February 28, 2009 In this issue ADRA Australia now part of AUC
Seven Secrets audio book released
Finding Christ in a Muslim country Phil Hyland, Jeff Courtney and Tom Smith (left to right) load Sanitarium products for delivery to the Whittlesea relief centre for bushfire survivors in Victoria. Church responds to bushfire tragedy Melbourne, Victoria
he president of the Australian Union around Australia to pray for those who Conference (AUC) has expressed have experienced the horror and loss of deep sadness and grief over the tragic family, homes and possessions. Speaking bushfires in Victoria. The death toll in the days following the tragedy, he urged fromT the fires is estimated to be in excess Adventists to also pray for the firefight- of 200 people, and more than 1000 houses ers, State Emergency Service personnel, have been destroyed by the fires that burned police, army and others who are stressed out of control around the state earlier this by the enormity and shock of the tragedy, Makeover month. and pray for favourable weather to bring “I was stunned by the viciousness, speed an end to the fires. and scope of the fires, and join all Austral- Some Adventists have lost property but for Cook ians in mourning the terrible loss of life,” Pastor Stanley says it is still too early to as- said Pastor Chester Stanley in a statement certain whether any church members have released to the media. been killed or injured. Islands HQ Pastor Stanley called on church members (Continued on page 3) ISSN 0819-5633 editorial
Any “answers” are too neat; any questions are too raw. It is well?
onday, February 9, 2009, 7:30 the emerging stories of loss fill our day. It I stumble through a closing prayer and am—staff worship, Signs Pub- is one thing to speak of people’s dreams shuffle out of the worship room behind lishing Company, Warburton, being turned to ash; it is another thing to the rest of the staff, escaping to the soli- Victoria: hear of the people themselves being incin- tude of my upstairs office. I sit and look MIt has been described as the worst disas- erated. We feel helpless in the face of the out to the mountains above me. Today ter in Victoria’s history. Saturday was the enormity of what has happened and con- their usual beauty seems menacing, with hottest day ever recorded in the Melbourne tinues to happen. Little wonder people are just a few wisps of smoke clinging to the region, following years of drought and giving—food, clothes, accommodation, distant treetops. weeks of heatwave conditions. Driven by household items, time, money, blood—so It just doesn’t seem the day for “It is well gale-force hot winds, wildfires tore through generously; it is the only way to feel like with my soul.” And I would venture to sug- the surrounding mountains, obliterating regaining a measure of control, the only gest that “those who mourn” feel neither whole communities, leaving more than 100 way to respond to numbing tragedy. “blessed” nor “comforted” (see Matthew people—and still counting— dead, more in And so we arrived early on Monday 5:4). Other promises seem to tear at the hospitals and thousands homeless. morning in our cars stained with the sky’s wounds. When walking “through the dark A billow of smoke had blacked out our ashen tears, crossed the car park littered valley of death” (Psalm 23:4, NLT) is so ob- sun on Saturday afternoon, showering us with the charred leaves and other debris viously filled with terror and tragedy, how with ash, leaves and bark, and filling our dropped from the billowing pall that had can we glibly say, “I will not be afraid”? homes, clothes and valley with the biting shadowed the weekend, now under a sky Despite the office phones not working for smell of smoke. We felt the same winds and that was almost clear. the morning, the day assumes a measure of shuddered at the thought of what it might Not just another Monday morning. A everydayness, punctuated by sombre con- do to stoke a fire. But our fears were not couple of our staff are still away as volunteer versations about the weekend’s tragedies large enough. members of the country fire brigade. and checking on further fire reports. A weather change comes and the winds By accident of rostering, I am the wor- Later in the day, I watch the spectacular begin to ease. But a late evening sprinkle ship speaker and whatever I say feels like smoky sunset at the end of the valley. But of rain is more mocking than useful and the inappropriate mumbling it probably even the red-gilt edges on the clouds look the few raindrops fall as mud. is. Fumbling to find hope, even amid life like another fire turning the clouds to ash With major devastation less than an stained with death. Any “answers” are too and another day to blackness—yet another hour’s drive in a couple of directions, neat; any questions are too raw. smoking ruin. As well as the tragedies that we have our nervous moments, listening In accord with the worship practice, I had have been, there are still fires and fears. intently to emergency radio broadcasts selected a hymn to be sung. It had seemed Tonight, “It is well” is definitely a state- late into the night. And we almost feel like it might fit—at least, the rolling “sor- ment of faith, rather than feeling. And kind of guilty about being so close but so rows like sea-billows”—but the chorus’s the hope-filled, God-present conclusion is unaffected. assertion that “it is well with my soul” just no less real—but will need to be written The next morning, the wind has died doesn’t flow. Yes, I can say it. I can prob- another day. away, allowing our valley to fill with smoke ably even believe it. But I don’t feel it. Not and an almost eerie quiet. The smell and here, not now. Nathan Brown
Official Paper of the South Editor Nathan Brown Mail: Signs Publishing Company Pacific Division Seventh-day Editorial assistant Adele Nash 3485 Warburton Highway Adventist Church Editorial assistant Jarrod Stackelroth Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia ABN 59 093 117 689 Copyeditor Talitha Simmons Phone: (03) 5965 6300 Fax: (03) 5966 9019 www.adventist Editorial secretary Kristel Rae Email Letters: [email protected] connect.org Layout Kym Jackson Email Newsfront: [email protected] Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Email Noticeboard: [email protected] Vol 114 No 07 Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Cover: Tom Smith/ Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00. Sanitarium www.record.net.au Other prices on application. Printed weekly.
