From in-laws to mentors
Finding life-building relationships 16
Avondale secures maximum seven-year re-registration as Australian university 7
Adventist Record | May 17, 2025
ISSN 0819-5633
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Life lessons from lichen
Ashley Jankiewicz Assistant editor
It’s hard, when you’re in those difficult periods, to believe that God is working—that He actually listens and cares.
As a child, a walnut tree grew in our garden. I remember climbing it often, lying on the biggest branch, my arms and legs wrapped tightly around it. I would press my face against the bark, inspecting the lacy, grey-green frills that grew along it in strange patches.
I’m sure you’ve seen lichen at one point or another, growing on the side of a tree, a boulder or maybe on your roof. It isn’t moss and it isn’t a parasite; it’s just a plant-like organism that’s a combination of fungi and algae. It sounds delightful (not really), doesn’t look very exciting and may seem an odd thing to draw lessons from. But lately I’ve been trying to see God in the world around me, looking at the little, seemingly insignificant things to see something greater. Somehow, I landed on lichen, and I’ve reflected on three ways lichen helps me understand faith.
Firstly, lichen grows everywhere. If you go for a bush walk, chances are you’ll see it somewhere along the way. The interesting thing about this strange life-form is that it will grow on practically every surface, even in the most extreme conditions our planet has to offer. It can survive the tundra and even Antarctica, where temperatures plunge well below zero. It grows in some of the hottest deserts on Earth, withstanding heat that no human could. Lichen even grows in toxic slag heaps, places filled with noxious waste. Sometimes you may find yourself in a desert, overtaken by a thirst you can’t satisfy. Other times you might feel like a tundra, frozen in fear and indecision. But even if your life feels like a toxic slag heap—a place of utter desolation—God is still present. No matter what situation you might find yourself in, God is there. That might seem like an overly simplistic statement. It’s hard, when you’re in those difficult periods, to believe that God is working—that He actually listens and cares. And it’s okay to doubt and to wrestle with challenges, even to wrestle with God. But God gives us many promises in the Bible to hold onto, like Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
I’ve learned that lichen comes in a vast array of shapes, sizes and colours. Some are pale and crusty, others leafy, shaggy or scaly. Some are green or grey, others are yellow, orange, even red. Have you ever felt the expectation—even if subconsciously—that your faith has to look like someone else’s? I have, and it’s taken me years to realise that just how each of us are different, our faith and the way God approaches us is going to be different. Yes, we all belong to one Church and have similar beliefs, but the way we experience God is going to vary. One person may find that their faith is strengthened through research and deep diving into the history of the Bible. Another person may find they’re drawn closer to God through music, or spending time in nature. Having a relationship with God is something very personal and God is very good at meeting people in the spaces where they are.
A few years ago, I went to the Bay of Fires, along the northeastern coast of Tasmania, where icy blue waves wash around boulders covered in bright orange lichen. It’s a beautiful place to explore, climbing over rocks a colour you wouldn’t expect rocks to be. If lichen can splash colour across the grey coast of Tasmania, imagine what God can bring to your life. Having a relationship with God can result in beautiful things, through ways you couldn’t have imagined. He brings life and colour to an otherwise barren landscape. And it draws people in. Others see something different about you—they ask questions and want to know more. Letting God be part of your journey can present opportunities to share with others the beauty of a relationship with Him.
So together, let’s trust that in the broken spaces, God is there. Let’s invite Him to grow in our lives and colour them with the fire of a life lived for Him.
It is God’s mission
Glenn Townend South Pacific Division president
Jesus was very clear about how the church would grow. Just before He ascended into heaven He told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” Acts 1:8 (ESV).
As Jesus said, the Holy Spirit came in wind and fire. Immediately, the praying believers were sharing their faith in Jesus—even in different languages. Peter courageously publicly spoke about how Jesus had been killed but rose again. Although done out of jealousy by Jewish leaders, it was God’s plan to bring forgiveness of sin and transformation of life. 3000 responded and the new church in Jerusalem was born (Acts 2).
In Acts 1-7, Jerusalem experienced God’s mission. But Jesus predicted mission expansion. Martyrdom and persecution allowed the church to grow beyond Jerusalem. God changed people’s lives through Philip in Samara and the leaders only left Jerusalem when pushed (Acts 8:1-4). In Acts 8-12, God’s people witnessed about Jesus in Judea and Samaria.
However, God’s message was only going to people of Jewish background. The cultural barrier had to be broken. Humans were not going to do it by themselves. God gave visions to a Roman Centurion and Peter so the gospel could go to Gentiles (Acts 10,11). Unnamed believers from Cyprus fled to Antioch and witnessed to Gentiles—they broke both geographical and cultural barriers. (Acts 11:19).
In a special leaders’ prayer meeting, God chose Barnabas and Saul to go on the first missionary journey to Cyprus and Pamphylia (Acts 13). Now God’s mission was going to the ends of the earth. The rest of the book of Acts tells that story—as does the history of the Christian church throughout the ages. For God’s mission to succeed the Holy Spirit had to break the “comfort zones” of the leaders and church.
As the church expanded at Jesus’ command, each of the following elements were involved—prayer, receiving the Holy Spirit, witnessing about Jesus, baptism and gathering. God challenged His people to mission. God broke the barriers and intervened. He had to use supernatural means for His mission to succeed. When we are obedient to the voice of God and the leading of the Spirit, we are a part of God’s mission. There are still billions who have not heard of Jesus. God has succeeded in mission in the past. It will happen now, but will you and I be a part of it?
Date set for next AUC Pathfinder Camporee
Ringwood, Vic | Kymberley McMurray
Preparations are underway for the 2027 Australian Union Conference (AUC) Pathfinder Camporee, which will take place from January 5 to 9 at Hogarth Range, New South Wales.
Hosted by the AUC youth ministries department, the event—held every four years—will bring together Pathfinders from across Australia for a week of worship, outdoor activities and fellowship. The theme, “Trusted”, will focus on a biblical figure from the Old Testament,
with more details to be revealed closer to the event. AUC youth director Pastor Jeffrey Parker highlighted the importance of the event for young people. “Pathfinder Camporees are amazing memory events for our Church’s 10–16-year-olds,” he said. “Many hundreds of decisions to follow Jesus and be baptised are made at camporees.”
Pathfinder clubs are encouraged to begin fundraising in preparation for the national gathering.
New accounting system to boost stewardship
Wahroonga, NSW | Tracey Bridcutt
Stronger stewardship, better decision-making and cost savings are among the benefits of a new accounting system that most conferences across Australia and New Zealand are now transitioning to.
The shift marks the replacement of the long-serving “Sun” accounting system, which has been used for many years across multiple church entities. This year, most conferences in the Australian Union Conference and New Zealand Pacific Union Conference, as well as both Unions themselves, are moving to the MYOB Acumatica platform.
Rigorous training and testing have been held to prepare finance teams.
The transition is being led by a dedicated team who have been working tirelessly to ensure a smooth rollout.
Ben Thomas, director of Technology and Operations at the South Pacific Division, explained the significance of the move. “Enterprise Resource Planning solutions, such as MYOB Acumatica, play a vital role in ensuring good stewardship of God’s resources,” he said.
“At Adventist Technology, our commitment to strong financial stewardship is deeply embedded in our mission, and we recognise that embracing innovative technology is essential to achieving operational excellence.”
