If 24 million are speaking with one voice, it will be a loud voice.
We do not know the exact date of Jesus’ birth, nor of His circumcision and presentation at the Temple—although they are both clearly recorded (Matthew 2:1-11; Luke 2:1-39). We do not know the date of Jesus’ death or resurrection—although there are many good calculations based on what we know of the times for the Jewish Passover (John 18:28,39; 19:31,42). Besides more than 25,000 gospel manuscripts, other first century historians record the life of Jesus (Josephus and Tacitus). Few argue today that Jesus was not a historical figure. The only date we can be historically certain of in the life of Jesus is the year of His baptism. Doctor Luke, who wanted to present a historically viable account of Jesus’ life (Luke 1:1-4), clearly records the other leading historical figures at that time (Luke 3:1-3). Why is that important?
The baptism of Jesus marks His transition from a Nazarene carpenter to a Jewish rabbi—a builder of buildings to a transformer of lives. From obscurity to anointed Messiah. It is here God revealed the full identity of His Son—truly God, empowered fully by the Spirit. What happened next was a whirlwind of ministry—teaching, healing, challenging, encouraging, exorcising (Luke 5-8).
The date for Jesus’ baptism is important because the prophet Daniel received an interpretation of his visions that gave the exact time when the Messiah, the anointed One, would come (Daniel 9:24-27). Without going into prophetic and historical detail here, the Messiah would come 483 years after the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, which Cyrus the Persian ruler issued in 457 BC. That means AD 27 is the date of Jesus’ baptism—when all the historical rulers mentioned in Luke 3:1,2 were in place. In two years, the world will celebrate 2000 years since the baptism of Jesus.
Seventh-day Adventists have clearly understood the significance of the prophecies of Daniel 7-9. Our message is to take the everlasting gospel—the good news of Jesus—to every tribe, nation, language and people (Revelation 14:6). Because of this mandate, Adventists must use every form of media they can to tell others about Jesus.
An initiative called OneVoice27 was launched at the General Conference (GC) Annual Council in October. The GC has challenged the church in September 2027 to use every medium possible to tell the world about Jesus. We could advertise in Times Square. Hope Channel will be focused on the message of Jesus reaching 1 billion people and is challenging people to hold a public proclamation of Jesus in September 2027. I can imagine Record, Signs, Faith FM all having programs, articles, podcasts, books, pamphlets telling the world about Jesus. I can imagine individual Adventists on various social media accounts posting their testimonies about Jesus and sharing information about Jesus’ life—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok . . . And to think—this is going to be true of Adventists in Bangkok, as well as Mumbai and Kingston, New York, Sao Paulo, Moscow, Birmingham, Nairobi . . . Potentially more than 24 million Adventists around the world will be turning the world’s attention to Jesus.
GC president, Pastor Erton Kohler said the everlasting gospel will go out with a loud voice—and if 24 million are speaking with one voice it will be a loud voice. I’ve never been this excited by a GC meeting as I was participating in the launch of OneVoice27. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in unity. There was complete solidarity from every part of the world—every division, institution and department were completely on board with the idea. OneVoice27 is the internal rally cry to the church <onevoice27.org>.
Next year the GC will launch the outward focus of the initiative that uplifts to the world Jesus as Messiah. In preparation, people are encouraged to read, listen to or watch the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and the Desire of Ages—Ellen White’s account of Jesus’ life on earth—to become more acquainted with Jesus our Messiah. We can also study Daniel, which predicted Jesus’ coming, and Revelation, which says Jesus is with His church now and coming again. You can be sure you will be hearing more about this global OneVoice27 initiative. Are you ready to be involved? Are you willing to pray for this?
Looking like the gospel
Dr Eddie Tupa’i President, New Zealand Pacific Union Conference
A book I first studied 15 years ago has a prophetic message for the church in our current time. Lesslie Newbigin’s The Gospel in a Pluralist Society continues to speak with clarity into the life of the church in the mid-2020s. In a world crowded with competing truths, Newbigin reminds us that the credibility of the gospel does not rest on accentuating antagonisms or accelerating innovation, but on the visible life of the local church.
Newbigin calls the local congregation “the hermeneutic of the gospel”—the living interpretation through which the world can see and understand what God has done in Christ. When believers worship joyfully, serve humbly and live with hope, they make the gospel tangible.
Such congregations, he says, are communities of praise, truth, service and hope. They exist not to retreat from the world but to live within it as signs of God’s kingdom. The gospel is not private opinion but public truth—a story that gives meaning to history and purpose to humanity.
Newbigin’s vision reflects Ephesians 4:11-13. Pastors are not program managers but shepherds who equip God’s people for witness in workplaces, homes and neighbourhoods. Pastoral leadership turns the congregation outward, forming disciples who live the gospel incarnationally.
He issues a call to confidence. In pluralist societies it’s easy to become timid, as if the gospel were only one voice among many, or anxious, as if its survival depended on us. Instead, Newbigin reminds us of Jesus’ words: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). The risen Christ still sends His people into the world with assurance that His Word is truth and His Spirit still moves.
It is one of my great joys in ministry to see local congregations whose worship, service and daily witness make the gospel believable and compelling. They are grounded in God and His Word and focused on God’s mission. They are being equipped for God’s mission in Jesus and transformed by His Holy Spirit among us. How’s your church looking?
San and Avondale support 10,000 Toes clinics
Wahroonga, NSW | Juliana Muniz
The 10,000 Toes Campaign is set to restore two wellness clinics in the South Pacific, thanks to funds raised through a collaborative effort by the Sydney Adventist Hospital (the San) and Avondale University.