2 February 28, 2009 news Church responds to bushfire tragedy (Continued from page 1) total extent of the damage to the friends, families and neighbours of our church fam- No Adventist churches, schools or retire- ily. We are aware of a number of families ment villages have been damaged or de- who have lost their homes. We are also stroyed. Pastor Stanley said the church was aware of a number of friends of the Ad- on the ground quickly to lend support. ventist Church who have lost their lives in “I’d also like to encourage every Advent- the fires. Our hearts and prayers go out to ist to join other Australians by providing these people and their families.” cash donations as being the quickest and “Please keep our community in your most effective means of providing sup- thoughts and prayers as many continue to port,” he says. battle the flames and sift through the rub- The Victorian Conference donated an ble,” he says. “May God be with our fire- initial $A25,000 from its funds and a spe- fighters: we thank them for their bravery cial offering was collected in all churches and pray that God will protect them. Our Students from Edinburgh Primary School in Victoria on February 14 to be used for hearts go out to those who are victims of (Lilydale, Vic) help load donated household immediate assistance of church families. this tragedy: may God be with them as they items for delivery to bushfire survivors. Pastor Wayne Stanley, general secretary rebuild their broken homes, families, hopes families are safe, although there was some of the Victorian Conference, says, “This and dreams.” loss of property for families of the school. offering is an initiative of the Victorian The Sanitarium Health Food Compa- Sadly, two former students were killed in Conference. The money will go direct- ny has delivered Weet-Bix, So Good and the fires. ly—and as quickly as possible—to those Up&Go products to emergency centres All 60 Adventist schools around Aus- Adventist family and friends impacted operated by the Salvation Army and Red tralia are also taking up gold coin col- by the fires.” Cross in Whittlesea, Yea and other fire- lections from students to assist with the “I am sure there is not a single person in affected areas. bushfire relief. Victoria who does not feel impacted by the The principal of Ironbark Christian Counselling services and emergency ac- current situation and the devastation caused School, Raelene Devlin, has reported the commodation are also being provided to by the bushfires,” he adds. “At a time like school is safe. The school, located in Yar- people affected by the fires. Pastor Richard this, we feel helpless and confused as we rambat, was under no threat at the time of Araya-Bishop, pastor of the Warburton stand beside friends, neighbours and fellow writing but is in an area in which fires have church, is organising and coordinating church members who have been impacted been active. The school has developed an counselling on request for anyone in the by this disaster. emergency response and evacuation plan. region.—AMN staff “At this stage, we are uncertain of the All students, members of the staff and their More @ www.record.net.au
was most diligent in abseiling, of youth ministries for the North although the leaders could see New South Wales Conference. some of the pain on his face. —Ray Boyce He attended all of the activities, including the conference expe- ◆◆The Whyalla church, SA, dition at Mt Yengo, the bike day recently initiated a walking ◆◆The highlight of the Wallsend at Glenrock Lagoon, the Myall program with the goal of aged them to participate in the Pathfinder Club (NSW) Inves- Lakes fun camp and Clean Up encouraging its members to walking program. The partici- titure ceremony was perhaps Australia Day at Wallsend. On take 10,000 steps per day. This pants determined the number the “Directors Most Improved some of the hikes, they had is equivalent to the recom- of steps they initially made in a Achiever Award,” presented to do some pushing but he mended 30 minutes of activ- typical week and, if necessary, to an 11-year-old intellectually struggled until he succeeded. ity on most days of the week, gradually increased their aver- challenged boy. Before joining It was also a farewell Investi- in order to promote heath and age daily steps in the following Pathfinders, Stephen Brock ture for leader Chris Hawkin, reduce the risk of disease. Joy weeks. Emphasis was given to had never slept out of his own who is moving to Albury for 12 Penman, the church’s health welcoming all opportunities to bed, cooked for himself or put months. The speaker for the day director, distributed pedom- walk a few more steps into life. up a tent. During the year, he was Pastor Jeff Parker, director eters to members and encour- —Wyhalla News
Stretch your heart and attitude @ www.adventistvolunteers.org
February 28, 2009 3 news Makeover for ADRA Australia responds Cook Islands HQ to Victorian bushfires Rarotonga, Cook Islands Wahroonga, new South Wales he Cook Islands Mission (CIM) ad- ministrative headquarters in Raro- n response to the tragic and devastat- tonga has had a makeover. The ing bushfires in Victoria, the Advent- recently renovated and extended ist Development and Relief Agency Toffices include a large space, which can be (ADRA) Australia has committed used by other community groups. I$A150,000 to fund a response in partner- In January, Dr Barry Oliver, presi- ship with the government-nominated lead dent of the South Pacific Division, and agency, the Australian Red Cross. Pastor Jerry Matthews, president of the This continues ADRA Australia’s New Zealand Pacific Union Conference, longstanding formal partnership with opened and rededicated the renovated and Australian Red Cross federally, and in extended building. four states and territories. ADRA Australia has committed $A150,000 “The facilities are so well presented and ADRA’s response is provided from to fund a response to the bushfires that representative of our church that even the its Disaster Preparedness and Response have devastated many towns in Victoria. Prime Minister of the Cook Islands will Fund. If supporters wish to help replen- survived and what they need to do to be envious,” Pastor Matthews said. ish this fund, donations can be made to rebuild their lives. So, as the teams on Other denominations have already ADRA’s Disaster Preparedness and Re- the ground work with each community started to book the facility, which in- sponse Fund online or by calling 1800 242 to determine what the needs are, the re- cludes a kitchen to cater for community 372 in Australia. sponse and recovery effort will continue functions. However, ADRA Australia is unable to to rollout over the coming weeks, months The administrative mission building accept any material goods or volunteers and even years.” also includes a communications room for in this response. ADRA Australia will continue to preparing audio and video messages for “This is a horrific disaster, and our provide updates on its website,