First Fiji missionaries step out in faith
Suva, Fiji | Record staff
A commissioning service was held on April 15 for the first group of missionaries from Fiji who are now serving in Indonesia and Timor Leste.
During the service, Fiji Mission president Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa reminded the missionaries of their divine calling to serve the Lord faithfully in the work entrusted to them.
Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) general secretary Jane Opetaia also encouraged the missionaries with a message of assurance, expressing how their courage and dedication had inspired many.
Following the service, the missionaries departed for their year of service, with more set to join them in the coming months.
The initiative is part of Mission Refocus—a General Conference strategy aimed at reviving the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to global evangelism. The South Pacific Division has partnered with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to support and strengthen mission efforts in the region. As part of the collaboration, the TPUM has formed a partnership with the Western Indonesia Union Mission.
Pastor Lutunaliwa and Mrs Opetaia with the missionaries. Credit: TPUM Facebook page
Church finance leaders learn the new system.
Pathfinder clubs are encouraged to begin fundraising in preparation for the national gathering.
Border Christian College celebrates 75 years
More than 500 people gathered on March 15 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Border Christian College (BCC), reflecting on the school’s humble beginnings and growth over the decades.
Held at the Thurgoona campus, the program featured a panel of seven former principals sharing reflections on God’s leading during their time at the school. Australian Union Conference president Pastor Terry Johnson delivered the main message, followed by lunch, historical presentations and campus tours. Other highlights included a memorabilia display, photo wall and a photo booth with vintage props where attendees posed for pictures.
Founded in 1950 with eight students in a single-room church building, BCC has since grown into a 3.5-hectare campus with 328 students and modern facilities. “Reuniting, reminiscing and rejoicing together for what God has done on the Border for 75 years gives us confidence and courage for how He will continue to lead Border Christian College to be a bright light in Albury till Jesus comes,” said principal Charlene Chan.
Among the attendees were three
members of the school’s inaugural 1950 class, who were presented with commemorative keepsakes. Ruth Rawson, a retired teacher who spent 26 years at the school and still occasionally covers classes, described the day as “a special time to reflect on the legacy of Christian education in this community”.
Over the years, BCC has earned a reputation for academic excellence, spiritual growth and community involvement. In 2024, students won the regional Science and Engineering Challenge and placed in the top 10 per cent in the Thredbo Interschools Mountain Biking Championships.
The school has also seen many students studying the Bible or choosing baptism. “Last year our chaplain was nicknamed ‘Aquaman’ because of the number of baptisms,” said Ms Rawson. “This year, several secondary classes have half their students in Bible studies.”
With strong enrolment, a respected pre-Kinder program and dedicated longterm staff, Ms Rawson added, “We’re proud of the role BCC continues to play in shaping well-rounded students for a life of service and faith.”
Papakura Samoan church officially organised after 15 years
Auckland, New Zealand | Juliana Muniz/Chris Suloloto
After 15 years of growth and ministry, Papakura Samoan Seventh-day Adventist Church, in North New Zealand Conference (NNZC), was officially organised on April 5.
The group began as a Branch Sabbath School on January 9, 2010, with a small group of members meeting in Takanini, South Auckland. Their goal was to plant a Samoan church in an area where none existed. The group later relocated to Papakura to establish a more permanent presence in the community.
The initiative was started by Lusi Seve Tufuga, supported by family members and others, including Pastor Fau Seiuli, who was invited to assist with pastoral leadership in the early years. Over time, the group grew to a membership of 80.
The special Sabbath was attended by church members and supporters, including the Hamilton Samoan Seventh-day Adventist group. NNZC officers Pastor Adrian Webster, Pastor Andrew West and Chiedza Ndlovu were present to officiate the church’s organisation.
Regional pastor Chris Suloloto described the occasion as a time of “worship, celebration and heartfelt joy”. He added, “The church has seen how the Lord has led them through times of uncertainty to this moment of recognition.”
In his message to the congregation, Pastor Webster reminded attendees that church organisation is not the final destination. “It is a tool to more effectively carry out God’s mission,” he said.
Albury, NSW | Juliana Muniz/Ruth Rawson
The special Sabbath was attended by church members and supporters.
L-R: South New South Wales Conference president Pastor Justin Lawman, BCC principal Charlene Chan, Adventist Schools Australia director Dr Jean Carter and her husband Peter.
Avondale secures maximum seven-year re-registration as Australian university
Cooranbong, NSW | Carolyn Rickett
Avondale has once again earned national recognition through its successful re-registration as an Australian university.
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) has advised that the registration of Avondale University Limited (Avondale) is for a period of seven years until April 2, 2032. This renewal is the maximum period that TEQSA grants.
In her official correspondence TEQSA acting chief commissioner Adrienne Nieuwenhuis said the decision has been made on the basis that “TEQSA is satisfied Avondale University Limited continues to meet the provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 for registration in the Australian University category.”
The application for re-registration is a rigorous one with a strong focus on governance and compliance with the Higher Education Standards Framework. In his affirmation of Avondale staff, students, alumni and stakeholders, vice-chancellor and president Professor Malcolm Coulson said, “Re-registration has been a consuming but educative process.” He suggested how the process continues to amplify the focus on Avondale’s core mission: “It will help to ensure Avondale University provides high quality, faith-based learning experiences, equipping students for the joy of service to a world in need.”
Dr Drene Somasundram, staff representative serving on Avondale’s Council, said, “This achievement reaffirms Avondale’s commitment to academic excellence and, above all, its dedication to serving God by transforming lives through education. It is a privilege to work at Avondale and it is a place we love and hold so dearly.”
For registration as an Australian university, Avondale must produce world-standard research and engage in research training. Professor Darren Morton, director of the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre, endorsed Avondale’s focus on “service-oriented research which makes a positive difference to people across a range of local, national and international contexts”.
While celebrating Avondale’s ongoing success, Prof Coulson also acknowledged the investment in Avondale’s renewal strategy and the importance of connecting with those who Avondale serves: “Thank you for your support and prayers as we work together to offer hope and purpose.”
making headlines
Peace and unity
Adventists in South Korea recently held a nationwide youth camp to help those who will be the future leaders of society learn more about the situation in North Korea and understand the importance of unification. Through games and interactive sessions, young people were encouraged to think outside the box, inspired to pray for peace and given hope for a more unified future.—NSD
Adopt-a-grandparent
The Casa Mia Adventist retirement home in Forlì, Italy, has revived an initiative to combat loneliness and meet the emotional needs of its residents. Volunteers are paired with seniors and dedicate a couple of days each month to spending time together, building relationships and strengthening community.—HopeMedia Italia
Cards for kindness
A group of passionate crafters in Cavite, Philippines, is spreading kindness, hope and the love of Jesus through handmade cards handed out everywhere, from hospitals to airports. Studies show that handwritten notes are more meaningful than digital alternatives, and the cards Paper Love Ministry creates leave a lasting impression on individuals in need.—SSD
Joy in shared meals
A study published in the annual World Happiness Report found that those who eat more meals with others tend to have a higher satisfaction in life. Whether happiness is a result of shared meals or if happy people are more likely to share meals is unclear, however, this sheds insight into how community is integral to wellbeing.
—The Harvard Gazette
Avondale’s Lake Macquarie campus.
