But again, when they cry out, God responds, breaking their chains and bringing them into the light.
It’s a warm, humid morning in St Louis. I’ve grabbed a bite of breakfast and a juice in a local café, attached to a nearby hotel, right across the road from the convention centre, where the GC Session is taking place. Unfortunately, it’s a well-known chain (which I won’t name here) and the breakfast options are limited. It’s early Friday morning; the Session has barely begun but already there was some controversy on the floor Thursday afternoon.
I’m sure you’ve been to a café at that time. I like to observe the people rushing in and out, mostly in a hurry, grabbing and going, with barely time to say hi.
A young girl, about two-years-old, comes up to me, all smiles. I assume she wants a bite of my breakfast, and her mum apologises. I tell her it’s fine. I’ve got a two-year old at home. I know what they’re like. The girl stays by my side until her mum gives the snack bag a shake. The little girl knows that this is now her best opportunity for a snack and follows her mum with her arms outstretched.
From the street entrance comes a young couple, who seem to be in the company of a man with no shirt. As he walks in, he takes some kind of light jacket and wraps it around his torso, leaving the front zipper open. While the man looks dishevelled, hair dreadlocked and clothes ill-fitting, the young couple are well dressed, clean cut and fresh faced. They interact with the man, and I figure out they are buying him a meal and a drink. They pay and leave, while he waits to collect his food. He leaves shortly after, prize in hand.
Now I have no way of knowing if that couple were Adventist, but in that part of St Louis, at that time, it’s not a stretch to believe they were. And they seemed to leave the café and cross in the direction of the convention centre.
But let’s say, for the sake of my article that they were. Like the priest and the Levite, they were on their way to fulfil important religious purposes. But like the Samaritan they’ve stopped to help their neighbour.
The brief interaction gave me an important lesson. While it’s easy to get caught up in the politics of the Church at a time like the GC Session, this young couple saw an opportunity to do good. They saw a way they could bless their neighbour. Not to convert but to feed the hungry.
We need to remember to make the main thing, the main thing!
We love to see who will be elected. Delegates and visitors flood the exhibition halls and try to grab the free stuff, the marketing gimmicks and the fun activities. We enjoy the music, speculate on elections and feel proud of our worldwide diversity and mission efforts. But right in front of us, on every corner, there are needs.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be like Jesus.
Now let me give a disclaimer. I don’t love the people who use this argument of focusing on the mission to shut down conversation. It is healthy for us as a people to discuss and wrestle with what we believe, to care about theology, strategy and structure. We need the frameworks to facilitate mission.
But I’ve been in the Church long enough to know that it is easy to make a program our focus, to talk and debate for endless hours without any activity.
The faith of Jesus is to be lived out. Those who have the blood of Jesus and the testimony need to have fresh and recently lived testimonies. We should be asking every day, who we can serve, restore and even feed. To be a Seventh-day Adventist means we are waiting in eager anticipation for Jesus to come back. But when He gets here, will He find a flock who fed, watered, clothed and visited Him, or a herd of goats?
I’m talking to myself as well. Let’s ask Jesus to help us find an opportunity to serve Him today.
A balanced advent hope
Terry Johnson Australian Union Conference president
As our world teeters on the edge of unrest and moral confusion, many wonder how we, as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, are to live as a remnant. We long for Jesus’ return, proclaim the three angels’ messages, and hold to the blessed hope. Yet each day brings jobs, families, news cycles and the realities of everyday life.
How do we balance watching for Christ’s coming with living faithfully now? Scripture offers clear, practical guidance. Here are four key passages for living balanced, hopeful and engaged lives while preparing for the second coming.
“This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters . . . seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile” (Jeremiah 29:4–7).
Even as we live in a broken, spiritually hostile world, God calls us to live well and contribute to our communities. Build homes. Nurture families. Plant gardens—both literal and metaphorical. Be people of peace, seeking the welfare of the places where God has placed us.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).
In an age of division and fear, love remains our highest calling. Through acts of kindness, compassion and service, we bring peace to anxious hearts and hope to weary souls. May we be known as people who love well.
“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Though alarming headlines and uncertainties surround us, we walk by faith, trusting in God’s unseen hand. The outcome is secured at the cross. God remains sovereign, and His promises hold firm.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
In times of moral confusion, Scripture anchors us. Prioritise personal devotion, family worship and church fellowship. Know the Word, live it, and share it with clarity and compassion.
So, live with faith, compassion and confidence because of the hope we have. Maranatha—the Lord is coming.