During the 10,000 Toes fifth annual barbecue fundraiser held at the San on October 22, representatives from both institutions presented a cheque for $A17,500 to 10,000 Toes campaign director Pamela Townend. The donation will help restore and equip two of the campaign’s wellness clinics—Hoiya Clinic in Papua New Guinea and Kukudu Clinic in the Solomon Islands—which provide lifestyle medicine care to patients at high risk of diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The event also raised more than $A1700, with around 140 vegetarian hot dogs served to staff and visitors. Supported by Sanitarium and local Fox Valley businesses, the annual “OcTOEber BBQ” supports the campaign’s work to prevent diabetes across the Pacific, where every 20 minutes, a limb is lost to the disease.
Mrs Townend said the donation will help address urgent facility issues. “We actually have about 35 clinics in the Solomon Islands and roughly 55 in PNG,” she said. “Due to the weather and conditions out there, mould has entered the buildings, the cyclonic
weather has taken roofing iron off and plumbing is no longer working. We’ve done an audit on all our clinics and we’ll be fixing them up to make them a standard that I’d be happy to have my baby at.”
She added that the San is also donating birthing beds and other equipment alongside the funds. “We’ve got mums delivering babies on the floor of the clinics—it’s not hygienic,” she said.
Hospital CEO Brett Goods said the initiative aligns closely with the San’s mission of “Christianity in action”. “The Executive of the hospital wanted to be doing something practical to support the South Pacific. We see about 200,000 patients a year at this site, and we wanted to do something beyond our normal community. We know there is significant health problems associated with NCDs.”
He explained that the hospital fundraised internally and matched donations dollar for dollar, with Avondale’s faculty of nursing joining the effort.
Avondale’s head of the School of Nursing Tamera Gosling said staff and students were eager to contribute, “A lot of our staff did some baking—we did cupcake sales. It’s just really satisfying to know it’s going to an excellent cause.”
To learn more about the Adopt a Wellness Clinic initiative, visit <10000toes.com/adopt-a-clinic>.
Four churches dedicated in Menyamya
Yinimba, PNG | Nathany Sam
Four churches were dedicated in Papua New Guinea’s Menyamya district during the “Mini Menyamya Mission” program held at Hengiapa Seventh-day Adventist Church from September 14 to 20.
The week-long initiative brought together members from seven organised and 40 company churches across the district to strengthen local mission outreach. Two of the dedicated churches were newly constructed, while two existing buildings were officially dedicated for
the first time. Several new members were baptised during the final Sabbath service.
Hengiapa church, which has served the community for 36 years, hosted the program in partnership with local leaders, including Menyamya local-level government president Jeffery Tobias Kome, business representatives, public servants and neighbouring churches.
“The mission continues as we disciple and grow His church,” said district director Pastor Kevin Pais.
Avondale’s head of the School of Nursing Tamera Gosling and San CEO Brett Goods present a cheque to 10,000 Toes Campaign coordinator Pamela Townend.
Carpenters helped to build churches during the mission.
The OcTOEber BBQ drew staff and visitors in support of diabetes prevention across the Pacific through the 10,000 Toes Campaign.
Quad team completes 4000km ride for life
Sydney, NSW | Jesse Herford
A four-women cycling team has made history, completing a 4000-kilometre quad-tandem ride across Australia to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.
The Ride4Life team—comprising Adventist women Louise Ginn, Sonia Allum, Anna Lindbeck and Rachel Beaden—arrived at Bondi Beach after a six-week journey that began at Scarborough Beach, Perth. Their effort marks the first recorded quad-tandem crossing of Australia.
The ride was conducted in partnership with Gotcha4Life, a charity that promotes mental fitness and aims to reduce Australia’s suicide rate. During the trip, the cyclists visited schools, local clubs and community hubs to speak about mental health and wellbeing.
A support crew from Avondale University accompanied the riders, managing logistics, mechanical repairs, accommodation, meals and media coverage.
Mrs Lindbeck described the experience as both gruelling and transformative. “We were literally talking about mental fitness along the road,” she said. “I feel like we journeyed through that as a team.”
For Ms Beaden, the most difficult aspect was the constant filming
for social media. “Having a camera following me at all times was a challenge,” she said. “Sometimes I had to look like I had it together when I didn’t.”
Support crew member Kalvin Dever said the operation required constant coordination. “There was a whole lot of logistical work happening in the background,” he said. “We never knew whether there would be a flat tyre or an accommodation issue that needed to be resolved.”
The cyclists said the most rewarding moments came through community encounters along the route. Mrs Lindbeck recalled people being moved to tears as they shared personal stories of loss and survival. Mr Dever also recounted meeting a farmer who had once contemplated taking his own life but found renewed hope through the support of friends.
Mrs Allum said faith had been a guiding element for the team. She pointed to the verse printed on the back of their jerseys—John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” “There have been so many things that have gone wrong and it’s turned into something amazing.”
A new dental clinic has officially opened at Atoifi Adventist Hospital after 10 years of development and construction.
Led by Australian dentist Dr Genna Levitch in partnership with ADRA Australia, Atoifi Adventist Hospital and the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health, the clinic will provide free dental care for more than 60,000 people in the region.
Construction was finalised earlier this year with the help of Australian builder Wilbur Clarke, his volunteer team and local workers. The clinic features two dental chairs and facilities built to Australian standards using
donated materials and equipment from across the dental industry.
“This clinic will make a huge difference for people who previously had to travel two days for dental care,” said Dr Levitch.
Dr Ellison Vane, director of dental services for the Solomon Islands, described it as a model for future partnerships. “This is the first clinic in the Solomons built to Australian standards,” he said. “It’s a fantastic achievement.”