resources normally associated with separate lockers and bag racks in secondary education. According to their classroom but have access Steve Walker, director of Studies, to the rest of the school, and join “Our Year 7 students are able to get the other secondary students a taste of the secondary experience for recess, lunchtime and weekly by choosing subject options taken assembly. There is already a waiting ◆◆In a first for Carmel Adventist by different teachers. This gives list for 2010 and the college is mov- and relatives, along with Karalundi College (WA), there is now a Year 7 them an idea of what a full second- ing toward a two-stream intake for staff and students, sang Mrs Cur- class operating on campus. Taught ary education entails.” Increasing next year.—Gavin Williams leys favourite hymn, “Face to Face,” by Heather Taylor, students are numbers of private schools in WA at the funeral. Pastors Eric Davey, able to follow a modified program are adding Year 7 to their second- ◆◆Karalundi Aboriginal Educa- Don Fehlberg, Ken Vogel and in a purpose-designed classroom. ary offer to bring the educational tion Centre students paid trib- Karalundi chaplain Dieter Stahl Traditionally, students in WA com- experience of students into line ute to Avy Curley, one of the officiated at the funeral service. plete Year 7 as part of primary with the rest of the country. The school’s founding members, dur- Mrs Curley, is also known in the school. Students now cover the proposed National Curriculum ing the funeral service held at the Murchison Aboriginal History Year 7 curriculum but have the also makes this a prudent move. Meekatharra Shire Hall (WA) on Timeline for her role in the 1940s advantage of being able to access Year 7 students have their own February 6. Mrs Curley’s family protest against the 6 pm curfew in
Days and offerings: ◆ MARCH 7—Advent world radio ◆ MARCH 28—adventist youth offering
4 February 28, 2009 news Seven Secrets released as audio book Warburton, Victoria Although the audio Christian themes remain book only runs a little but I wanted to record it even Secrets for Feeling Fantastic by longer than two hours, it in such a way that Chris- Dr Darren Morton is now available took around 10 hours to tians could offer it to their as an audio book on disc—with a record. Dr Morton says, “It non-churchgoing friends copy of the book—at Adventist Book was actually more tiring without reserve.” SCentres. It is the first audio book to be pro- than I thought it would be. “This began as an initia- duced from one of the books published by Kristin Thiele, the audio tive of Darren and Avon- Signs Publishing Company. technician, was very pa- dale College as a contribu- Dr Morton, senior lecturer in physical tient with me when I made tion to Christian Services education and health at Avondale College, mistakes and we had to for the Blind but they have recorded the book last year for the South back up.” been willing to work with Pacific Division’s Christian Services for Dr Morton hopes the us to share this much more the Blind and Hearing Impaired (“Secrets audio book will help influ- widely, which is exciting, Dr Darren Morton. available for blind, hear- ence the and we thank them for it,” ing impaired,” News, lives of others in posi- says Nathan Brown, editor of Signs Pub- June 7, 2008). tive ways, as the book lishing Company. “So it is now available “The idea of record- has done. “Seven Secrets as a package with the book itself and we ing Seven Secrets as an is really my attempt to hope more people will take the opportu- audio book really excited revitalise our Adventist nity to connect with the great material is me,” Dr Morton says. health message because in the book, as well as having another way “In today’s society, the it has so much going for of sharing it with their friends. audio medium is a really it,” he says. “Darren is a gifted communicator and popular method for di- “The audio book has a passionate about people’s wellbeing—and I gesting information, so slightly different orien- think that came through in recording Seven I was keen to have my tation to the book. The Secrets in this way.” book available in that book was written spe- Dr Morton has also filmed a TV series The Seven Secrets audio book is format. available from Adventist Book Centres. cifically for a Christian for Hope Channel based on the material in “I’m honoured to be audience, whereas the the book, which will be airing in the com- the first cab off the ranks and it would be audio version has been slightly modified to ing months.—Adele Nash great to see more of the Signs publications appeal to the non-Christian community. More @ www.SevenSecretsFor available in an audio format.” The fundamentals are the same and the FeelingFantastic.com
Mt Magnet when she, with a baby by the recent flooding,Adventist ◆◆The Seventh-day Adventist Friday nights for two years, with in her arms, led a march through Development and Relief Agency Church is launching a new tel- re-runs available at other times the streets against the law pro- Fiji has distributed almost 2000 evision show, featuring pan- of the week. “The programs hibiting Aborigines from going packs of food items to those iden- elists tackling subjects such as aim to explore issues we all out after 6 pm. She was presented tified as needing assistance in the the role of women in the church, face in society and as Advent- the Order of Australia Medal by Nadroga, Nadi and Ba districts. the influence of media on Chris- ist Christians in our faith com- the Queen in 1980. Steve Piez, Director Save Cavalevu says this tianity, and the relevance of munity,” says Pastor Rajmund former Karalundi administrator, was a small gesture to alleviate the marriage in today’s society. The Dabrowski, executive producer authored the book, What are you suffering and discomfort of those series, titled “Intersection: Your and communication director for doing for us?, a history of Kara- families devastated by the flood. Faith, Your World,” will begin the General Conference. The lundi, titled in honour of Mrs —The Fiji Times Online airing February 6 on the church’s program is meant to serve as Curley’s question that prompt- international satellite network, a starting point for discussions ed the founding of the school. ◆◆TV advertising for a free view- Hope TV. The programs will in small groups, Bible studies —Romela Sanggalan ing of the Search videos will be available for download at and Sabbath school classes. The screen in the southern regional
see Cecil’s latest adventure @ www.edgeonweb.org
February 28, 2009 5 news ADRA Australia now part of AUC Wahroonga, New South Wales funds from the Australian public and gov- members. Company members will be ernment. Since it now functions only in the appointed by the executive committee of he Adventist Development and Re- Australian context, it is more appropriate the AUC, rather than the executive com- lief Agency (ADRA) Australia now for it to be administered by the Australian mittee of the SPD. sits under the corporate umbrella Union Conference, instead of the South In response to the growth of ADRA in of the Australian Union Confer- Pacific Division,” Mr Brewin said. the South Pacific, the SPD is establishing Tence (AUC), following changes to ADRA This administrative move to the AUC an ADRA South Pacific Regional Office Australia’s constitution at its annual gen- has not altered ADRA Australia’s project to support country offices in the region. eral meeting in November, 2008. Prior to work or any of its daily operations. ADRA ADRA South Pacific will not operate or this, ADRA Australia came under the Australia will continue to support projects fund projects but will provide country administration of the South Pacific Divi- overseas and in Australia. offices, such as ADRA Australia, with sion (SPD). “Being administered by the AUC hasn’t support in governance, training, capacity This change reflects the growth of the changed our purpose,” said ADRA Aus- building, licensing and support to meet ac- ADRA network in the South Pacific and tralia’s chief executive officer, Jonathan creditation criteria. ADRA South Pacific, the need for ADRA Australia to be more Duffy. “Our day-to-day work continues as to be managed by Greg Young, will not be closely aligned with the strategic direction usual, providing support to communities incorporated nor will it have deductible of the AUC. in need in the Pacific, Asia and Africa, as gift recipient status, which means it will “Twenty-five years ago, when an ADRA well as here in Australia.” not be