First digital discipleship
New Britain New Ireland Mission, PNG, recently hosted its first-ever digital discipleship conference organised by Mission communication director Minister Lee Kotoveke in partnership with Sonoma Adventist College. More than 300 local church communication leaders attended the event, held April 18-21 at Sonoma. It was designed to equip participants with the practical skills to report on activities happening in their churches and communities—through writing, photography and video. A variety of local facilitators held sessions on topics such as news writing, photography, videography, social media storytelling and the ethical use of AI. “Not only is the training timely and relevant but it is imperative in this modern digital age,” said Barrie Abel (Jr), a senior theology lecturer at Sonoma —Garry Laukei
Retaining
disciples
The Enga Province of the Western Highlands Mission, PNG, launched a membership retention policy on March 23 to address the ongoing challenge of apostasy in the region. According to Enga area supervisor Pastor David Maxwell, the province is known for its ongoing tribal conflicts and evolving cultural pressures. He also explained that many church members in the area face difficulties in practising their faith. The new policy is intended to provide local churches with a practical guide for nurturing members and reducing backsliding. “We are making thousands of disciples, but if we don’t nurture them, they leave the Church,” he said. “This guide helps us take membership retention seriously.”—David Maxwell/Juliana Muniz
Legacy of learning
Kukum Valley Adventist Primary and High School (Solomon Islands) recently dedicated its new 630-square-metre multipurpose centre in honour of retired educator and administrator Dr Alex Currie. Named the Alex Currie Multipurpose Centre, the facility was funded through the Solomon Islands Educational Support Group and will serve more than 800 students. Dr Currie, who has served the Church for 53 years, said he was “deeply humbled” by the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Adventist education in the region —Loanne Liligeto/Ken Long
Easter outreach
Adventist youth from churches in and around the Papeete region of Tahiti, French Polynesia, held an Easter community outreach program on April 21. Gathering in the town centre, the youth shared a message of hope through music and a dramatic portrayal of the biblical “time of trouble”. The performance attracted hundreds of onlookers and created opportunities for meaningful engagement —Record staff
Ministry innovation
A digital tool that supports pastors, ministry leaders and administrators in their mission to serve and disciple their communities is gaining momentum across the South Pacific.
The Ministry Development Portal (MD) streamlines ministerial operations, enhances collaboration and equips leaders with the resources they need to grow strong, healthy churches.
Originally developed through a collaboration between the South Queensland Conference and the Australian Union Conference, MD is now managed by Adventist Technology at the South Pacific Division due to its expansion beyond Australia.
MD provides a range of features including ministry mapping for pastors, chaplains and their teams, professional development, strategic planning tools and records management—all in one secure, easy-to-use system.
Since its launch in 2019, MD has steadily expanded its reach. It is now used across all conferences in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. MD is also making an impact in South Africa, where it has been successfully rolled out in the Northern Conference.
“With its growing adoption, MD is empowering ministry leaders worldwide to have the conversations that matter,” said Pastor Russ Willcocks, senior ministry systems specialist for Adventist Technology.
For more information, contact <russwillcocks@adventist.org.au> or visit <md. adtech.org.au>.—Russ Willcocks/Record staff
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Coming home
Newbold College principal Dr Stephen Currow has announced he will return to Australia at the end of the summer, concluding his four-year secondment from Avondale University. Dr Currow shared the news at the NCHE Board of Governors meeting on March 26. His tenure included strengthening the Centre for Ministry and Mission, expanding academic offerings and helping the college recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on his leadership, Trans-European Division (TED) president Pastor Daniel Duda said, “His vision, leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact—not only on the local campus but across all TED communities.”—TED News
Lest we forget
Dozens of attendees at the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) Big Camp, in Stuarts Point, gathered before sunrise on April 25 and braved the rain to commemorate Anzac Day with a dawn service. Held at 5:30am, the annual tradition featured hymns, ceremonial readings, music and reflection. Participating in the service were Australian Defence Force personnel, including Army Lieutenant Jesse Stanfield. “It means a lot to me to stand here in the rain at 5:30 in the morning, when everyone could be asleep and actually take that time to reflect with us on this special day,” said Lieutenant Stanfield. NNSW evangelism director Pastor Lyle Southwell, who hosted the event, explained the importance of holding the service at Big Camp: “We wouldn’t have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ in the way that we do today if it weren’t for what others have done on our behalf. That’s why we feel it’s important to come together and remember.”—Juliana Muniz
“ Put us on the
front-line”
Some time ago, Don and I prayed a bold prayer: “Lord, put us on the front-line!” We prayed this prayer for years, though at times it felt like our prayers were hitting the ceiling.
Now and then we would talk about where we would like to move to as we knew our time in Australia was coming to and end and needed to re-establish ourselves in New Zealand.
Our family has spent most winters in our lives up Mt Ruapehu and dreamed of living in Ohakune—it seemed like the perfect fit for our ski-loving family.
But another option tugged at our hearts: Whitianga, on the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Both areas lacked an Adventist church, and we felt called to start one in a remote part of the North Island where there was no church.
We prayed for clarity. Ohakune offered the snow and skiing we loved, while Whitianga was known for its beautiful beaches and would allow Don to indulge in his passion for diving. After much prayer and deliberation, God’s leading became clear: Whitianga was where He wanted us.
The first two years were slow. We gathered with a handful of Adventists in the area, meeting in homes and brainstorming ways to establish a church. I started running NEWSTART cooking classes in the community, which led to small opportunities to share God with people. Yet despite our efforts, no-one came to our meetings.
Then everything changed.
An English Adventist lady of Jamaican descent came to the Coromandel Peninsula to do a house sit for her friends in Whangapoua. After connecting with us, she was walking on the beach and got into a conversation with a local Maori man named Earl—a very community-minded person. Through the course of the conversation, he mentioned that he and his brother, Lance and sister-in-law, Michelle, had been watching Adventist TV for a few years and they wanted Bible studies. This visiting lady from England got hold of Don and asked him if he would go out there and take a Bible study. Don instantly agreed and asked the lady, “Do you know what topic they are interested in?” to which she replied, “They want a study on the Millennium.” Because they had already
been watching Seventh-day Adventist television for a long time, Don figured they were not totally new to the Bible and more challenging topics so he put together a one-hour study (that turned into three hours with a lunch break between). These people had so many questions from the topics they had heard on TV and were very spiritually hungry. We sat on their large, beautiful front porch with a stunning sea view all the way to Cuvier Island and the Mercury Island group as they eagerly took their Bibles and drank in the Word. They wanted to discuss the Sabbath and asked us if we would come back the following week. The following week we went back and Michelle had invited her mother, Dianne. She liked the study so much, she went home and invited her husband Dobby, saying “I think you would enjoy listening to Don. He and his wife are Seventh-day Adventists.”
So, the following week, Dobby was there!
Part way through the study that day, with tears in his eyes, Dobby exclaimed, “I can’t believe I am sitting here—in a Seventh-day Adventist study with Seventh-day Adventist people!”
We asked him what he meant and he told us: “I was raised an Adventist in New Plymouth and did the whole church thing. Went to JMVs (Junior Missionary Volunteers) and learnt my memory verse and then, at the age of 14, I decided I’d had enough and wanted no more of the church and ran away and changed my name so my family and the police could not find me. I got a job and eventually became a sail maker in Auckland and started a life of yachting. And now, here I am, sitting in a Seventh-day Adventist Bible study and I am BACK! Back with the truth and back in the Bible and I need to be back with God!”
The following week, more people turned up. This was the pattern that carried on for months, with new people coming, until one day, our group hit 19. This went on for two years.
One winter Friday night, Earl called us. “I’ve invited a friend to join us tomorrow. He wants a study on the Mark of the Beast!