Köhler elected GC president
St Louis, US
| Jarrod Stackelroth
Pastor Erton Köhler has been elected the 21st president of the General Conference (GC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Delegates at the 62nd General Conference Session in St Louis (Missouri, US) voted 1721 to 188 on July 4 to elect him following the nominating committee’s recommendation.
Pastor Köhler is the first South American president and the second president to be born in the Southern Hemisphere. He replaces Pastor Ted Wilson, who has served as GC president since his election at the General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010.
Pastor Köhler made a short speech when accepting the nomination. “Noone is prepared for [this]. I’m speechless now. But before any other word, I’d like to tell you that I’ll move forward, renewing my confidence in the Lord and in His church.”
He highlighted a verse his family often uses for Friday evening family worship: Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Pastor Köhler used his acceptance speech to express his gratitude to the church, including those who “express different opinions”.
“You are part of the family and we appreciate you, as well,” he said.
Pastor Köhler thanked Pastor Wilson for his leadership. “Deep gratitude to Pastor Ted and Nancy Wilson, who together led this Church for the past 15 years. He’s someone that I learned how to appreciate, how to recognise the integrity of a leader—someone that gives the best of his life to the Church. Thank you very much for your leadership and may God guide your next steps.”
Adventist Record asked South Pacific Division president Pastor Glenn Townend about the new GC leader. “Elder Erton Köhler is very mission focused and works with his team well. He is well organised and technologically oriented. He’s very family focused.
“[Under his leadership] I expect to see focus on the I Will Go strategic plan,”
Pastor Townend said.
Pastor Köhler has served as secretary of the GC since 2021, when his predecessor, Pastor GT Ng, retired. At the time, he vowed to be available, serving with a heart “completely focused” on the mission of the Church. “I will be open to [listen] and to learn,” he said. “My job is to build bridges, not walls.”
Before becoming GC secretary, Pastor Köhler served as president of the South American Division (SAD) from 2007. He led major media growth in the region, including the expansion of Novo Tempo, a 24-hour broadcast network available on satellite, cable and free-to-air TV. He became the youngest to lead the division, taking on the role at age 38.
“We are a global Church with a global mission,” Pastor Köhler said during the GC Secretary’s Report at the 2022 Annual Council. “We cannot focus only on our local needs; we need to look at our global challenges to finally preach the gospel of the kingdom to all the world.” And he added, “At Secretariat we are focused on that commitment.”
Pastor Köhler spearheaded Mission Refocus, a strategic plan for the GC Secretariat between 2022 and 2025. Included was a focus on reclaiming missing members, disciple-making and streamlining the international call process.
Pastor Köhler was born in southern Brazil and grew up with a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, who served as an Adventist pastor. He completed a bachelor’s degree in theology at the Adventist Teaching Institute (now Brazil Adventist University) in 1989 and graduated from the same school in 2008 with a master’s degree in pastoral theology. Currently he is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University.Pastor Köhler began ministry as a local church pastor in São Paulo (1990–1994), later serving in youth leadership roles at conference, union and division levels. In 2007, after four years as South American Division youth director, he was appointed division president.
Pastor Köhler is married to Adriene Marques, a nurse, and they have two adult children.
President elect Pastor Erton Köhler at the 62nd General Conference Session [Photo: Tor Tjeransen/AME].
Pastor Köhler introduced his family at the 62nd General Conference Session [Photo: Nathaniel Sebastian Reid/AME].
AI-generated image.
AUC requests review of immunisation statement
Ringwood, Vic | Kymberley McMurray
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia has formally requested a review of the General Conference’s official statement on immunisation.
In response to this request, the Executive Committee of the Australian Union Conference (AUC) carefully considered the matter during its recent meetings.
The committee dedicated significant time to prayerfully reflecting on the implications of the 2015 and 2021 immunisation statements—particularly regarding the reference to “peer-reviewed science” alongside the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Concerns were raised about the potential unintended consequences of this wording for the Church’s theological clarity and authority structure.
Following respectful and thoughtful discussion, the Executive Committee voted to send a letter to the leadership
of the General Conference. This letter outlines the committee’s concerns and formally requests a review of both the current immunisation statement and the processes used in its development.
“The Executive Committee recognised the importance of supporting public health while also ensuring that the distinct authority of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy is upheld within our Church,” said Pastor Terry Johnson, AUC president. “We remain committed to ongoing, constructive dialogue with the General Conference on this important issue.”
