement and the Great Disappointment, 1888 at the that Adventism had matured in its under- entirely reprehensible and in obvious error, Minneapolis General Conference, 1915, standing of the major points of theological thus negating the infl uence of the entire following the death of Ellen White, the contention—and was continuing to do so. publication. Andreasen supported a “fi nal 1950s with the formulation and publica- In other words, the Christian world did generation” theology, which he insisted had tion of Questions on Doctrine, and the 1980 not fully appreciate or understand Advent- always been the historic Adventist position. conference at Glacier View. ism’s current theological position or the His theology proposed that a remnant peo- In 1957, the book Seventh-day Advent- theological language Adventism used to ple living in the last days of earth’s history ists Answer Questions on Doctrine was pub- express those beliefs. The General Confer- will vindicate God in the great controversy lished as a result of a series of discussions ence representatives insisted that Adventists by living sinless lives, as a prerequisite to between a group of General Conference have never adopted a formal creed and that the Second Coming. representatives and two evangelical lead- revision is both critical and necessary. Roy Adams states that Andreasen di- ers in the United States. George Knight Eventually, 150,000 copies of Questions vided the atonement into three parts, “of provided the context for the Questions on on Doctrine were published and Barnhouse which only the second involved Jesus’ suf- Doctrine conference in his introductory wrote in Eternity that Adventists, despite fering and death. In the fi rst part (compris- paper, describing Questions on Doctrine as some perplexing doctrines, should be ac- ing His earthly life and ministry), Christ “undoubtedly the most divisive book in cepted into the Christian family. Opposition demonstrated that sin could be completely Seventh-day Adventist history.” to the publication was vehement. Robert resisted and overcome; that complete vic- In the lead-up to the publication of this Johnston notes that Martin and Barnhouse tory is possible.”4 The third phase of atone- book, a group of General Conference rep- were denounced by fellow evangelicals as ment, occurring in the heavenly sanctuary, resentatives—L E Froom, R A Anderson having been duped by the Adventists.2 On involves the purifi cation and cleansing of and W E Read—met face to face with two the Adventist side, the reaction was similar. the remnant people, and Christ demon- fundamentalist evangelicals, D G Barnhouse M L Andreasen, the outspoken Adventist strating that sinlessness can be repeated in and W Martin. Barnhouse was the editor of critic, believed Adventism had “sold out” their lives. Andreasen was incensed and Eternity, a leading evangelical publication at to those in “Babylon.” argued that “no Adventist can believe in a the time. Martin was a well-respected au- Andreasen had been a leading Adventist fi nal atonement on the cross and remain an thor on cults, preparing to publish a book theologian but due to personality confl icts Adventist,” for the belief in a fi nal atone-
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ment at the cross “automatically cancels any logical refl ection and the search for biblical was standing behind the bread and wine other fi nal atonement in 1844.” truth will lead to new insights. of the Lord’s Supper. Colin Standish, the Thus, from his perspective, Adventism Irrespective of the shortcomings of Ques- president of Hartland Institute, who is an stands or falls on the question of the atone- tions on Doctrine, including the process lead- eloquent spokesperson for the school of ment.5 But behind Andreasen’s doctrine of ing to publication, the book represented an thought that fi nds [Questions on Doctrine] salvation lay a larger concern—the delay attempt to undertake serious apologetics. objectionable, stood beside him to the of the Second Coming. Denis Fortin suggests that the evangelical right. George Knight, a retired historian According to Mark 4:29, the harvest world today is still asking the same questions of Adventism and prolifi c writer, who is comes when the grain is ripe. The “har- as those posed 50 years ago. Seventh-day an equally persuasive advocate of much of vest principle”—to use Herbert Douglass’s Adventism has much to contribute to the [Questions on Doctrine] despite the historical terminology—tries to explain why Christ religious world and many people struggle shortcomings that he has confi rmed, was has not come. Christ cannot come until with the same issues as Adventists do. We at his other side. God’s purposes for this world have been can learn from listening to their discussions “‘Dave Larson and I wept unashamedly fulfi lled.6 Christ is waiting for His remnant and, perhaps, share some of our insights, as we received communion together, min- people to reach the point where they live gleaned over 50 years of discussion.9 istered from the front by Angel Rodriguez, “above sinning” before He can return to Yet, after attending the conference, I still Colin Standish and George Knight,’ wrote earth, because only then will the great con- have questions. I wonder what all this means Jon Paulien, dean of the School of Religion troversy be settled. Ultimately, Andreasen to Adventist young people around the world. at Loma Linda University. ‘I have long was concerned that Questions on Doctrine And what does it mean for the majority of prayed to experience a day like this. Were was emphasising the cross of Calvary at the Adventists worldwide, who live in Africa our tears for the needless pain our church expense of the investigative judgement and and South America, who have never heard has suffered since that publication of Ques- fi nal generation theology.7 Adams sounds a of Questions on Doctrine? Will these issues tions on Doctrine 50 years ago, or for the vis- warning, arguing that “to bend theology to impact their understanding of salvation or is ible prospect that it is ending? Both.’” fi t our eschatological goals and objectives it simply a Western Adventist issue? Only time will tell! R is neither sound nor prudent.”8 General Conference president Jan Adventists continue to wrestle with these Paulsen attempted to place the issue in per- 1. Roy Adams, “The Theology of Questions on Doctrine: issues today, particularly through a plethora spective in a recent address: “I just cannot Issues Surrounding the Nature of Christ and the Atone- ment,”. Unless otherwise noted, references are to papers of independent ministries, and fractur- imagine a postmodern person in Europe, presented at the Questions on Doctrine 50th Anniver- ing continues to occur as two theological a businessman in Asia or Latin America, sary Conference, Andrews University, October, 2007. streams within Adventism continue to any more than a farmer in Africa, will care 2. “Questions on Doctrine 50th Anniversary Confer- fl ow side-by-side. While many Adventists one iota whether Christ had the nature of ence: A Personal Reaction,”
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Creation every day BY JOHN KNIGHT
he story of creation is beautiful. Some may have diffi culty grasping it but I don’t. To me, it is probably the most plausible story in the Scriptures. The amazing fact is T that it will not go away—and the principle still exists. What’s more, it is a wonderful “faith booster,” especially if you are down and need some encouragement. I have spent my life as a doctor and, in my younger days, de- livered hundreds of babies. That gets you thinking. From almost nowhere—two microscopic cells—a baby develops. Then all of a sudden, it is born. Out comes a tiny blue object, neatly folded and covered with white greasy stuff. Silence. The cord is cut and tied. Then out of the blue, there comes a tiny squawk. The “breath of life” enters the tiny frame. Within a minute or so, blue turns pink, everything unfolds and a yelling new life has suddenly been “created.” It’s the same “breath of life” God breathed into Adam.
We take it for granted. It is part of the ecosystem, we say. But 1 it is nevertheless a miracle, repeated about 260,000 times a year in Australia alone. The same little bundle of wonder will keep 2 on breathing for as many as 100 years or more. The heart beats, 3 4 the engine works. It is alive and grows into adulthood, ready to 5 take its place in society. This cannot just happen. It is creation before our eyes.