Don hesitated. “That’s a heavy topic for someone new!” he protested. But Earl reassured him, “This man knows his Bible and specifically requested it.”
So that bleak, cold July Sabbath, we met Earl’s friend—a burly, retired roading engineer with a commanding presence. The only thing he said while we were studying in a circle, was “Wow—I have never seen so many open Bibles on knees!”
At the end of the study, he stood up and said, “I’m satisfied! I came today to test you all to observe if you are speaking biblical truth and I can now see that you do, so I will bring my wife next week. I told her to stay home and not come today in case you did not speak the truth.” His wife came the following Sabbath and they came every Sabbath after that. This man then told us down the track that he had been taking the study notes and preaching them at his Sunday-keeping church!
The study group kept growing with people coming and going. It got to the point we needed help. We started inviting the attendees into town to meet with a few others one Sabbath a month. We took it real slow and gentle. One day, I was thinking it would be good to have a Bible worker to be able to work with these people too. I started praying about it. I did not tell anyone, not even Don, my thoughts or that I had been praying. I just kept it tucked away. A couple of months after I started praying about what to do, Annette from NZ Christian Foundation rang and asked if we would like a Bible worker. I had never told a soul my prayer!
We are just ordinary New Zealanders, living quietly and doing our best to follow God’s leading. You might think, I couldn’t do this; I don’t have time. But if you let God work in your life, you’ll be amazed at how He makes a way. All it takes is one step of faith. Pray, “Put me on the front-line,” and get ready for an incredible journey.
God works in amazing ways. You just need the courage to say yes.
Janice Carter live in the idyllic beach side settlement of Whitianga, NZ.
God’s Dreams for His People
Alesser-known island in the South Pacific is Tench Island (also known as Enusi or Nusi Island), which is part of the St Matthias Islands group. This island is very small, being only 55 hectares (about 600m x 800m) in size and having a population of around 100 people. But despite its small size and population, Adventist missionaries saw this island as a valuable people to reach with the gospel message. The first missionaries to visit Tench Island were Adventists in 1930, with ongoing missionaries visiting and staying there to educate and nurture the small spiritual community.
In 1964, after a group of missionaries had travelled to Mussau Island, they discovered they had an extra day before their plane to Manus was due to depart. With a whole day spare and with good weather, the team decided to set out for the nearby island of Tench in the hope of continuing their mission work with another island. At the time, there were only about 50 people living on the Island of Tench and visits to the island from outsiders were incredibly rare, as Tench was not on any of the regular shipping routes (Australasian Record, November 20, 1964).
As the missionaries left Mussau to make their way to Tench, one of the members of their team, Milton McFarlane, told the rest of their group that the people of Tench would be expecting them. The group wondered how this could be the case since they had no way of contacting the isolated people of Tench, and their plan to visit the island was only decided a few days prior—and even then, it was conditional upon good
weather! McFarlane replied that the people of Tench Island always received a dream before any mission ship arrived. As they made their way to the island, the question on everyone’s mind was whether this really was the case. Would the people of Tench be expecting them to arrive?
The missionaries had set off from Mussau in the early morning, arriving at Tench at 8:30am. Pastor Eddie Piez (then secretary-treasurer of the Bismarck-Solomons Union Mission) asked one of the men on the island upon disembarking when they had first seen their boat approaching. He replied that straight after worship that morning, one of the boys had climbed a tree to see if we were in sight, as he had received a dream to tell him missionaries were coming. “With only a few ships arriving there each year, we could not imagine that a tree was climbed each morning,” Eddie Piez expressed, noting that all the missionaries were convinced that the people really did receive dreams to tell them when missionaries were coming (Australasian Record, November 20, 1964).
Upon their arrival, the missionaries learned that the people of Tench were planning on building a solid church to replace their current building made of leaves. The only issue was that they had no trees which they could spare to cut down to use as timber, since all
of their trees on the tiny island were used for food. But not long before the missionaries had arrived, a giant storm had washed up an entire tree on the island’s shore. They quickly dragged it onto the beach and cut it into three-bytwo framing timber and eight-by-one weatherboard timber—which resulted in a sufficient amount of timber necessary to build the church. The only things they lacked to complete the building of the church were nails and corrugated iron for the ceiling.
From the moment one of their members had received the dream that missionaries would be arriving, their community began drying out coconuts to make copra which could be sold to receive money to pay for the remaining building necessities. Not knowing how long the missionaries would be staying, the people worked hard to dry as many coconuts as they could before they arrived.
The missionaries were amazed at the faith and dedication of the people of Tench Island, who were content to take life “one day at a time, trusting God to care for the morrow.” (Australasian Record, November 20, 1964). They recognised that even in the smallest of islands in the Pacific, God does not forget His people but is faithful in providing for their every need.
Olivia Fairfax assistant editor, Adventist Record
Church and church members on Tench Island, 1981.
Photo courtesy ESDA/Barry Oliver
Hebrew what in the word Heal
| rapha’
[Rah-fah]
In the Old Testament (OT), Rapha‘ is a profound term that occurs around 70 times in Hebrew. This term refers to physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Ultimately, it reflects God's nature, human brokenness and restoration. God is the ultimate healer. As a healer, He can heal an individual, a nation or an entire region through multiple forms of healing.
In Exodus 15:26, God declares Himself Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord who heals.” Psalm 103:2,3 records that God forgives iniquities and heals diseases. Healing is related to forgiveness, suggesting a spiritual and physical renewal. Healing and God’s mercy are directly connected, so they go together.
In backsliding (apostasy), God often called Israel to repent and experience restoration (Jeremiah 3:22; Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 18:30,31). Healing means rebuilding a broken relationship with God. Hosea 6:1 reflects both divine judgement and healing. “Come, and let us return to the Lord for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up” (NKJV). There are four verbs in the text. (1) “Torn” (Hebrew: ףַרַָטָ, taraf), as if by a wild animal (cf Genesis 37:33, where Jacob thinks Joseph was “torn” by a wild beast). (2) “Heal” (Hebrew: אָפָָרַ, rapha’) reinforces that the same God who tore also restores. (3) “Stricken” (Hebrew: הָכָָנָ, nakah), means to smite or wound, often referring to God’s disciplinary actions (eg, Isaiah 53:4, where the Suffering Servant was “stricken” by God). (4) "Bind us up" (Hebrew: שַׁבַָחָ, havash) is often used in the context of care and restoration (cf Isaiah 61:1, “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted”). Hosea 6:1 also shifts from perfect (past) to imperfect (future). God's discipline and judgement (which has happened) are reaffirmed by perfect verbs (“He has torn” and “He has struck”). Imperfect verbs (“He will heal” and “He will bind us up”) refer to God’s mercy and restoration. God's discipline is deliberate; He wounds to heal. Discipline is meant to redeem, not destroy.
Nations suffering from sin can be healed. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal (אפְָּרַא ,
ve’erpa) their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV). The Hebrew verb אפְָּרַא (ve’erpa) comes from אָפָָרַ (rapha’). This text implies more than just agricultural or environmental renewal. Healing includes forgiveness of sins (spiritual renewal), prosperity restoration (material and national wellbeing) and protection from natural disasters (drought, famine, war).