The facility will be operated by local practitioner Max Asugeni as part of Atoifi Adventist Hospital’s community health services.
The clinic’s new local practitioner, Max Asugeni, was the first patient.
Police escorted the riders into the city.
Church Leader’s Manual relaunched
Wahroonga , NSW | Tracey Bridcutt
A practical resource for local church leaders across the South Pacific has been relaunched with a fresh new design and updated content to support today’s ministry needs.
The third edition of the Church Leader’s Manual—first published in 1990 and long regarded as an essential guide for pastors, elders and other local church officers—has been officially released.
Papua New Guinea Union Mission president Pastor Danny Philip said the manual was one of the most widely used leadership resources ever developed for the Pacific islands.
“It was developed by Douglas Robertson, and he intended it for churches in the islands,” Pastor Philip explained. “The way he outlined it was very simple—something that grassroots people in rural places could easily understand and use.”
The new edition was an initiative of the Ministry and Strategy Team at the South Pacific Division. Printed by Signs Publishing, the hardcover manual was updated by graphic designers at Adventist Media, with new content added and language reflecting today’s ministry context. It is colour-coded and divided into six major sections: Church history and organisation; Church leadership; Evangelism; Bible doctrines; Bible prophecy; and Evangelistic sermon outlines.
The book includes practical guidance on topics such as communion services, sermon preparation, church discipline, board meetings, evangelistic planning and nurturing new members. It also includes job descriptions for local church officers.
“Pastors, elders, treasurers, clerks, deacons—every local church leader will benefit,” Pastor Philip said. “It even helped me personally when I was a theology student; it guided my sermon preparation and leadership assignments.”
A shipment has arrived in Lae with the books distributed to church leaders in Morobe Mission. Some books have also arrived in the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM). “Morobe Mission’s president told us, ‘This is something we really need,’” Pastor Philip said. “TPUM are already asking for more.
“I believe the impact will be significant as people begin using it,” he added. “This book will help leaders provide strong, nurturing leadership and give people a clearer picture of who we are as a Church.”
making headlines
Hope across Mexico
Mexico’s annual online evangelistic campaign, Decide Vivir Feliz (“Decide to Live Happy”), reached nearly two million people through radio, social media and thousands of “Houses of Hope”, resulting in more than 3500 baptisms and record engagement across the country.—IAD
30 years of impact
Women’s Ministries celebrated its 30th anniversary at the General Conference’s Annual Council (Silver Spring, Maryland, US) with a Friday night program highlighting Adventist women who have carried the mission forward— from the pioneers to women serving on the front lines of mission today.—ANN
A dream delivered
A fully equipped ambulance was donated to the Monte Stella Civil Protection (Italy) thanks to a partnership between the Adventist Church, ADRA Italy and several supporting organisations. The project—led by Inter European Division news editor Andreas Mazza in honour of his late father, former Italian Union president Vincenzo Mazza—fulfilled a decades-old dream to serve the people of Assoro.—Hope Media Italia
Faith meets finance
Kingdom Bank, a UK-based Christian financial institution helping churches secure property for ministry, was ranked among the nation’s 500 fastest-growing companies, placing 380th overall and 193rd for profit margin.
CEO Paul Houghton credited the bank’s rapid rise to God’s provision and the faithfulness of Christian savers, whose deposits enable loans to churches and ministries across the UK.—Vision Christian Media
PNGUM president Pastor Danny Philip holds a copy of the new manual.
Baptised on Pathfinder Day
A young Pathfinder from Buimo Road Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lae District, Morobe Mission (PNG), was baptised on September 20 during the local celebration of World Pathfinder Day. Cameron Penam, a member of the Ranger class, publicly committed his life to Jesus in front of fellow Pathfinders, teachers and church members. His classmates formed a guard of honour as he entered the water, accompanied by former Buimo Road Church pastor Rex Sobive. “The church was overjoyed for the decision that a young Pathfinder has made to follow Jesus,” said local church member Francis Leem.—Francis Leem/Juliana Muniz
United in diversity
Ilam church in Christchurch (NZ) celebrated its annual Cultural Day on September 27, bringing together members from more than 30 nationalities. Worship featured prayers, songs and Scripture in multiple languages, and a children’s flag parade representing each country in the congregation. Clayton Mbofana shared a message titled “Who Is Invited?”, encouraging the congregation to remember that everyone is welcome at God’s table. After the service, members shared international dishes at a “Taste of the Nations” lunch and enjoyed a multicultural concert. “Cultural Day at Ilam is more than an event—it’s a reminder that our differences are blessings,” said Jolene Anderson, head of the church social committee. —Jolene Anderson
Praise in prison
The Kaiapoi church choir recently returned to Rolleston Prison, New Zealand, continuing its ongoing music ministry to inmates and staff. Across the Sabbath and Sunday visit, choir members shared songs inspired by the Psalms and spent time encouraging inmates through conversation and prayer. Inmates also contributed by leading worship and sharing testimonies. Prison ministry coordinator Richard Joseph said the experience was uplifting for both groups.—Record staff
Blooming promises
Livingston church (WA) was abloom with colour and creativity on the weekend of October 3-5 for its seventh “Bible in Bloom” flower festival. Started 18 years ago, Bible in Bloom is held every three years, each time featuring a new theme and supporting a different charity. This year’s theme was “Promises and Praise from the Book of Psalms”, with Asian Aid being the nominated charity. —Linley Vogel/Record staff
Hope behind bars
A dedicated Bible study group of nearly 40 inmates led by an Adventist elder meets weekly at the Rabaul Police Cell in East New Britain Province, PNG.