Then take a walk down the road or look out the window. 6 Winter time is pretty drab. But with spring, rain and warm days, unseen seeds suddenly sprout, push through the soil, turn green
and grow. One grain of wheat develops several stalks to produce 7 hundreds of new heads of grain later in the year. Vegetables, fruit trees and fl owers grow, reproducing in abundance for yet another 8 9 season. Many provide us with visual delight, as well as “our daily bread.” One piece of potato grows into a mass of spuds. A tiny, barely discernible seed will produce a mass of fl owers—and later more seeds for regeneration again. 10 Is this just by chance? Is it good luck? Of course, it is all put down to nature. But nature and life must have a source. And that source is God. These wonderful reminders are with us constantly, so constant that we often take them for granted—and forget how it happens. Make the most of every day. Thank our good Lord for His gift of life, energy and vitality, and a brain that works, allowing us to think and be happy. But better still—apart from those tentative fi rst and last breaths— Christians also have the generous hope of life eternal. And what could be better than that? R
John Knight is a medical doctor, who writes from Sydney, New South Wales. Taylor Peta
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Positions vacant One ould Call Could Your life. ge ▲ Employment promotions officer—Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Ltd (Wahroonga, NSW) is seeking expressions of interest from suitable individuals Change Your life. to facilitate and coordinate the Adventist Employment function of the Church in the South Pacifi c. For more information, please visit the South Pacifi c Division’s Human Resources website on
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her three husbands, John Dunn, Bill Quin- wife, Barbara, in 1994. He is survived by Figtree Private Hospital, Wollongong, af- tal and Noel Daley. She is survived by her his daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Kidson, Margaret Elvie (nee Green), born ter some years of sickness and pain. On siblings, Albert, William, Peter and Mar- Keith Elms; his son and spouse, Andrew 21.8.1926 at Moora, WA; died 8.10.07 in 30.4.1953, he married Elaine Davidson at garet; her four children and their spouses, and Rosemary; his grandchildren, Tracey, Hollywood Hospital, Perth. On 2.11.1949, Port Kembla. In 1962, they were baptised Colin and Maureen Dunn, Pamela and Pe- Amanda, Daniel, Renee and Alyce; and his she married Allan John Kidson, who pre- by Pastor Allan Probert at Dunedin church ter Van Duyn, Lewis and Karen Quintal, great-grandchildren, Jack and Sheridan (all deceased her in 1987. She is survived by in south New Zealand. He is survived by and Lawrence Quintal, also step-daughter, from Brisbane). Jack was bugler in the Brit- her sons, Garry (California, USA), and his wife, Elaine (Wollongong); his brother Natalie and Peter French; her grandchil- ish army during World War II, blowing Rex (Perth, WA). A lady of great courage. and sister-in-law, Pastor Alex and Raynor dren, Anita, Anj, Megan, Thomas, Simon, “The Retreat” in the square in Athens at Rest well until morning comes. (Toongabbie) and their family, John, Ro- Kellie, Yvon, Anthony, Deanna, Michella, the end of the war. Jack was a very practical Phil Rhodes byn Tew and Ross; as well as Elaine’s niece, Lisa and James. Rose loved her Lord and man, as well as an accomplished artist. He Bronwyn; and nephews, Todd and Jodie the church, and loved nothing more than was baptised by Pastor Lance O’Neill in Pine Mathers, Florence Lillian, born 22.7.1914 Mees. Bill was a much loved and respected talking about the Second Coming of Jesus, Rivers church, Brisbane, in 1996, and died at Murgon, Qld; died 3.10.07 in Victoria church member, who served Wollongong in whom she now rests. Colin Dunn with a strong conviction of his right stand- Point Adventist Nursing Home, Qld. She church in various capacities. He also served ing with God. He will be sadly missed by his was predeceased by her fi rst husband, Cecil his country in World War II as a member Delamothe, William (Bill), born 23.10.1911 family and fellow church members. Craig, in 1975, and by her second hus- of the AIF. He loved his Lord and looked in Sydney, NSW; died 19.10.07 in Gosford Mike Brownhill band, Jim Mathers, in 1999. Lillian was an forward to the Resurrection morning, Hospital. On 11.12.34, he married Norma employee of the Sanitarium Health Food when the Saviour