Isaiah 53:5 promised Messianic healing. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement for our peace was on Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (NKJV). Jesus Christ suffered for sinners (cf 2 Corinthians 5:21). The phrase “by His stripes we are healed” means the primary focus of healing was spiritual (cf 1 Peter 2:24 referring to the forgiveness of sins); still, physical healing is also implied, as witnessed in the healing ministry of Jesus (Matthew 8:16,17). He suffered to restore humanity’s broken relationship with God. Other than diseases, wholeness is more than physical health.
Jesus fulfils the role of Jehovah-Rapha in the New Testament. In Matthew 4:23, Jesus healed all kinds of diseases (cf Luke 4:18). He ministered physically and spiritually. In addition to Jesus’ first coming, the everlasting Kingdom is the means of ultimate healing. Revelation 22:1 speaks of the “healing of the nations”. The final restoration of God includes the “healing of the nation” (Ezekiel 47:12). God will dwell with His people forever after 1000 years (Revelation 21:1-4). Planet Earth, where sin has been rampant for 6000 years, will become the throne room of God for eternity.
Healing, restoration and making whole are all incorporated into rapha‘. This includes physical and spiritual healing, the healing of nations and, ultimately, eternal restoration in the earth made new. We can have absolute confidence in Jehovah-Rapha, who can heal our brokenness and restore our relationship with Himself.
Limoni Manu O’Uiha Head of Theology,
Fulton Adventist University College.
From Under a Palm Tree
In a time when Old Testament stories seem foreign and alien to our technologically advanced, screen-glued selves, God remains unchanging. His Word holds treasured truths that never expire or become outdated—a striking contrast to the temporary and disposable society we’re used to.
If you’re not familiar with the biblical boss-lady, Deborah, I encourage you to read Judges 4 and 5. Given the climate of strong political stances on feminism today and the ongoing push to break down inequalities, I was a little nervous to write about her. But when I read her story, I was presented with the undeniable beauty of how God uses us in ways that are so naturally already part of our character. And how absolutely, irrefutably dependable He is! My, oh my, how beautiful are His works (thank you, Psalm 92:5, for backing me up on this).
Let me elaborate.
Deborah was a wife and a mum who used to sit under a palm tree. People would come to her for wisdom, guidance and help in resolving disputes. I see this as such a beautiful picture—a forming story. A mother sitting under a tree, helping settle disputes between her kids . . . and then, over time, her natural talents and tendencies are noticed. Soon, her clientele expands from just her kids to the general public. She is recognised for her wisdom, and the community acknowledges that her gift is not her own but from God. She is, in fact, a prophetess and a leader for the Israelite people. Because Deborah is fully confident in God and the gifts He has
given her, the people are confident in her too, and she is used greatly for the benefit of a whole nation.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like there’s a lot of pressure to recognise our gifts and calling in life with a sense of “don’t mess it up because you’ve only got one shot”. Or, even the other extreme, where too much importance is placed on them that they become our identity and existence.
But something I’ve learned (and no doubt will continue to learn) is that it’s less about us and more about Him. Nothing is too difficult for God or takes Him by surprise. If He wants something done, it will happen. I mean, He’s the same God who spoke the entire world into being.
When I reflect on a time of younger version Ellice, juggling two barista jobs (one making up 80 per cent of my work), I remember being offered a management position with sugarcoated perks from my main employer—an opportunity that ticked all the “sounds ideal!” boxes. Holiday pay upfront? Who could resist?
But something didn’t sit right. And taking the job meant I’d have to leave the other role with only a few days’ notice. Since it seemed like a good opportunity, I prayed about it. But it still didn’t feel right. In short, me declining a shiny promotion meant I was out of a job within a week. Hurt and baffled, I was left with a mere six to eight hours of work per week in a beachside coffee van.
Fast-forward a month or so, and I was in a chapter of life where I was presented with a silver platter of freelance work opportunities I had only ever dreamt about and pondered. Graphic design, floristry, allied health assistance, wedding photography and more. And nearly all of them arose from that
“meek little coffee van”. I can confidently and gratefully say I wouldn’t be where I am today without that chapter.
If we desire to walk the path God calls us to—if we speak to Him and listen—He can and will lead that journey. What an exciting adventure it will be if we’re so bold and willing to be a part of it.
But let’s get back to Debbie.
Something I deeply respect about her is her certainty in God. Rather than approaching Him as a likely or probable notion, she is assured, confident and convicted. She holds a position of utmost certainty.
Certain He is powerful.
Certain He is good.
Certain He is true to His word and will lead them into victory, just as He promised. Even when the circumstances look dire and suggest otherwise.
Utmost. Certainty.
That. Put a double portion of that on my Christmas list, pretty please and thank you.
Because she was confident in Him, she walked confidently. She was a sold-out woman for God, fully aware that He was with them—even in the face of danger. And if that was the case, then nothing else mattered. To the point where she walked straight up to the head honcho military commander and told him what to do:
“The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.”
His response?
“If you will go with me, I will go [to battle], but if you will not go with me, I will not go” (Judges 4:6-8).
Now, I don’t know about you, but I picture military commanders as being big, tough guys. I’m thinking Jack Nicholson, A Few Good Men, veins bulging in his neck as he screams, “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!” Granted, it also mentions the enemy was big and strong, with lots of tanks (or Old Testament equivalent). Probably fairly intimidating. But still— he wouldn’t go without being led by this woman, Deborah. And (if I may state the obvious), this wasn’t no 21st-century gender equality time. So, thank you 11th-century BC Deborah for gently showing us that defying odds and norms is possible with God.
It seems Deborah herself was the one bringing the “You can’t handle the truth” energy. And the truth was that God was with them. So, she was fearless and led the army into battle. What a woman.
How does this apply to our current fast-paced, information-age selves? For me, it has felt like an ongoing wrestle to keep up with the Joneses (sorry, Kardashians), to fulfil the subliminal pressure to meet societal expectations: work this much, study . . . something, fill all waking moments with . . . something else.
But then, I finally stopped and thought, Hold up. Pause. Lord, what do You want me to do?
What characteristics have You given me, and how can I use them for You?
Irrespective of how it looks or makes sense to those around me?
This is still a buffering notion for me, but the resounding word is “Trust”, with the gentle follow-up of “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Proverbs 3:5; Matthew 6:34). Just as a strong, yet nurturing-natured mother led an army, so too is my loving Father leading me. And in that, I can stand confident—because my confidence is in the One who made me. And I’m fairly certain He who made me knows exactly who He made me to be.
So, I am left to ponder, as I encourage you to do also. What intricacies has God given you that make you different from Billy Bob next door? He has put us all here for such a time as this (Esther 4:14), and He makes no mistakes. He is intentional with every detail—from the wisdom gained through motherhood to a simple moment sitting under a tree, to even the meaning behind a name (five stars, would recommend a deep-dive into the Hebrew word “Deborah”). And I didn’t even touch on the singing part! (See chapter 5. Belt it, friends!).
Who are we to limit how God wants to use us?
Let’s not overthink it. Let’s do the opposite. Let’s just let go.
He is with you.
Sure enough, that’s precisely what Deborah said to Commander Barak: “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14)
Likewise, He goes ahead of us.
The Creator of all things, Himself.
I’m excited about the unique adventure He has for each of us. I’m still learning and figuring it out—or perhaps, undoing my figuring and learning to trust instead. But I’m comforted by the truth that He is always with me in the process (Matthew 28:20). And I have a feeling it’s only going to get more exciting from here.
Bring it, I say.
Enjoy the trees! Sing! Draw! Speak, build or write.