able to provide tax-deductibility. presence was first established in the Pa- The location of ADRA Australia’s of- ADRA supporters wanting tax-deduct- cific to care for work across the region, fice will also remain unchanged, with the ibility on donations should continue to the SPD administered it from one office office remaining in Sydney, although the donate through the ADRA office in their in Sydney,” said ADRA Australia’s former AUC is located in Melbourne. country. board chair, Peter Brewin. ADRA Australia’s administrative move ADRA Australia is one of six ADRA “But ADRA has really grown and we to the AUC has, however, required a offices in the South Pacific region. ADRA now have offices in several Pacific coun- change in the agency’s ex officio board also has offices in New Zealand, Papua tries to look after the work in each area,” positions and a change to how company New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu he said. “This growth has enabled the orig- members are appointed. ADRA Austral- and Fiji. Each ADRA office implements inal ADRA office, now ADRA Australia, ia’s board of directors will now include projects within its own country, with to focus its work on solely representing the Pastor Chester Stanley, AUC president, ADRA Australia and ADRA New Zea- Australian people and government. It was as board chair; Pastor Ken Vogel, AUC land also supporting projects in develop- incorporated in 2004, meeting Australian company secretary; and Kingsley Wood, ing countries.—Candice Jaques government regulations, and also raises AUC chief financial officer, as board More @ www.adra.org.au
◆◆Underprivileged school chil- Roma,” said Lamar Phillips, coun- be traced to St Augustine and ulations of the reformer’s life. dren in Albania are learning the try director for ADRA Albania. St Thomas Aquinas. The Vatican Featuring Calvin in his familiar official Albanian language, pol- The ongoing social exclusion also dealt the final blow to spec- surroundings and activities will ishing up their reading and writ- of Roma communities across ulation that Pope Benedict XVI help foster a better understand- ing skills at an educational centre Albania is creating significant might be prepared to endorse ing of his life and actions, in the geared specifically toward the gaps and deficiencies in educa- the theory of Intelligent Design, manner of a documentary film. nomadic Roma (gypsy) tribe. tion for thousands of children. whose advocates credit a “higher Several 16th century engravings, The centre, established by the —Nadia McGill/ANN power” for the complexities of objects and books will also be Adventist Development and life.—The Times featured in the exhibition. The Relief Agency (ADRA), aims to ◆◆The Vatican has released a museum’s world-class exhibit help Roma children from the statement stating that Charles ◆◆Geneva’s International Muse- falls during 2009, the Year of nearby squatter community Darwin was on the right track um of the Reformation this year Faith Tourism, designated by the successfully transition into the when he claimed that humans celebrates the 500th anniversa- World Religious Travel Associa- public school system. “This was descended from apes. A leading ry of John Calvin’s birth with “A tion (WRTA) as a year set aside a major achievement for ADRA, official declared Darwin’s theory Day in the Life of John Calvin”— for the promotion of, and par- since this is the first school in of evolution was compatible with a temporary exhibition, which ticipation in, travel by people of Albania designed specifically for Christian faith, and could even features contextualised 3-D sim- faith.—ASSIST news service
IS your church doing something Exciting, innovative or inspiring? Email [email protected]
6 February 28, 2009 news First camp-meeting Two ordained in NZPUC in three years Manukau, New Zealand
wo pastors were recently or- for Tasmania dained in the New Zealand Devonport, Tasmania Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC). he Tasmanian Conference has met for TPastor Russell Puna was or- a conference camp-meeting for the dained on January 29 on the is- first time after three years. land of Aitutaki, Cook Islands. The 10-day camp-meeting was held His wife, Louisa, and son, Russell Tfrom January 16 to 25 at the Pine Springs Jnr, were by his side to celebrate Campground in East Devonport for the first the event. time since being closed due to occupation- Pastor Puna graduated from al health and Fulton College in 2002 with a Pastor Russell Puna and his wife, Louisa (centre), safety issues. diploma in Theology, then gradu- with church officials at his ordination. Over the ated from Pacific Adventist University in as an intern at the Arorangi Adventist past three 2003 with a BA in Theology. Pastor Puna church under the guidance of the late years, church worked as an intern with Pastor Teina Pastor Uma Katu. He later returned to leadership Taivairanga in Arorangi and Titikaveka minister to the islands of Manihiki and and mem- for two years, and has worked in the Cook Rakahanga for three years, before being bers worked Islands, ministering to the three churches called to look after work on the islands of to upgrade on Aitutaki, for the past three years. Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia. The past two the area to Leading discussion at the He is now working as the youth director years of his ministry have been spent on make it more Tasmanian camp-meeting. for the Cook Islands Mission (CIM). Mauke island. suitable for camping, as well as user-friendly The Avarua Adventist church on Rar- Pastor Toroma and his wife have six for disabled people. During this period, otonga hosted the January 31 ordination children and two grandchildren. church members met over weekends for of Pastor Taiti Toroma. Pastor Toroma’s Dr Barry Oliver, president of the South “mini-camps” and “retreats.” wife, Rufina, and their children stood by Pacific Division; Pastor Jerry Matthews, According to Pastor Wayne Boehm, his side during the service. president of the NZPUC; Peter Lynch, president of the Tasmanian Conference, Since completing his internship on Rar- secretary-treasurer for the NZPUC; and regional camp-meetings are vital in creat- otonga, Pastor Toroma has been minister- Pastor Eliu Eliu, president of CIM, offici- ing a “sense of unity . . . and fellowship that ing to the outer Cook Islands and replaced ated at the two ordination services. [church members] in smaller churches don’t Pastor Puna on Aitutaki this year. Dr Oliver delivered the sermon for both get throughout the year.” Pastor Toroma graduated from Fulton services. He challenged each pastor to be a The theme of the camp was “Fuel the College in 1999, and has since worked spiritual leader in the Adventist Church. flame,” designed to “promote the spiritual for churches in the CIM. He worked “The church has the right to expect its disciplines that bring us into connection with pastors to be deeply spiritual and God, Who ignites the flame to be His faith- live in a close relationship with ful workmen.” Guest speakers for the camp- God,” he said. He also empha- meeting included Pastor Ben Maxson and sised that ministry is a shared Alden Ho.— Kaleb McKay/Melody Tan function, saying, “All disciples of More @ http://tas.adventist.org.au the Lord Jesus Christ are called to the ministry of reconciliation, as we’re told in 2 Corinthians 5: 17, 18. The privilege and responsi- bility of the pastor is to equip the people of God for their ministry functions and to share in the joy of service.” He prayed for God’s special blessing on the wives and fami- Pastor Taiti Toroma and his wife, Rufina (centre), Young people from around with church officials following his ordination. lies of each of the pastors.—Jerry Tasmania at the camp-meeting.