The inmates are currently awaiting court proceedings and have found solace and purpose through the Bible studies, which are led by elder Piri Otto from Tavui church using the book Faith of Jesus Pastor Jeffrey Kamo, New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM) Sabbath school and personal ministries director, recently joined Mr Otto to see the impact of his outreach.
“During my visit, many inmates shared heartfelt testimonies, expressing how the teachings have helped them reflect on their past, recognise their faults and commit to personal transformation. They spoke of encountering something far greater than the life they once knew— hope, redemption and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I was deeply moved by what I witnessed during my visit. Even the police officers expressed their joy and appreciation for the work being done by elder Otto—it was a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have.”
Elder Otto’s ministry goes beyond Bible studies. Whenever he is able, he also provides food for the inmates, showing compassion and care to those who are often forgotten.—Record staff
Rededicated to mission
More than 15,000 Adventists from across Fiji gathered at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on October 5 for a Fiji-wide Sabbath program. The event followed the business meetings of the Fiji Mission session and provided an opportunity for collective thanksgiving and rededication to the Church’s mission. The service brought together members from every region of the country, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Adventist Church in Fiji. Trans Pacific Union Mission president Pastor Charlie Jimmy delivered the main message, reminding members of their calling and purpose as Seventh-day Adventists.—Juliana Muniz/Maika Tuima
Small church, big impact
have news to share?
Send info and photos to <news@record.net.au>
Freshwater church (Sydney, NSW) brought wellness to the seaside once again, hosting a free health screening at Dee Why beach on Sunday, October 19. Now in its fourth year at this location, the event drew around 50–60 community members who received health checks, consultations, massages and wellness giveaways—all aimed at promoting healthy living in body, mind and soul. It was supported by ELIA Wellness, an initiative of the health department of the South Pacific Division. Despite being a small congregation, Freshwater church was able to serve the community with the help of volunteers from other Adventist churches. The team included doctors from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including Solomon Islands, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria and China.—Tracey Bridcutt
verses at the heart of ADRA’s ministry
As the official charity for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) works as part of the body of the Church to fulfil the Bible’s instruction to “love thy neighbour” and help “the least of these”. The Bible is filled with verses that are at the heart of ADRA’s ministry of justice, compassion and love.
1. Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
2. Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
3. Mark 12:30,31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
4. Psalm 82:3,4
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
5. Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
6. Zechariah 7:9
‘This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.”’
7. John 13:34,35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
8. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
9. Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.
10. Proverbs 31:8,9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Strong backing, bright future:
Avondale empowered for mission
Avondale University has had a real buzz around campus in 2025. Enrolments are up and there is a renewed sense of optimism.
A key factor has been the strong backing of the South Pacific Division (SPD), which values Avondale’s vital role in educating, equipping and inspiring graduates who are committed to serving in the Church and their communities.
“We are grateful for the mentoring, guidance and encouragement the Division provides to build the morale of our staff and students,” said Avondale vice-chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson. “It’s a genuine investment in the mission of our Church, and it inspires us to press forward with renewed energy.”
Alongside this encouragement, the Division has also
committed substantial financial support—a $A50 million appropriation over five years, with the first $10 million allocated earlier this year. The funding is linked to Watagan Park, a master-planned residential community near Avondale’s Lake Macquarie campus in Cooranbong. Originally, Avondale was to receive funds once the final stage of property sales was complete, which could take up to two decades. Instead, the Division has effectively brought forward those profits, giving Avondale the benefit now rather than later. When factoring in the lost accumulated interest income for the Division, the future value of this appropriation equates to $132.5 million.
Professor Coulson said the funding has made a significant difference, giving the university stability and confidence as it moves forward. “It has enabled us to steady our operations and begin implementing our renewal plan, setting Avondale on a clear path toward long-term strength and sustainability.”
The appropriation was approved by the Division Executive Committee at the SPD year-end meetings in 2024. It means that the Division will bear the risk if the eventual Watagan Park returns are less than the $50 million committed to Avondale. Should the final returns be higher, the Division will be in a stronger position to support its other strategic priorities, of which Avondale is one, according to SPD CFO Francois Keet.
Mr Keet said the decision reflects both the challenges facing the higher education sector and the importance of Avondale to the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“Like other universities, Avondale has felt the impact of declining enrolments following the pandemic,” he said. “Education and nursing—two of Avondale’s strongest disciplines—were particularly affected, as fewer students saw those professions as attractive career options coming out of COVID.
“Despite those challenges, Avondale is critical to the strength of our Church across the South Pacific. It produces pastors, teachers, nurses, accountants and other professionals who are grounded in the values and beliefs of the Church. Without Avondale, the stability of our whole system would be at risk.”
Mr Keet noted that the SPD had to draw down on its own working capital to fund the appropriation, which will reduce its ability to support other projects and will require many years to rebuild reserves.
“We carefully considered the long-term financial implications, but in the end, we concluded that the more urgent need is to act now to support Avondale,” he said. “Together with the university’s own initiatives, this will secure Avondale’s future for at least the next decade and gives it the opportunity for renewal.”
Tracey Bridcutt communications director, South Pacific Division
Sweet Potato and Pearl Barley Risotto
Serves 4 Prep 10 Cook 30
This Sweet Potato and Pearl Barley Risotto is a simple one-pot wonder that brings big flavour with minimal fuss.
With naturally sweet roasted potato, nutty barley and a handful of fresh greens, it’s a quick and nourishing way to enjoy comfort food any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 tsp oil
2 cups cubed sweet potato
1 tbsp oil, extra
1 leek, sliced
few sprigs thyme, removed from stem
1 litre reduced salt vegetable stock
2 cups pearl barley, rinsed
1 cup reduced salt vegetable stock, extra
¼ cup finely grated parmesan
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 tablespoon pepita seeds
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Method
1. Toss cubed sweet potato with oil and place on a baking tray. Bake in a hot oven, 200°C, for 20 minutes or until golden.