Watch where our Creator steers the ship, calms the storm and opens the doors.
In Deborah-esque fashion, I’ll end with:
Who’s with me?
occupational therapist, writes from the Gold Coast, Queensland.
The Hebrew word ןתחָ ‘atan is a relational term that may refer to a father-in-law, husband/bridegroom (ie a person related by marriage, an in-law).1 An example of relational use is in the story of Moses. Jethro is the father-inlaw (ןתחָ) of Moses (Exodus 4:18; 18:1f), while Moses is also the bridegroom-husband (ןתחָ) of Zipporah (Exodus 4:24-26). A careful reading of the story of Moses reveals the more profound meaning and implications of ןתחָ (‘atan) for God-designed leadership, a Mentor.
The first person Moses talks to after the burning bush is Jethro, his ‘atan/Mentor (Exodus 4:18-24). While Moses is not completely candid, we can already observe a supportive attitude from the Mentor in the farewell, “Go in peace.” The enigmatic account that follows twice affixes the epithet ‘atan to Moses, “now you have become an ‘atan of blood”(vv25,26). Thus, Moses, while being a Mentee of Jethro, is himself a Mentor.
Zipporah’s repeated phrase hints at conflict in their marriage since Zipporah and the children are not mentioned again until Exodus 18:2. We read, “Now, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home, along with her two sons” (Exodus 18:2,3a). Evidently, the family unit was separated during part or all of the plagues and the exodus. Moses was too busy doing the Lord’s work to reconnect with his family. Nevertheless, when he hears, perhaps indirectly, of how God had mightily used Moses, Jethro, the Mentor of Moses, came in search of Moses (Exodus 18:1).
Jethro, the Mentor, takes the initiative to return Moses’ family to him.2 According to Jethro, Zipporah is Moses’ wife, not his daughter, and Gershom and Eliezer are Moses’ children, not Jethro’s grandchildren (v2-5). The onus of these relationships on Moses creates tension in the narrative between Moses’ account of the apparent success of God using him to lead Israel out of Egypt that follows (vv8-12) and his ineffectiveness on a personal level to fulfil the responsibilities (his ‘atan duty’) to his own family.
Moses and Jethro are deeply interested in each other’s welfare (v7). Moses is eager to share all the Lord has done. Jethro responds in three ways: (a) he rejoiced for ”all the good” (v9) performed by the Lord; (b) he offered a blessing and confessed recognising through the testimony of Moses, the supremacy of the LORD over all other gods (v11); (c) he brought a sacrifice to offer to God and broke bread with Aaron and all the elders of Israel (v12). The breaking of bread shows the hospitable spirit of Jethro and serves as an opportunity for the Mentor to begin to understand the relationship roadblocks to enduring success in Moses’ spiritual leadership.
“The next day” (v13), Jethro observes Moses in action. Jethro observes the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of Moses’ who sat alone while everyone else stood around. When Jethro saw this, he asked probing questions of Moses (v14). “What are you doing for the people?” and “Why are you doing it?” Moses’ response to his Mentor was to justify his method. Moses claims his responsibility is to make God’s decisions known to each person, and then, in this process, he makes God’s statutes and laws known to the people v15-16. The answer to the “why?” question is implicit in Moses’ response: nobody else can decide disputes except Moses. After all, God chose Moses at the burning bush to lead His people.
Jethro responds to Moses’ self-justification with a blunt, “What you are doing is not good” (v17). This is in contrast to Jethro rejoicing “in all the good” the Lord had done (v9). Further, that “you (Moses) and the people will certainly wear yourselves out”. In the Hebrew text, the word order and repetition emphasise “wearing out” navol tibbol, repeating the lexeme לבַנָ nabal. The semantic range includes “foolish”, “wither”, and even “a corpse”. All of these seem appropriate: Moses’ leadership model was foolish, having a withering effect on himself and the people, and would result in death if not remedied.3
Jethro, the Mentor, presented Moses with advice: a God-directed model of leadership that would result in Moses thriving in every relationship and the people satisfied. First,
FROM IN-LAWS to mentors
Moses’ responsibility was to intercede before God on behalf of the people and bring their cases before Him. Second, Moses was responsible for teaching the people God’s statutes and laws and how they were to live. Thus, Moses was to engage in proactive teaching and training rather than reactive crisis management. Third, Moses was to appoint capable, God-fearing, trustworthy and incorruptible leaders over divisions of people who would apply the statutes and laws of God in resolving disputes (v21). Thereby leaving Moses to deal with complicated cases, easing the load by sharing the burden of leadership.
Jethro clarifies with Moses that if he accepts his advice, the overall plan he described will be filled in as God prayerfully directs Moses (v23).4 Perhaps Moses misunderstood that since God had chosen him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he alone could fulfil the duties required to lead the people.
However, the arrival of Jethro, his spiritual Mentor and confidant, revealed that notwithstanding God’s calling, Moses had scope to teach, train, prayerfully appoint leaders, and mentor them to assist him in administering God’s statutes and laws.
While God called Moses, He also blessed Jethro with wisdom and tact to offer helpful advice to expand Moses’ understanding of his duty as the human leader. Through Jethro, He revealed the primary responsibility of leaders is to train and resource fellow leaders to share the burden of leadership with them. Moses would be able to endure and thrive in his God-appointed role, and his appointed leaders would have the opportunity to grow, develop and appreciate the sacred responsibility of spiritual leadership. Moreover, the people would benefit from greater efficiency of judgements and ”return to their place in peace”.
Based on the account of Jethro and Moses, the following lessons emerge regarding Mentors.
A Mentor is:
A person who listens to spirit-filled plans and testimonies supportively.
A person who learns from what God has done and is
doing in the Mentee’s life, rejoicing with the Mentee.
A hospitable, relational person who desires to bring unity to the relationships of the Mentee, most notably family unity.5
A keen observer spending time actively observing the Mentee engaged in their work.
A person who asks probing questions to clarify and understand what is going on and the reasons why before offering advice.
A person who provides advice humbly and empoweringly (v23). ie God will guide you in carrying out this plan.
A person who leaves scope for the Mentee, as directed by God, to fill in the details, ie, in selecting able, trustworthy, honest leaders.
One who helps Mentees grow as Mentors.
I confess that, like Moses, I have heard God’s call to ministry and felt I had to do it all. I have experienced the withering effects of such a style of leadership. I pray for humility and to accept the godly advice of a spiritual mentor like Jethro.
1. Ludwig Koehler et al, The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: EJ Brill, 1994–2000), p364. HALOT lists three entries with the root letters חָתן depending on the vocalisation to mean either marry, father-in-law or husband/daughter’s husband. This article argues that the term denotes a special relationship, regardless of vocalisation, that includes mentoring.
2. Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p300-1.
3. Hartness M Samushonga, “Distinguishing Between the Pastor and the Superhero: God on Burnout and Self-care”, Journal of Pastoral Theology 31 no 1 (2021):p4-19.
4. Joy Jones-Carmack, “Understanding Discipling and Mentoring Through an Exegetical Analysis of Exodus 18:13-23 and Judges 2:6-17” The Journal of Applied Christian Leadership, 15 no 2 (Fall 2021): p11-26.
5. Ellen White, Adventist Home, p32.
David Fletcher Pastor, South Australian Conference.
French Toast with Weet-Bix™ Crunch
Give your weekend French Toast an extra crunch-factor with the goodness of Weet-Bix!