Matthews/Eliu Eliu/Adele Nash Friðriksson Friðrik P.
February 28, 2009 7 feature Finding Christ in a Muslim country by Shelley Nolan Freesland
ur world continues to and the life.” struggle for freedom of religion. I wish I could find someone to share In the past year, two Adventist the Word of God with, and Jesus’ salva- World Radio (AWR) producers tion and prayers, because I don’t want to Onearly lost their lives because they were be alone with Satan, especially as I have discovered making programs that are just begun my new life. heard in Muslim areas. Many listeners to “The Voice of Hope” broadcasts suffer Next message—two months later: in various ways because of their decision Every day, they abuse me and say, to heed God’s call. “Let the Christians feed you if they can,” But the gospel continues to be heard by and start laughing. My father tore up people in these difficult areas because of the Third message—two months later: my Christian books and said, “If I see one reach of AWR. Following is a series of email I’m very happy to say I have received book like those between your hands, I will messages we received from one listener. It Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Sav- bury you alive.” illustrates not only the harsh reality faced by iour. My life has just begun. I know that Jesus Christ said, “Blessed those who wish to follow Jesus but also the As a teenager, I wanted to be happy. I are you when people insult you, persecute inspiring testimony of a changed life. wanted meaning in life. I was asking my- you and falsely say all kinds of evil against self, “Who am I? Where am I going?” But you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, be- First message: when I started to know Jesus Christ, my cause great is your reward in heaven.” Thank you so much. I really love AWR life has changed. But what should I do if my family kicks and its programs. To introduce myself, my I know Satan hates me now more than me out? Where to go? What to do? Don’t name is Amin. I am a boy of 19 years old ever but I also know that Jesus is alive to tell me to pray or to read the Bible. I do that and I am from [a Muslim country]. Please, help me live a new life that is pleasing to every day. I can’t receive any letters now will you help me to learn more about Chris- God. Now I’m a new Christian. Every tianity and Jesus Christ? I’m eager to know day, I read the Bible (using the internet). about this religion and this radio. I read some stories and miracles of the Lord. I’m learning more truths. The Second message—one month later: Word of God makes my heart come How delightful it was to receive your alive again and my prayers bring light first letter. A great joy filled my heart. But to me. I have some questions. The message of Jesus Christ is my 1. How does Christianity view the other only hope. I have sincerely trusted in His religions? Word and I am following Him. Really, 2. Can a non-Christian become He was right when He said, “I’m the Christian? light of the world. I’m the way, the truth 3. If yes, what conditions fulfil this conversion? AWR’s ministry is unique in several ways: 4. How do I know I am “saved”? • Programs are created in 75 languages by native speakers from each country. 5. What will happen to me if I don’t “re- • Several thousand hours of programs are broadcast each day, covering the major- ceive Christ”? ity of the world. 6. Is it true that all I have to do is • Programs can be heard on AM, FM and shortwave radio, as well as internet pod- “believe”? casts and satellite transmissions. 7. How do I pray? • Radio can reach more people, for less money, than nearly any other form of 8. Can you explain Matthew 10:34-36 and outreach. Corinthians 6:3? • Broadcasts bypass political and geographic barriers, bringing the message of hope May I have a Bible (both of them: Old to people who are otherwise inaccessible. and New Testament)? I do hope I am not putting you to too much trouble. Thank you again for your precious letter and help- ful programs. Please, pray for me. AWR offering—next week, March 7
8 February 28, 2009 feature Matthew: More than a storyteller
by Clive Nash
ost of us like stories and Matthew was a great storyteller. because my father will get them instead of Think, for example, of his ac- me and burn them. count of Jesus’ birth and the wise God bless you. Mmen; Satan tempting Jesus; calming the storm; the four miracles in Matthew 9—a Last message—a few days later: haemorrhaging woman, the ruler’s daugh- I don’t care what’s happening to me. ter resurrected, two blind men healed, and I love Jesus Christ. I’m ready to die for a mute demon-possessed man restored; Him. When my father tore up my Chris- the events of Chapter 14—the tragic be- tian books, I used to read the Bible on my heading of John the Baptist, feeding the computer but now I’m not allowed to use 5000, then Jesus walking on water, inspir- it. I’m obliged to borrow some money from ing Peter to try it as well. There are many my friends to go to the cyber cafe. other stories but not least is the account of Yesterday, two policemen came to our the final events in the earthly life of Jesus. house and asked to meet me. One of them All of these make the Gospel of Matthew said, “I think you were playing, right? memorable reading. You’d better stop this Christianity game When we look a little closer, we see that and be a man. But if you don’t stop this Matthew was not just a good narrator but a game, we’ll bury you alive. We’ll consider craftsman, too. A few things stand out. make disciples of all nations, baptising them you a terrorist. I think you know the re- First, he seems to have been writing to in the name of the Father and of the Son and sult. In this case, prison will welcome you Jews to convince them that Jesus was the of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19*). forever.” Messiah. He has more Old Testament quo- And it is interesting that this Jew— I’m sure I’ll be taken to prison soon. tations than Mark, Luke or John. The Jews known in Mark’s and Luke’s Gospels as Either this week or the next one. I’m just loved the Old Testament, especially the five Levi—should distance himself from Juda- writing to let you know, not to ask for help. books of Moses known as “the Torah.” ism and the synagogue by saying, “And I know no-one can help me, even Christians Second, we notice that Matthew builds [Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teach- but only the Lord. his gospel around five great talks of Jesus. ing in their synagogues and proclaiming I don’t know what will happen to me. We probably