2. Heat extra oil in a cast iron pot and saute leek and thyme until leek is tender.
3. Add stock and bring mixture to the boil.
4. Stir through pearl barley and bring mixture back to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer with lid on for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove lid and add extra hot stock and simmer for remaining 10 minutes with lid off.
6. When pearl barley is cooked, fold through roasted sweet potato, parmesan and baby spinach leaves. Sprinkle with pepitas.
To make this recipe vegan replace parmesan with 1 tbsp savoury yeast flakes.
Creating space for God in mental health treatment
Almost 50 per cent of Australians admit that their mental health has been negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, according to a new study by Compare the Market.1
The ADRA Community Centre Blacktown is harvesting hope by supporting Sydney’s most vulnerable people. Run predominantly by volunteers, the centre offers a range of services from food parcels to social work, but is bestknown for its free, quality counselling.
Centre manager Grace Copoceanu has been serving there for over a decade.
“Not many counselling services out there are able to invite the Holy Spirit into their work and that is one of the beautiful things about ADRA,” says Ms Copoceanu. “We have a variety of clients coming in with a wide range of needs and challenges, but the beautiful part is watching the volunteers just come alive and know exactly how to meet those needs and how to serve these clients. It’s hard not to be proud of this place.”
National Programs director for ADRA Australia, Charlene Luzuk, echoes Ms Copoceanu’s sentiment.
“Our faith is the backbone of everything we do,” she says. “With Jesus as our ultimate example, we aim to meet people where they are at and help to meet their physical and emotional needs.
“But it often doesn’t end there, as we also have something to offer to help them meet their spiritual needs where invited and appropriate. We don’t push our faith onto others, but we are ready and willing to share if a client’s heart has been opened to become more curious about hearing about Jesus. Our Blacktown centre is blessed with a chaplain who can assist the counsellors and social workers in this space so we can wholistically offer the best support to our clients.”
Andrew*, a man in his 40s, lost his wife and child in an accident. He turned to ADRA for support when he began contemplating suicide.
“He struggled to enter back into the workforce and found himself facing eviction for falling behind on his rent,” says Ms Copoceanu. “His low literacy levels prevented him from filling out needed documents, including creating a resume.”
The centre’s social work team was able to help Andrew create a professional resume, support him in applying for jobs, as well as navigate the housing system to ensure he
did not become blacklisted. Further support referrals were also made, which in turn provided Andrew with mental health support and other material aid needed.
Three months later, Andrew returned to ADRA offering to support in any voluntary capacity he could, in gratitude. “ADRA’s social workers may very well have saved my life,” he says. “I want to give back.”
For depression and suicide support, visit Beyond Blue at <beyondblue.org.au>. For crisis support or suicide prevention, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
* Name changed for privacy purposes
1. Compare the Market commissioned PureProfile to survey a nationally representative sample of 10,009 Australians in April 2025. <www.comparethemarket.com.au/news/money-stress-impact-2025/>.
Ashley Stanton
Laying down a crown
The story of David and Jonathan is a classic. Jonathan’s story pivots around David’s for the majority of 1 Samuel. David is the protagonist, and Jonathan is the best friend who ultimately gives his life for a greater cause. The heartbreak of Jonathan’s sacrifice is placated by the satisfaction of the beloved hero surviving and becoming king.
Sounds like the plotline of half the books I’ve read in the past five years.
But there’s more to this story—it’s part of a greater story: the plan to save humanity. It starts with a God willing to cut a covenant with His people. The Old Testament is full of this ancient Near East practice of forming binding agreements between parties. Often used between countries, a God who cuts covenants with His people wasn’t seen as normal—especially since each time humanity broke the covenant and turned away from God, He still came to the rescue. Starting with Noah, Moses and then Abraham, God bound Himself to us; it was the start of the story of salvation, not to be fulfilled for thousands of years.
Today a covenant is seen as a sacred promise—often used in the context of marriage, an agreement under God to bind yourself to another for life. But what about
friendship? Jonathan cut a covenant with David in a very significant move that would define the outcome of his and his descendants’ lives.
Jonathan, the crown prince of Israel, was a remarkable man. We first get a glimpse of his character when he and his armour bearer single-handedly snuck into the Philistines camp and caused a panic. “The Lord has given them into the hand of Israel,” he said (1 Samuel 14:12).
The crown prince showed more loyalty to God than his father. He was loved by his people, and he probably would have been a great king. Maybe he even wanted to be king. But that was not in God’s plan, and Jonathan accepted it.
David was just a shepherd boy from Bethlehem, a town in the south of Judah, far from the political and military seat of Gibeah, where Saul held the throne. He first entered the king’s court as a simple musician, but his defeat of Goliath set him down the path God had laid out for him, and he was promoted in status and rank. It was also where his friendship with Jonathan really began.
1 Samuel 18:1 says, “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” But going further, “Jonathan made a covenant with David. . . [he] took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt” (v3).
This might seem strange. When I’ve become good friends with people I haven’t offered them the clothing off my back, but this has extreme cultural significance in ancient Israel. Clothing was a sign of status and granted authority to the wearer. Jonathan was ranked one of the highest in the country—David was a lowly shepherd. For Jonathan to strip off his clothing and weapons meant he was surrendering his position as crown prince. He must have known that David would take the throne and not him, and he bowed to God’s will and bound himself to the future king. It was a remarkable move—not only did he step aside and not fight for his place as king, but he befriended David and loved him like a brother.