returns. Mary, who predeceased him in 2006. He is Hemsley, Gwen, born 19.1.1928 in Bris- Company in Brisbane for many years. Al- Alex Penman, Kerry Hortop survived by his children, Frances, Margaret bane, Qld; died 25.10.07 at Wheller Gar- though Lil had no children of her own, she Ian Tew and Malcolm; his seven grandchildren; 12 dens, Chermside, Brisbane. She is sur- had quite a large representation of nieces great-grandchildren; and two great-great- vived by her children and their spouses, and nephews, who rendered their respects Rawlins, William, born 6.11.1929 at Boulder, grandchildren. Bill was much respected as a Stewart and Denice, Cherie and Harvey in the Victoria Point church. A kind, chari- Kalgoolie, WA; died 19.10.07 in Perth. He faithful and loyal Adventist, loved by all who Loetzsch, Duncan and Penny, and Aman- table lady, Lillian now rests, awaiting the is survived by his wife, Lorna; his former knew him. His special talent was music, and da and Brett Yulie; and their families; as call of the great Lifegiver at His return. wife, Veida; his children, Bill Junior, Rae- he served the church wherever he attended well as her siblings, Edna and Douglas Neil Peatey, Brian Robinson lene, Kelvin and Zofi a; and stepchildren, for many years as an organist or pianist. Rest Cramb, and James Whighton. The Red Sue, Stephen and Phillip (all in WA); his 11 in peace Bill, we miss you and look forward Hill church, Brisbane, enjoyed her organ McKie, Agnus Hewitt, born 8.6.1915 at grandchildren and one great-grandchild. to seeing you in the morning. playing for many years, as did the nursing Crosshouse, Scotland; died 14.9.07 in Kil- Bill was active in the church and built many Len Barnard, Raymond Dabson home in her later years. Gwen awaits the bride Nursing Home, Campbelltown, structures, including the Morley church certainty of the Resurrection morning. NSW. “Nettie,” as she was affectionately complex. He will be greatly missed. Until Ford, Florence (Flo) Mary, born 10.11.1919 Peter Cummings known, was the middle child, having an the Resurrection. John Horvath at Lismore, NSW; died 27.9.07 in the elder brother, Jim, who predeceased her, Hornsby Hospital, Sydney. She is survived Hromish, Femka, born 9.8.1927 at Curug, and a younger brother, Robert (Woonona). Watts, Gertrude Lorraine, born 24.11.1914 by her two sisters, Christina Wright and former Yugoslavia; died 10.10.07 in Bris- She devoted much of her life to caring for at Broken Hill, NSW; died 3.10.07 at Jean Wright (both of Lismore) and their bane, Qld, after a period of declining health. her parents. Nettie, with her brother, Jim, Swan View, WA. On 4.6.1938, she married respective families. Flo became an Advent- She emigrated to Australia with her fam- and sister-in-law, Beattie, as well as another Mervyn, who predeceased her on 26.12.00. ist in her late teens, after the premature ily in 1974. She is survived by her husband, cousin, were all baptised into the church in She is survived by her sons and their wives, death of her mother in 1940, and found Mihajlo; her four children and their spouses, Wollongong on the same day. She now rests Trevor and Ruth (Swan View), Kevin and work in Qld, NZ and the UK, eventually Rosemery, Wally, Gloria and Maggie; and in Jesus, waiting for his return. Fran (Yunderup), and Allan and Rosmary returning to Sydney. Quiet and unassum- her eight grandchildren, Jonathan, Ben- Kerry Hortop (Dongara); her six grandchildren; and her ing, her unselfi sh life was one that revolved jamin, Rachael, Andrew, Eric, Michael, seven great-grandchildren. Though sadly around service to others. For those who Tesfa and Tizita. She was loved and will be Musson, Amy, born 20.9.1917 at Loughbor- missed, Gertrude’s gentleness and infl uence knew her, she was loved and respected. She greatly missed by both family and friends, ough, Leicestershire, England; died 20.9.07 will remain with those who knew her. Her will be sadly missed. awaiting the Lord’s return. in the Bulli District Hospital, NSW. She is family and friends are both comforted and Barry Wright, Ian Wright Dragan Mladjan, Dragisa Vidacac survived by her husband, Stan (Woonona); encouraged by the knowledge that “Beyond her daughter, Margaret Hills (Katoomba); the rainbow’s end, there lies the land of light Gibbons, Ada Annie, born 12.8.1913 at Jackson, Mervyn Victor, born August 1922 her son, Ivor (Tarrawanna) and many and love” (Katherine Nelson Davis) where Swansea, Wales; died 11.9.07 in Nor- in Wellington, NZ; died 30.9.07 in