know the first of these best. It the gospel” (4:23). He does not write “our Maybe this email will be the last one. is Chapters 5 to 7 and we call it “The Ser- synagogues” but “their,” as if to say, “OK, I mon on the Mount.” The other four “ser- am a Jew but I am not like those Jews who This was the last message we received mons” are Chapters 10, 13, 18, and 24 to 25. refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah. They from Amin. We pray that he is safe and At the end of each of these talks, Matthew have stayed in their synagogues with their faithful. writes, “When Jesus had finished saying old ideas. I am now a Christian.” By giving generously to the AWR An- these things” (see, for example, Matthew The next time you read Matthew, enjoy nual Offering, you will make it possible 7:28). This gives us a clue as to how he is its Jewishness but also say, “He wrote this for millions of people around the world putting it all together. for me.” Especially claim the promise of to hear about God and His love for the It seems Matthew was saying, in effect, the closing words, “And behold, I am with first time. R to his Jewish readers, “Here is a new five- you always, to the end of the age” (Mat- section Torah to flesh out the old; here is a thew 28:20). R To learn more about Adventist World Radio, please visit new Moses—one greater than Moses and it
February 28, 2009 9 feature
Of music, grace and “being moved”
by Kandus Thorp
ope Channel recently com- pleted production of 222 programs during Project Hope Australia, a number of which are now show- Hing on Hope Channel. Among these were 11 new episodes for the ongoing series, My Story, My Song, recorded in Queensland. In one episode for this series, we interviewed Australian musician Geoff Bullock, au- thor of many well-known praise and wor- ship songs including “The Power of Your Love.” The following are excerpts from that interview. Australian musician Geoff Bullock performed for the filming of My As I’ve travelled around the world, I have Story, My Song for Hope TV at Noosa (Qld) late last year. heard your music sung in Brazil in the Portuguese language, in Germany in Ger- So you work really hard first on those words, they don’t know who I am. It has certainly man, and, of course, in South Africa, the and then you set them to music? travelled around the world. Philippines, and all over. So to me, it’s such I can—but other times it all just arrives. a blessing to see someone like you—you’ve I would like to explore your walk with just done your best right here in Australia So have you ever been preparing for church Christ. So how has your spiritual journey but God has taken what you’ve done all and you just needed one more song? been? around the world. “The Power of Your Love” was written It’s been up and down. There have been It’s a funny feeling. I feel like a father on a Saturday night. We went to a friend’s some wonderful high notes. There have who has children . . . children who have place for dinner. There was a piano in the been some sad moments. I suffer from left home and they’ve become successful, house, so I simply sat down and the first deep and dark depression at times. And so for me, I’m just Geoff Bullock, a normal line was literally what I was feeling: “Lord, at other times, my life sort of zips along Aussie bloke. It’s the songs that have be- I come to You.” By dinner, I’d written the in an almost uncontrolled manner, and come well-known and the work has been first verse, and I went home and thought that’s called “bipolar disorder.” It’s been a how God has used the songs. I needed a second verse. The second verse struggle. Those are dark times. And there was quite freaky because I just sat there are times when you’re almost hoping for I’d love to talk to you about your process and wrote it out—just wrote it out! It hope. You believe there is hope there but of songwriting. would have taken 30 or 40 seconds. The you’re just hoping there will be a day when Songwriting is a funny thing for me be- next morning, I go to church and we did the cloud lifts. cause sometimes it’s hard work. I want the it for worship. So obviously, in those times, creatively, lyrics to be right, I don’t want them to be there’s been a torrent of material and when I full of cliches. I want them to communicate And “The Power of Your Love” has been come out of it, and when God leads me out something and say something in a phrase one of your signature songs. or calls me out or—a better way of saying that may take a paragraph to understand. I think it would be my signature song. It’s it—“walks with me out” because He’s there I’m trying to get those images across. the song I think most people know, even if with me in the darkness. In those times, I
10 February 28, 2009 feature reflect back and really am amazed at the The miracle is “Lord, You come to me”— What has happened to the church? Have miracle of how my life has risen. the central message of the Christmas story is we forgotten why we’re there? God coming out of the eternity of time and I think it’s sad that when we use the So you actually do a lot of writing in the space, and shrinking Himself down to join word “worship,” people now immediately times you are experiencing depression? the human race. God comes unannounced think of music. Worship is our response to Yes, a tremendous amount of writing but to us to show us grace and love. the life of Jesus Christ: how He touched more so in poetry. I’ve had my experience So we worked a third verse of the broken people and came into people’s in these and my prayers for hope. So a lot “Power of Your Love” into: “Lord, You lives. So worship is a lifestyle; worship is of writing. I found that my songs began to come to me.” And instead of saying “Lord, a choice. flow as I started to come out, as I have ex- hold me close,” again turning around to pressed the rising of a dawn, the rising of “You hold me close” and “You let Your So worship is far more than just music. hope, the rising of realising that the season love surround me.” I would go as far as saying worship isn’t has changed. music. I would say worship is the meeting Do your songs mean more to you now? of us and Christ. Worship is this relation- It is remarkable that God takes people Absolutely. I suppose now I’ve reworked ship God is having with us, this God—as where they are and walks with them. some of them and rewritten them as if I we’ve been saying—Who comes to us. I love that! were writing them now, they say some- Absolutely. Sometimes, I think we What would you say to aspiring young live a Christianity that’s guilt