Ingredients
2 eggs
½ cup So Good™ Oat No Added Sugar Milk
¼ tsp cinnamon
4 Weet-Bix™, finely crushed
4 slices bread
To serve
2 cups mixed berries
1 ½ cups low fat, natural or dairy-free yoghurt maple syrup or honey, optional
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Method
1. In a shallow dish, whisk eggs with oat milk and cinnamon. Place crushed Weet-Bix into a separate shallow dish.
2. Cut slices of bread in half on the diagonal. Working with one triangle at a time, quickly dip bread in egg mixture then dredge both sides in Weet-Bix.
3. Preheat a large skillet or griddle to medium and coat lightly with oil spray. Place dredged bread slices onto the skillet and gently press down.
4. Cook 2-3 mins until crisp and brown. Spray uncooked side with a bit more oil, flip and cook a further 2 mins. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Serve crunchy French toast warm, with fresh fruit, yoghurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey (if using).
"Rather than sticking to one type of berry, try eating a variety as they each offer unique health benefits," says Sanitarium Dietitian Nicola Perry.
Serves 2-4 Prep 10 Cook 10
The beggars are gospeled
As a general rule—and as something of a language purist, as should be part of the job description for a book editor and proof-reader—I am not a fan of excessive verbification. But as a writer and someone who enjoys working with words, I can appreciate the opportunities that creatively adapting language can offer. When we make a word that has only previously been used as a noun into a verb—for example, instead of “having an impact,” something might “impact” us—we cause language purists to shudder, but we also have a new way of talking and thinking about how an idea is put into action and affects us and others.
An unusual example of this recently caught my attention in a new translation of the New Testament. I began reading it after hearing scholar Scot McKnight talking about his work on the project, describing the literal-but-sometimes awkward and intentionally alternative nature of his translation choices as a way to help us read the text afresh and to ask new questions of it.1 That seemed a worthwhile way of approaching well-loved and well known Bible passages—and I have enjoyed beginning to re-read the Gospels with some interesting variations of language and expressions.
So far, the verse that has most sparked my imagination and my thinking about faith is Matthew 11:5. It is the list of evidences Jesus gave to the disciples of John the Baptist—or “Yoannes the Dipper” as McKnight labels him—in response to John questioning whether Jesus was actually the Messiah, as John had previously proclaimed. Jesus’ reply and explanation included various kinds of healing, helping and making whole, and the usual form of the final phrase is expressed as something like “. . . and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”2
The alternative translation that has prompted my reflections goes like this: “The beggars are gospeled.”3 Suddenly we have an invitation to engage the gospel as a transformative act or actions and a calling to enact it in our time and place, in the name of Jesus.
Consider how Jesus summarised “the whole Code and the prophets” in response to a question about the greatest commandment—as translated by McKnight: “You will love the Lord, your God, in your whole heart and in your whole self
and in your whole intelligence. . . . The second is comparable: You will love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39).4
As whole-hearted, whole-selved, whole-intelligence followers of Jesus, the verbified gospel begins to make sense—whatever we might think of the linguistic aberration or awkwardness. Jesus reported that, in His ministry, “the beggars are gospeled”. As those commissioned to continue His ministry in our time and place, what might “the beggars are gospeled” look like here and now? What might it mean to “gospel” our families, our communities and our world? The context of Jesus’ ministry and teaching does not allow this to be merely preaching or even friendly sharing. We are not trying to convince others of our theology, doctrines or worldview, so much as we are seeking to change their realities. This demands practical, wholistic and often-radical transformation of the lives and circumstances of others, particularly working with those most in need, marginalised and vulnerable.
So let’s set about verbifying our faith and activating the gospel. As we care and love, listen and serve, we are gospeling. That is a way of seeing, engaging and understanding the world around us that not only makes the most sense and the strongest arguments for the truths we claim, but also that makes the most difference and will matter the most to those around us.
Seeking to be a Jesus purist is more important than being a language purist, so may the gospel be verbified and enacted all the more—and may the poor and all in our communities be gospeled. As Jesus did. As Jesus does.
1. “Holy Post Podcast”, Episode 599, <holypost.com/post/599-paganism-returns-a-new-new-testament-with-scot-mcknight>.
2. Unless otherwise indicated, Bible verses are from New Living Translation.
3. Scot McKnight, The Second Testament (InterVarsity Press, 2024), Kindle Edition, p14.
4. McKnight, p28.
Nathan Brown book editor, Signs Publishing.
Not bad, just busy
Recently a Sabbath school class member made a thoughtful and authentic comment regarding time for deep Bible study. It resonated with others in the class. “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.”
Perhaps more suggestions could be made to help others, given this world is so busy.
From the moment we wake up we can turn our first thoughts to God and pray our first ”Good Morning Father” prayer, and as we slip out of bed and fall to our knees in gratitude for another day, we can continue with every thought captive to Him.
Whatever we do, God needs to be part of it. Our work, home, family, dealings with others, personal health, everything. Is there anything He is not, or can’t be, central to?
Then there are the practicalities of day-to-day surrendered living. We can read Bible verses like those found in handy little plastic bread loaves placed in different rooms in the home, our Sabbath school pamphlet, EG White
Conversations
books and of course, our Bible.
We can also listen to the Bible, our weekly lesson, Faith FM and spiritual audio books like The Great Controversy listed by places like Spotify, in our cars, radios, television and mobile phones and where possible, share media or send on to friends.
Singing hymns as we go about our daily lives keeps God foremost in our minds. Reciting texts to ourselves and others. Always praying for others. Especially at night if we can’t sleep we can go through the alphabet with the name of every person we know.
We must accept and acknowledge our need to “hunger and thirst” to be filled by the Doctor who helps the sick sinner.
All of this, along with times of deep study, will never feel “enough”. Fill my cup, this side of heaven, will never be enough for the hungering Christian.
Journalling Scripture has a most fulfilling result. Reading one text at a time and putting it into your own words, deepens personal
understanding in a way I am finally experiencing for myself.
Jenny Philippiadis, Vic
Darker font
My husband and I are regular readers of the printed Adventist Record. However, we find the font a bit too light for our septuagenarian eyes. It would be wonderful if you switch back to a darker font which was used a few years ago. Compared to the Sabbath School Quarterlies, the font in the Record is much lighter and more difficult to read.
As you’ve said, we are in the biggest demographic of print issue readers, so what about helping us out?
Lynette Tung, via email
Editor’s note: Thank you for the feedback—you are definitely among our valued readers. As far as we can recall, we haven’t changed the body font in Record since we moved to colour in 2010.
Anniversary
LAUGHLIN, Bruce and Sharon (nee Beard) were married on 19.2.1975 in Wahroonga church by Pastor Ken Lowe. They celebrated this special occasion at Ingleburn RSL on 23.2.25 with 60 family members, grandchildren, relatives, friends, Hoxton Park church friends and Sharon’s workmates from Australian Weighing Equipment. Family and friends travelled from Lismore, Forbes and Melbourne to enjoy the celebration. It was a great time to catch up with those they had not seen for a long time. Sharon and Bruce attend the Hoxton Park church where they continue to do the bulletin each week and where Sharon has played the organ for a number of years.