Perth, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. there will be no more need for grieving, wood Nursing Home, Oakden, SA. She WA. He was predeceased by his fi rst wife, Amy and Stan were married for 63 years. nursing homes or hospitals, and where Ger- was predeceased by her husband, Bob, Ruth, in 1996. He later married “Rossie.” They arrived in Australia on her 40th birth- trude will live again. in 1976. She is survived by her daugh- He is survived by his wife, Roslyn (Perth); day. Amy and Stan were baptised into the Trevor Watts, Lynn Burton ter, Marion Shields (Surrey Downs); and and his two sisters, Yvonne and Audrey (Co- church following studies with Pastor Peter granddaughter, Catherine Nuttall (Cen- oranbong). In 1942, Merv was one of the fi rst Jack in 1970. They have remained true to tral Coast, NSW). A lovely Christian lady Australians to be court martialled for being their faith and have been a wonderful sup- with a great sense of fun, Ada will be a conscientious objector. He was later freed. port to the Wollongong church. Amy passed Advertisements sadly missed by all who knew her. Look- This stance made it possible for other Sab- into God’s hands peacefully on the very day Note: Neither the editor, Signs Publishing ing forward to Resurrection day. bath keepers to have freedom of worship, of her 90th birthday. Company, nor the Seventh-day Adventist David McKibben, Wolfgang Stefani according to the dictates of their conscience. Peter Jack, Kerry Hortop Church is responsible for the quality of Merv was farewelled from a packed church goods or services advertised. Publication Goudie, Keith, born 18.1.1923 in Sydney, at Morley, Perth, during a 2-and-a-half hour Ormiston, Fay Veritta, born 1.10.1925 in Bris- does not indicate endorsement of a prod- NSW; died 22.9.07 at Cooranbong. On memorial service. He used his life for others. bane, Qld; died 26.9.07 in the Victoria Point uct or service. Advertisements approved 18.2.1950, he married Noeleen Florence. We look forward to the Resurrection morn- Adventist Nursing Home. She is survived by the editor will be inserted at the follow- He is survived by his wife; his children, ing. John Horvath, Eddie Hastie by her husband, Pastor Gordon Ormiston ing rates: fi rst 30 words or less, $A49.50; John, Jennifer, Eleanor and Laurell; nine (Victoria Point); her daughters, Carol (Bris- each additional word, $A2.20. For your grandchildren; and six great-grandchil- Johnston, Albert Leonard, born 4.6.1921 in bane), Helen and Glenda (Townsville); her advertisement to appear, payment must dren. He was a homely person who lived South Brisbane, Qld; died 22.10.07 in the sons, Gordon and John (Sydney), and Kevin be enclosed. Classifi ed advertisements in for his wife and family. Much of his time Eventide Nursing Home, Sandgate. On (Cooranbong); her 20 grandchildren; and RECORD are available to Seventh-day was spent in community service work, 27.4.1946, he married Beryl Maile. He is her 15 great-grandchildren. Fay was a true Adventist members, churches and insti- especially in the ambulance service and survived by his wife; his four children, Al- mother in Israel, standing solidly beside her tutions only. See masthead (page 2) for caring for the needy. He spent four years bert, Richard, Linda and Martina (all of Bris- husband during his many years of publish- contact details. in the air force during World War II and bane); and his grandchildren. Albert served ing work, and later as he cared for churches was given a veteran’s farewell at the fu- in World War II at Ratus Toobruk. He was and as hospital chaplain. Although greatly Quality Christian products. Books, neral. When he retired, he was president discharged after a serious accident. Albert missed by her family, they have the blessed DVDs, study guides, story CDs and of several organisations. He loved helping was a quiet, lovable guy who served as a hope of being reunited with her on the great music from suppliers Amazing Facts, people. Len Barnard, Rex Cobbin deacon at Redcliffe church. He will be dearly Resurrection day, at Jesus’ return. 3ABN and others. Register for our missed by his wife, family and many friends. Neil Peatey, Judy Fua monthly specials. Contact The Story Govier, John Frederick, born 26.2.1927 at He loved Jesus and awaits Christ’s return, so Factory, freecall 1800 452 133;
14 December 1, 2007
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Paperback, 128 pages. Regular price $A23.95 $NZ29.50 Our Price $A19.95 $NZ24.50
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