Jonathan spends the next several chapters of the Bible defending David from his own father. He swears to protect David at any cost, and cuts another covenant with him, swearing loyalty and acknowledging God’s presence in his life. “Show me unfailing kindness like that of the Lord as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth” (1 Samuel 20:14,15).
The last recorded time that Jonathan saw David he was telling him to escape. They wept with each other, and Jonathan’s last words to David were, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord” (v42). We don’t know if they ever saw each other again and Jonathan died in battle with his father (1 Samuel 31). David writes a lament, singing, “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me” (2 Samuel 1:26).
Jonathan’s legacy was lost in his father’s rejection of Yahweh. Yet his descendants survived, due to the covenant he cut with David. God rejected Saul’s house, yet Jonathan stayed true to God, and his yielding of the throne and protection of David showed both his loyalty to God and the strength of his friendship with the anointed king.
Jonathan is not mentioned in the Bible beyond Chronicles. He’s not heralded in the Hebrews’ hall of faith— it’s David who’s heralded as the hero, because Jonathan put him before he put himself.
Have you had a friend like that? Have you been a friend like that?
I’ve been very fortunate with the good friends I’ve found throughout my life. Unfortunately, many are scattered across the globe as I’ve moved around a fair bit and left people behind. I’ve often felt lonely, and it’s hard knowing that some of the people I love most in the world are an ocean away. Like Jonathan, I’ve had to say goodbye, though with much lower stakes.
One such friend I’ve known for many years. We’ve been through much together, and have shared many good memories, yet our friendship has had challenges. She’s hurt me before, lashing out for little reason other than
past, unresolved pain. Does that give me leave to cut her out of my life? Or do I forgive her?
I’ve been thinking about friendship and what it means to be a good friend. Social media loves to pick apart friendships, going into great detail about frenemies, toxic friends and the like. I’ve noticed that people are now very quick to label someone as toxic and cut them out of their lives.
There is, of course, a place for this. Sometimes friendships can be very unhealthy, and having boundaries in place is incredibly important. Yet there is something to be said for sticking by your friends despite their faults. I have to wonder, if in this world of perfectly curated online domains, we are also expecting our friends to be perfect, and if they don’t reach that standard, we cut them out of our lives instead of extending grace.
What does it mean to stick by a friend? What does it truly mean to be a friend? When I think about our individualistic and self-centred society, I wonder if we’ve lost what it means to pledge love to someone, platonic or not, and hold to that promise.
In a covenant between a higher and lower power, the lower power bore the brunt of the consequences when that covenant was broken. Yet God knew we would break the covenant He made with humanity, and He had a plan— Jesus, our greatest Friend, bore the consequence instead of us. And as a result we have a future that doesn’t include pain, suffering or goodbyes.
Jonathan reminds me of Jesus. Jonathan submitted to David; Jesus submitted to humanity. They laid down their crowns for those they loved. John 15:3 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” In today’s world we probably won’t find ourselves in situations where we will literally have to lay down our lives for our friends, but in a world that tells us to care only about ourselves, Jonathan’s life is an example of a different way.
While Jonathan may not be considered a great hero in the Hebrews hall of faith, he’s one of mine. He was a humble person who demonstrated extraordinary love and kindness. His story challenges me to ask myself if I’m willing to be like him. He has shown me what it means to forgive my friend, to love her, to be kind and show empathy in a cruel world—and also, to ask the most important question: am I willing to be like Jesus?
If you want your local church to stagnate—or even decline— here are eight tried and tested methods to make sure that happens:
1. Only run evangelistic meetings and prophecy seminars. Forget about “social gospel” initiatives. Time is short, and our only mission is to proclaim the three angels’ messages to prepare people for Christ’s return.
2. Only focus on community service. Stick to health expos, food pantries and community projects. People will see we care, and maybe someday they’ll ask about Jesus. Who needs public evangelism anyway? It’s outdated and expensive.
3. Rely on attractional events. Seeker-friendly services, concerts and “Road to Bethlehem” or “Road to Calvary” programs will do the trick. We can make contacts this way and don’t need
evangelistic meetings.
4. Avoid long-term planning. A mission strategy? Too complicated. Don’t bother preparing the soil, sowing seed, cultivating interest and harvesting results. Just “let the Spirit lead”.
5. Ditch small groups. They don’t work in our context—people are too busy. You might start a few, but they’ll fizzle out anyway.
6. Skip prayer meetings. Hardly anyone comes, everyone’s too busy and let’s face it—prayer meetings can be boring.
7. Leave mission to the pastor. That’s what they’re paid for. We have families, jobs and no special training.
8. Pastors: leave it to the professionals. Members are too busy to train and even if they want training, I’m too busy with all the other things I have to do for the church.
How to fuel genuine growth
Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve heard—or even said— some of these things? I’m so glad Jesus modelled a completely different approach. His ministry was intentional, balanced and Spirit-led. If we follow His example, growth becomes inevitable.
Here’s what He did—and what we can do too:
1. Stay connected through prayer. Jesus regularly spent quality time with His Father (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; 9:18; 11:1). The early church also prayed corporately—and the Spirit was poured out (Acts 4:31). Little wonder Ellen White counsels, “The prayer meetings should be the most interesting gatherings that are held, but these are frequently poorly managed . . . Wisdom should be sought of God, and plans should be laid to conduct the meetings so that they will be interesting and attractive” (Counsels for the Church, p292).
2. Build and equip small groups. Jesus chose and trained 12 disciples in close community (Mark 3:14). Growing churches still use evangelistic small groups today to nurture faith and multiply disciples.