Obituaries
DIXON, Betty Elma (nee Trotter), born 29.5.1928 in Sydney, NSW; died 14.3.25 in Aurrum Aged Care, Erina. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence in 2020. Betty is survived by her children, Paul and Judith (Tumbi Umbi), Michael and Jeni (Wamberal), Helen and Robert Stubberfield (Tumbi Umbi) and Susan and Geoffrey Frew (Tumbi Umbi); 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and all spouses. Betty loved her large family, tennis and travel. In 1952 Betty and Laurie moved from Sydney to the Central Coast, where for 73 years, as a member of the Erina and Forrester’s Beach churches, Betty faithfully served her Lord in carrying out many church offices. She worked and volunteered in the local community right up to her retirement.
Russel Stanley, Andrew Pratt
NIEWIADOMSKI, Alfreda Daniela (nee Stec), born 15.1.1926 in Zmudz, Poland; died 25.5.24 in AdventCare Whitehorse, Melbourne, Vic. She was
predeceased by her husband, Dr Tadeusz in 2007 and her son, Marek in 2024. Dana is survived by her children and their families, Grace and Bill Jankiewicz (Melbourne), Cezary (Melbourne) and Mirra and Walter Huber (Tasmania); and daughter-in-law, Ewa and family (Qld). Dana’s love, generosity, modesty and warmth have left a lasting impression on her family and community and her long life was a true blessing to many. She is now resting in the hope of resurrection.
Vadim Butov
TAYLOR, Ann
Barbara (nee Keddell), born 21.3.1945 in the Queen Victoria Hospital, Melbourne, Vic; died 27.3.25 in Melton. She is survived by her husband, Ian (Melton); sons, Nathan (Ferny Creek) and Daniel (Melton); daughter, Racheal (Melton); and brother, Eric Keddell (Warburton). Ann was a wonderful, caring, gifted mother and wife to her family and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She had worked for AdventCare Whitehorse and Sanitarium and volunteered with the Melton City
Council and Vision Australia. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. She was a constant support to her family in Melton church and her community. Sleep well—we will see you in the morning.
Malcolm Reid
VOSTINAR, Emil, born 13.2.1942 in Budapest, Hungary; died 8.2.25 in Macksville Hospital, NSW. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marta; children and their spouses, Beata and Robert Brzeski and Jeannette and Milan Farkas; grandchildren and their spouses, Phillip and Dawn Brzeski, Lucas and Mackenzie Brzeski, Stefan and Paipoe Farkas, Samuel Farkas, Simeon Farkas and Jessalyn Brzeski; and great grandchildren Kazmira and Luna. Emil was instrumental in building the Pendle Hill church in Sydney. He served at the Drop-in Café in Cabramatta, the soup bus on the Gold Coast and more recently began helping at the Macksville Church Food Hub. A man of steadfast faith, Emil served others with love and devotion. He will be remembered with great affection by all who knew him.
Beata Brzeski, Jeannette Farkas
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FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL, THROUGH TÜRKIYE AND GREECE
Sunday, Sept 28–Sunday, Oct 19, 2025. An exciting 22-day journey through Türkiye and Greece (including a night on Patmos). Tour leader is Dr Peter Roennfeldt, an experienced pastor, evangelist, author and teacher. Don’t miss out. Relive Paul’s life and ministry of disciple-making and movement-building. You will never read the Bible the same again! For a detailed itinerary and prices, contact Anita, Allround Travel <alltrav@bigpond.net.au> or Dr Pete <peter@newchurchlife.com>.
Positions Vacant
BEST OF EUROPE REFORMATION TOUR
Sunday, Aug 31–Sunday, Sept 21, 2025. Visit Rome, Florence, Venice, the Waldensian Valleys, beautiful villages in southern France, Switzerland, Austria and Prague. Relive the stories of the great Reformers—Calvin, Hus, Jerome and Luther. A never to be forgotten journey! Tour leader is Dr Peter Roennfeldt. For more details contact Anita, Allround Travel <alltrav@bigpond.net.au> or <peter@newchurchlife.com>.
TAURANGA CHURCH 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating 100 years of Tauranga Seventh-day Adventist church, October 24-26, 2025. Interested persons please join us. See Facebook page, “Celebrating
100 years Tauranga”. Website <Tauranga.adventist.org.nz> for emerging details.
STUDY THE ADULT SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON YOUR WAY
Accessible formats for vision loss (large print, audio CD, app, YouTube, podcast, and braille) or hearing loss (Hope SS captioned). Contact CSFBHI on +61 (0)2 9847 2296 or email <csfbhi@adventistmedia.org.au>
AVONDALE FAMILY FUNERALS
offering compassionate cremation and burial services with dignity and care at your cemetery of choice in NSW led by an Adventist funeral director. Contact Mark Windus on 0411 797 854 or <director@ avondalefamilyfunerals.com.au>.
MANAGER CAMP SOMERSET—SOUTH QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE
CROSSDALE, QLD
An exciting and challenging position as manager at our scenic Camp Somerset, located 1½ hours northwest of Brisbane, featuring excellent modern facilities with established activities used by schools and churches. You must be a practicing Seventh-day Adventist Church member for this senior management role. Requirements include general management experience in a client-focused accommodation and activities facility, computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office 365, exposure to accommodation booking software (e.g. Venue360), an understanding of outdoor education activities, an ability to demonstrate strong communication skills-verbal and written form-and be able to apply such skills in management and support of staff and clients, strong modern management and leadership enabling positive outcomes, be well organised and have essential time management and administrative skills. A position description is available from the HR manager <sqc_hr@adventist.org.au>. Applications close Friday, June 6, 2025.
EDUCATION ACCOUNTANT—SOUTH QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE BRISBANE, QLD
An exciting full-time opportunity for a qualified accountant, ideally a practising Seventh-day Adventist to join the education finance team in our Brisbane office, providing payroll support, operating, capital reporting and financial statements to our seven schools and two early learning centres. Requirements include a business/accounting degree, membership or eligibility to be a member of a recognised accounting professional organization in Australia (CA / CPA), financial management accounting experience and general administration, strong competent computer skills including the use of Microsoft Office, school and systembased accounting ledger system, strong communication skills in verbal and written form providing support to all stakeholders, strong, modern management and leadership skills and an organised and structured approach to assigned responsibilities, with strong time management skills. A position description is available from the HR manager <sqc_hr@adventist.org.au>. Applications close Friday, June 6, 2025.
BUSINESS MANAGER—GOLD COAST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GOLD COAST, QLD
A rewarding senior management position ideally for a practising Seventh-day Adventist Church member, monitoring the operating and capital resources of the school, working with the principal and finance support staff and Conference finance team. Requirements include a business/accounting degree with membership or eligibility to be a member of a recognised accounting professional organisation in Australia (CA/CPA), financial management skills and general administration experience preferably within an education framework, strong, competent computer skills including Microsoft Office 365 and school and system-based accounting ledger system, demonstration of strong communication skills both verbal and written form, applicable in the management and support of all stakeholders, strong, modern management and leadership skills and be well organised and have strong time management and administrative skills. A position description is available from the HR manager <sqc_hr@adventist.org.au>. Applications close Friday, June 6, 2025.
NOTE: Neither the editor, Adventist Media, nor the Seventh-day Adventist Church is responsible for the quality of goods or services advertised. Publication does not indicate endorsement of a product or service. Classified advertisements in Adventist Record are available to Seventh-day Adventist members, churches and institutions only. All advertisements, appreciation, anniversary, wedding and obituary notices may be submitted via <ads@record.net.au> or online at <record.adventistchurch. com>. Notices will not be reprinted unless there is an error of fact caused by Record staff.
abn 59 093 117 689 vol 130 no 9
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