tinged: we “Be moved by the songwriters today? judge ourselves harshly, we judge our- Be moved by the plight of human- selves by what we do rather than what plight of humanity. Be ity. Be moved by those who don’t have God has done. And so sometimes, we a voice. Be moved by the many people may look at depression in our lives and moved by those who who don’t know where the next meal is not understand it’s just a sickness. God coming from. Be moved by issues that has not left us—there is hope. As He don’t have a voice. we should as God-fearing, God-loving walks with us, giving us keys and tools, . . . Be moved by and God-who-loves-us people. there is a way through. But also, watch your lyrics. Be a good issues that we should craftsperson. Be somebody who could And it’s OK to get help for depression. craft a good line and a good melody. And Yes, absolutely. Obviously, I seek coun- as God-fearing, God- be inspired not by the music and not by sellors and medication—and, of course, the melody but by Who Jesus is. that is OK. loving and God-who- loves-us people.” What’s your greatest wish for the future, You wrote a book that was published in personally? 1998 called Hands of Grace. I thought it I think I would like to strive less and was so powerful that you say you didn’t fall thing to me of my journey. In the midst of be more assured of what I’ve been saying: from grace but that . . . ? darkness; in the midst of high times and that this is Christ’s work in me. I’d also I fell into grace. Grace is there because low times; in the midst of fears and anxi- like to be stretched so I don’t dismiss the we’re flawed. There is nothing we can ety; He comes to me, He holds me close breadth and the depth and the height that do that can make God love us more. And and He loves me! And I see the songs still is Christ, so I don’t, in my thinking, con- there is nothing we can do that makes working in my life. tain it to what I want to know—and write God love us less. In fact, not only do we songs that mirror that. R “fall into grace” but we are always “in” I read an article published in an Australian grace because in essence, it’s grace that journal some years ago entitled “Beyond Self-centred Worship,” where you wrote My Story, My Song is a Hope Channel production, takes that flaw in us and makes us kids which profiles the stories and music of talented Chris- of the kingdom. “We’ve made worship self-centred instead tian musicians from around the world. The program of God-centred. It’s as if we’re worshipping takes in a range of musical genres from classical to So why are you rewriting the lyrics to some worship instead of God.” indie, and from violin to steel pans. The thread tying of your songs? We’re seeing a cultural revolution based these diverse musicians together is their love for Christ and the inspiring testimonies they share of the way He Because I think I’ve missed a miracle. on music and worship songs, and we are has blessed them through music. I wrote in the “Power of Your Love,” seeing that churches have been built on the For more, visit
February 28, 2009 11 features Visiting Coonabarabran Hi kids! By Peempahn Henley Pharaoh’s soldiers killed many of the Hebrews’ baby boys. But the Bible e had a big week. I had a final exam and, the tells us that one mother managed following day, we hiked through the Warrumbungles. to save her baby by hiding him in So we were so glad Sabbath was approaching. When a very interesting way! we drove to Coonabarabran on the way to Warrum- Wbungle National Park, we both spotted the ADRA Op Shop, and Bible Text dropped in to say hello and get directions to the church. Now a man of the house of married a We met Matt and Lisa Levite , and she became and Revelly (pictured with their gave birth to a . When she saw that he family) in the shop. Matt was a fine child, she him for three months. volunteers there two days But when she could him no longer, she a week and Lisa, one day a got a papyrus for him and coated it week. Matt is a deacon and with and . Exodus 2:1-3 NIV Lisa is doing numerous jobs, including bulletin coordina- Word Search tor and treasurer. They live in a smaller nearby town and, by N V G Q H O A T T R G Q the smiles on their faces, we T P K J H P A P Y R U S could tell they enjoy serving the Lord! M I A H I I Y B H P O I At Sabbath school, our young son, Joshua, felt at home with A T B A D G X A E C N E two girls. He played with them like he used to with his friends at Fox Valley church. I C T A E G R S B D I G Once a month, the members have a potluck lunch together, N H A I B Z K K R U L Y followed by everyone visiting the local nursing home. There, a group plays music to the residents. M Y R S A Y M E E L E P Over lunch, we met Roy Poyser, who shared the history of the Y Q Y I L S O T W E V T church with us. Roy is a bee farmer, who has been living in Coona- barabran for 50 years. At the beginning of the church in the town, F A D S H H S J S V D I there were only two Adventist families. One family donated a piece H N N T U C E O L I A A of land to the church and they started a church school. After five years, the school couldn’t operate anymore so the Q Q U E R N S F A T U N building was moved into town and used as a church. The building P H A R A O H I V E G S was renovated in 1974, and dedicated in 1975. The church hall, though, came from the old campground in Eraring. The build- M E U U S G A N E J H D ing was sawn in five pieces, and Roy, with the help of Ian Watson, O O Y F I E Y D B A T H put them back together. Thank you to Ian’s wife, Barbara, who shared with us about T R E E D S D F O E E X the church history, too. She knows my husband Jared’s parents, H A J Z C R Y I N G R L so we again found some family friends. Coonabarabran church has recently formed a mothers group to E O L J W F T Y G R J M reach out to the community. They meet at 11 am on Thursdays. So R C U I G G E H K Q W P far, they have three mothers and pray more will join the group. It would be nice to have more young families coming to church. LEVITE, HEBREWS, EGYPTIANS, It was so lovely to share the Sabbath and Sabbath lunch with MOTHER, SISTER, BABY, the church members at Coonabarabran. When we were far away MOSES, BASKET, PAPYRUS, from family—and “homeless”—we found a home right here in TAR, PITCH, NILE, REEDS, R this church. HIDE, EGYPT, PHARAOH, DAUGHTER, FIND, SLAVE, CRYING, NURSE Peempahn Henley is from Sydney but is currently travelling
around Australia with her family. Taylor Peta
12 February 28, 2009 letters