3. Serve through compassion. Jesus went about
doing good, especially in health and healing ministry (Acts 10:38). He spent more of His time doing good than He did in preaching and teaching. The church can’t grow without meeting real needs.
4. Teach with truth. Jesus taught both publicly and personally (Matthew 4:23; 9:35,36). Teaching of doctrine matters. Jesus said, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
5. Preach the gospel boldly. Jesus proclaimed the good news prophetically and urgently, one-on-one and publicly (Mark 1:14,15). In Matthew’s account of the gospel commission, Jesus called us to make disciples—to restore the image of Christ in others (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10). It is the gospel that changes lives, which is why in Mark’s recording of the Great Commission, Jesus calls us to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). And as Ellen White wrote, “A great work is to be accomplished in setting before men the saving truths of the gospel. This is the means ordained by God to stem the tide of moral corruption. This is His means of restoring His moral image in man . . .”
Lessons from PNG for Christ
Being involved in the preparation, training programs and implementation of PNG for Christ 2024 revealed to me why more than 200,000 people were baptised: they followed Christ’s model—strategic, wholistic, Spirit-led mission.
a. Strategic mission planning: They used a “Harvest Cycle” plan with activities and events for soil preparation, seed sowing, cultivation and reaping.
b. Prayer at the centre: Each day began with earlymorning prayer, and every evening, group prayer filled the air as programs were underway. That’s why God showed up.
c. Evangelistic small groups: Groups met around the country for two to three years before the campaign began. Discovery Bible Reading was a focal point.
d. Practical ministry: Health and community outreach paved the way for spiritual decisions.
e. Teaching and follow-up: Small groups and seekers’ Sabbath schools were given priority and continued after the reaping.
f. Public proclamation: Hundreds of local and visiting evangelists, pastors and lay preachers preached the gospel and three angels’ messages in unity.
When we follow Christ’s example, growth will happen—not because of us, but because the Holy Spirit is at work.
TPUM for Christ needs you!
(Testimonies, vol 6, p11).
Gospel preaching today must remain prophetic—sharing the everlasting gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages. In fact, Christ commands us to share the mystery of the gospel prophetically: “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples, nations, languages and kings” (Revelation 10:7,11 NASB). Thus, Ellen White wrote, “To present these truths (the saving truths of the gospel) is the work of the third angel’s message. The Lord designs that the presentation of this message shall be the highest, greatest work carried on in the world at this time” (Testimonies, vol 6, p11). To neglect this calling is disobedience, treason and disloyalty to Christ.
The Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) is following the same Christ-centred, wholistic strategy. In July/August 2026, TPUM for Christ will conduct harvest reaping campaigns at more than 1800 sites—and they need your help! Just as PNG for Christ called for preachers from across the Division and other parts of the world for assistance, so TPUM for Christ is calling: “Come over and help us!” Below are the dates when each of the countries/missions will be conducting their TPUM for Christ evangelistic meetings:
Solomon Islands July 5—18
Tuvalu July 5—18
Tonga July 12—26
American Samoa July 12—26
Vauatu August 9—22
Kiribati August 16—29
Fiji August 16—29
Samoa & Tokelau August 16—30
Lay members and retired pastors can volunteer to preach (self-funded for travel, with insurance covered by Risk Management Services). The SPD Institute of Public Evangelism will coordinate the process. We are wanting to match conferences with their partner missions where possible. To register, email Torika Laweloa <TorikaLaweloa@adventist.org.au> with a supporting email from your conference or mission. Employed pastors, teachers, Bible workers, medical and other Adventist institutional workers must contact their conference/mission or institution for travel arrangements and a supporting email.
Gary Webster Institute of Public Evangelism director, South Pacific Division.
Those society leaves behind
Ned is my nephew.* From the very beginning, his life has been marked by hardship. Yet through every trial, Ned has remained a living testimony of God’s sustaining grace. His survival is not just a story of strength, but a powerful reminder that God’s hand never leaves His children, even in the darkest moments.
When Ned was just a toddler, his parents went through a painful divorce. My mother, out of love and deep concern, took him in. She enrolled him in school and did her best to raise him with Christian values. As a young boy, Ned joined Adventurers and showed an early interest in spiritual things. But growing up in a settlement where drunkenness, loud music and swearing were normal, his interest in church slowly faded.
Entering his teenage years, Ned began following the wrong crowd. He started engaging in illegal activities like stealing and drug use. I believe the emotional wounds from his parents’ separation left a deep scar, and he was searching for love and identity in all the wrong places.
Tragedy struck again when our mother passed away while Ned was in Grade 10. Her death left him emotionally shattered. She had always been the one reminding him to attend church and telling him to stay away from bad influences. Without her, Ned spiralled even further. He started using marijuana and stealing to survive. The pain was too much to bear, and his actions became more destructive.
My father, though not a working man, tried to provide for the family by selling second-hand clothes. But when Ned asked for money and was refused, he would destroy the clothes out of anger. Eventually, my father could no longer cope and returned to our village, leaving Ned behind. Our relatives, dealing with their own family responsibilities and disheartened by Ned’s behaviour, offered little support. He was truly alone.
One afternoon, drunk and roaming the streets of Kundiawa town, Papua New Guinea, Ned began demanding money from market vendors. When the police arrived, they struck him with a gun and hauled him off to prison. It was there, in a cold and lonely cell, that something changed. Surrounded by silence and metal bars, Ned remembered the words of our late mother, her prayers, her voice, her constant encouragement to follow Jesus.
For the first time, he knelt down in that prison cell.
Tears streamed down his face, and though he could not find the words, his heart cried out to God. That moment marked the beginning of a new path.
After his release, Ned began attending church every Sabbath. He never missed a service. Though financial struggles meant he had to withdraw from school, he held onto his faith. He would often say, “God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19). These were not just words, this was his new belief, born from brokenness and rebuilt through grace.
There are many children like Ned, living on the streets, broken by divorce, abandonment or abuse. Some have lost their parents. Others suffer silently from violence within their own homes. As Christians, we are not called to stand back and watch. We are called to act. To love. To connect these children to hope and healing.
In Papua New Guinea, ministries such as Operation Life, City Mission, ADRA PNG and others are working to support and restore vulnerable children and youth. Around the world, there are faith-based and humanitarian organisations doing life-saving work to protect and empower children—ministries that provide food, shelter, education, counselling, and most importantly, the love of Christ. These are lifelines we can point young people toward. But more importantly, we must be the hands of Jesus, reaching out, lifting up and never giving up on those society has left behind. The Bible reminds us, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling” (Psalm 68:5, NIV). And it commands us to, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8, NIV).
Ned’s story is proof that no-one is too far gone, and no place too dark for God’s light to reach. Let us become that light wherever God places us in the world.
Churches must create outreach programs to visit settlements and share God’s love with those who need it most. Young people in hard places need to see and feel that someone cares, and that Jesus has not forgotten them.
*Name has been changed.
Rose Maine writes from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Not alone
I was really glad to read “I’m still here” (Feature, October 18) in Adventist Record. I get this feeling almost each and every day. The small things in life that keep building up day-by-day, hour-by-hour (the firey darts of the evil one), which you try to shrug off and ignore, simply come back to you when you wake up again the next day.
There comes times when you wish you could fall asleep in Jesus and not have to wake up to the world. Then you go to church and everyone expects a bright shiny face and a “Happy Sabbath” and all you want is to be with the Lord and not have to pretend and put on The Happy Face.
The Lord is always with us. I can see Him everywhere—His precious mercies and blessings—but why does the devil have to keep hassling us?
Everything the evil one does to us is because he is out to hurt us (and the Lord) in anyway he can. He wouldn’t do this unless he was worried about what we can do against him by the power of Jesus in our lives.
Stay true to Jesus in everything you do brothers and sisters because He loves us—and know that it upsets the evil one to no end.
Thanks [to the author] for letting me know I’m not alone feeling like this.
Name supplied, via email
Conversations
Through the valley
I’ve been through valleys like this (“I’m still here”) and it’s not easy. Jesus kept me going in my brokenness and He heals us, because He sees everything and is touched when we reach out to Him throughout the day, from the time we get up until the time we go to bed.
We need to have a relationship with Him. He asks us to humble ourselves. No matter what valley we’re in, Jesus can reach us there. I’m in another spiritual desert, but I’m now stronger because of what the Lord has done for me.
I discovered that pastors even go through these valleys and spiritual deserts, so anyone reading this, don’t give up.
“Never give up, Jesus is coming” sung by the Heritage Singers is another song that kept me going. Has the Lord given you the gift of music to play an instrument or sing? Sing even when you don’t feel like it, because it lifts the soul to sing praises to our Lord.
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NKJV).
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, NKJV).
Deborah Ready, Facebook
Right for you
Re: “The right church” (Letter, October 4). There are some places, and some churches, where you fit better than others, so it can be important to choose the right church. Recently, I came across an online post by an ex-Adventist who was not comfortable in the church she came home to after studying in an Adventist institution, because the other members were not fired up for witnessing like she was. She left the Adventist church and joined a Sunday church that met her emotional need to belong and to be actively witnessing for Jesus. She is now encouraging people to join a church that the Bible says God’s people are to come out of.
There are some problems in the church now—lukewarm members, traditional Adventists, politicisation and superficial understandings, even some theological errors—but there are some truths that go beyond personal comfort. The importance of the Sabbath is one of them.
If you need to find a church that is right for you, please do not walk away from the church that is God’s right church for our time. Please just transfer to another Seventh-day Adventist church in which you can feel more comfortable.
Peter Schaper, Qld
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Positions Vacant
VARIOUS POSITIONS—ADVENTIST SCHOOLS VICTORIA VICTORIA
Adventist Schools Victoria (ASV) is recruiting for more than 30 teaching, leadership and support positions across our six schools and early learning centres for 2026. Key positions include: Early Learning Centre manager and teachers; Learning and Teaching coordinator; Maths teacher; Primary teachers; and Deputy Head of Primary. Some of the many benefits of working for ASV include: work in a genuinely Christ-centred learning community; staff discounts on tuition fees; opportunities for career growth; lower student-teacher ratios and strong early career teacher support; paid professional development opportunities; and relocation support for successful applicants. Apply or refer someone today at <asv.vic.edu.au/careers>, or contact <asvhr@adventist.org.au> for a confidential conversation.
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Manna Haven Café, an award-winning, faith-based, vegetarian lunch restaurant nestled in beautiful Byron Bay is seeking a full-time chef/manager. Do you have proven commercial culinary experience, a creative flair for plant-based cuisine and a fun, welcoming spirit to serve guests from around the globe? Please keep reading! We’re looking for a committed leader who has an outgoing love for God and all people— this is the heart of everything we do. We’re looking for someone with proven leadership skills to train, inspire and empower an awesome team, solid experience in commercial kitchen management, including menu planning, food safety, ordering and cost control, a drive for excellence in food quality, flavour and presentation, an ability to create excellent guest experiences and an interest in facilitating community health outreach events. Don’t just make food, make a difference for eternity. Visit <mannahaven.com.au/ careers>.
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