The Bible has outlived any book in his- Music and art are the creations of our Growing in the light tory and this is a miracle, knowing how God, and He calls many to do it for His it has been attacked and burned. Some glory. While the entertainment industry Erick van Schoonhoven, Vic other churches teach evolution as if it is the has countless talented people who are I was concerned when I read “New only option. But the theories of evolution far from having a relationship with God light?” (Letters, January 31). It appears led to the slaughter of indigenous people, despite having received their talent from the writer thinks “new light”—or new Hitler’s cruelty during World War II and Him, are we in a position to decide who understanding—destroys the pillars of so much more. Error leads to fanaticism makes a living from their craft and who faith but nothing could be further from and cruelty. Let’s keep our wonderful does not? the truth. On the contrary, it enhances the teachings pure. Many illegal downloaders will justify perception of a doctrine, making it more beautiful and valuable. Do we surround ourselves in In the introduction to the exposition of the Fundamental Beliefs of the Adventist grey to save a few bucks and Church, Seventh-day Adventists Believe, the authors state, “We have not written this demand less of ourselves? book to serve as a creed—a statement of beliefs set in doctrinal concrete. Advent- their choices by pointing out flaws in the ists have but one creed: the Bible and the Plant or grow? entertainment business, greed of the record Bible only.” This statement quite clearly label moguls and the riches of those at the allows for further discoveries. Jean Tasker, NSW top of the pile to support their argument. Jesus Himself told His disciples, “I have I read “Church funds new church plants” At best, these justifications are self-serving much more to say to you, more than you (News, January 24) with interest and some excuses to steal from the up-and-coming can now bear” (John 16:12, NIV). Then He concern. Instead of “planting” a second songwriters, musicians and performers added that the Holy Spirit would “guide church in areas where churches already who aren’t earning large incomes. At their you into all truth” (verse 13). exist, would it not be more productive to worst, they represent a conscious view that No doubt, this would take place when assist and maintain already existing small “someone else can pay for it.” the Holy Spirit considered the people ready churches, where there are under-utilised Do we as a church teach that issues like for more and new light. In other words, church facilities? this are black and white? Or do we sur- if there was no new light, we would have In at least some of these small churches, round ourselves in grey to save a few bucks to conclude that the Holy Spirit failed in there are prospects for growth, if only the and demand less of ourselves? His responsibility. Jesus’ statement guar- personnel were allocated to assist the few antees that new truths would come. The faithful members in their efforts to wit- doctrinal pillars will remain but a better ness for our Lord. More loving understanding of them is guaranteed as Yes, it’s good to plant new churches time goes on. but please don’t neglect those that al- David Downs, Vic In Ellen White’s time, there were some ready exist. My wife and I have been attending an who thought new light would destroy the Adventist church since 2001, and were pillars. She wrote, “There is no excuse for greatly blessed and encouraged with our anyone taking the position that all our ex- Thou shalt not burn decision to become part of God’s family positions of Scripture are without error. in joining the church last April. Our life- Because certain doctrines have been held Chris Brooks, NSW changing decision has given us zeal and as truth for many years by our people is not As an Adventist of a few years now and eagerness for the things of our Lord. proof our ideas are infallible” (Counsels to a career musician of about 10 years, I am However, we feel a sadness as we read Writers and Editors, page 35). Indeed, there astounded at the number of Adventists I’ve long-running sagas of brothers and sisters are a number of examples of beliefs held by spoken to who believe in the validity and biting at each other in the “Letters” page early Adventist pioneers that have changed importance of the Ten Commandments, of Record. Could we please show more and grown over time, because of greater yet freely admit to illegally download- love to each other and write articles of en- understanding and “new light.” ing music, movies and other intellectual couragement, avoiding so many of these property. negatives? I have family members and friends who Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent Keep it pure have collections of burnt CDs, DVDs of those of the editors or the denomination. Letters the latest movies and iPods full of MP3s should be less than 250 words, and writers must RosiTa FroSt, Vic downloaded with peer-to-peer software. include their name, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary require- I agree with “Believe or leave?” (Letters, All of this denies the creators and copy- ments, but the author’s original meaning will not be January 31), where ministers in our church right holders the right to an income from changed. Not all letters received are published. See are preaching against a six-day Creation. their creations. masthead (page 2) for contact details.
February 28, 2009 13 noticeboard
GREY NOMADS CAMP Positions vacant Enjoy a Big Camp spiritual experi- Volunteers! ence geared specifically for the Grey ▲▲ Project Manager—Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands Nomads. Special music is planned. Pr Steve Cassimy guest speaker from English teacher—Mizpah Advent- seeks applications from qualified development professionals for a Project Manager ist High School, Tonga, requires a role. The successful applicant will manage the Solomon Islands NGO Partnership the Greater New York Conference will lead in the evening devotional teacher for Forms 1 to 5 (equiva- Agreement (SINPA) project for ADRA Solomon Islands. The role is to manage a meetings. lent of Years 7 to 11). Please con- highly motivated team to work efficiently and creatively toward project objectives, Place: tact Siosala Vaihola
14 February 28, 2009 noticeboard
a happy reunion on that Resurrection 24.1.09 in the nursing home at the Ad- DIY installation. Installers available. Rural Giant booksale. New stock. 5000 qual- morning. Wes Tolhurst ventist Retirement Village, Qld. She Electronics (02) 6361 3636; or
February 28, 2009 15