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia reaffirms its commitment to promoting the wellbeing of its members and the wider community. It looks forward to continued conversations that honour both the Church’s health principles and its theological foundations.
Signs’ Diabetes cookbook named Best in World
Warburton, Vic | Nathan Brown
Food As Medicine: Cooking to Prevent and Treat Diabetes was named “Best in the World” at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards on June 19. The cookbook, authored by Sydney-based dietitian Dr Sue Radd and published by Signs Publishing, was awarded best cookbook in the “Health Professionals Books” category, beating out shortlisted books from France, Mexico, Portugal and Spain.
According to the award citation for Food As Medicine–Diabetes, “This empowering and science-backed guide offers a practical and inspiring approach to managing one of the world’s most pressing health challenges through the healing power of food.” It joins the original Food As Medicine cookbook, which received a similar “Best in the World” award in 2017.
“There is now much greater recognition in all contexts as to the importance of books on health and wellbeing and this is a growing area of interest,” commented Signs manager Andrew Irvine, who represented the publisher at
the award ceremony. “There were many excellent books in this category, so this award is extra-special and a credit to both Sue’s significant efforts and the work of the Signs team who were involved in publishing this book.”
When notified of the award, Dr Radd expressed her praise to God for leading in this project. “I have sensed this from the very beginning when the title idea was impressed upon me,” she reflected. “We can see now that [the search terms] ‘Food as medicine’ and ‘Food is medicine’ are trending globally but when we started [the concept] was considered somewhat fringe.”
Dr Radd is an advanced accredited practising dietitian who works in private practice in Sydney and is also a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Sydney. Her award-winning cookbooks are available from Adventist and other bookshops.
In their 30th year, the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards were presented as part of the Cascais World Food Summit in Portugal.
Edouard Cointreau, president and founder of the Gourmand Awards (left), presented the “Best in the World” award to Andrew Irvine, manager of Signs Publishing.
Hope Channel (PNG) launches local content in Port Moresby
Port Moresby, PNG | Reeves Papaol/Brad Kemp
Residents of Papua New Guinea can now enjoy locally created Christian content on Hope Channel.
Hope Channel (PNG) started broadcasting a playlist of local content via Channel 7 on the National Broadcasting Corporation’s (NBC) eight-monthold digital TV platform facilities in Port Moresby on Wednesday, June 25.
After some years of trying to acquire a licence, Hope Channel (International) was previously rebroadcast to viewers in PNG from a satellite feed, and with this soft launch, the channel will now broadcast TV programs that are locally produced and streamed via two content servers located on the premises of NBC and via their digital TV platform.
”This is a huge step forward for us,” said Dr Brad Kemp, Adventist Media CEO. ”Our desire is to bring quality Christian television with PNG content to the people of PNG. Our current percentage of local content is around 28 per cent. We are working on increasing this with plans to do major content development over the next 12 months.”
Sinclair Singuit, a senior TV engineer from NBC, said, “I am quite pleased to witness this development, and our monitoring of the local content quality on the channel in the past 48 hours was excellent.”
NBC’s Julius Warfi, Sebastian Solomon and Mr Singuit are very supportive and, together with Adventist engineers from New Zealand and PNG, worked tirelessly over a two-week period to ensure everything was set up and ready for this significant milestone.
”Andrew Ross from Napier, NZ, has been part of the team from the beginning,” said Dr Kemp. ”He has been critical to our success having built the play-out servers and guided the set up through to broadcast.”
A Mega Hope Channel (PNG) project is planned for January 8-31, 2026, in Port Moresby, with the aim of producing more than 350 TV programs such as sermons, music, health talk shows and content suitable for children.
These programs will build a growing library of local content that will be used for digital evangelism across PNG.
”Hope Channel (PNG) now joins the global Hope family to proclaim Jesus and His life-changing power through television ministry,” said Dr Kemp.
This year’s media evangelism offering in August will go towards supporting this project.
making headlines
Indigenous outreach
The Adventist Church in Mexico recently held a conference that gathered more than 1000 members from the six Indigenous Huastec groups. The event was part of a five-year plan to extend evangelism within the Huastec regions and will include radio programs in their three main languages, along with annual evangelistic campaigns.—IAD
Faith-based aged care
The Church in Spain has converted a former residence into an aged care facility that combines comprehensive care with a strong emphasis on Adventist Christian values. Named Maranatha Magán Residence, the centre offers spaces for worship and prayer, catering to not just physical but spiritual needs.—IAD
Run against violence
ADRA Romania’s fourth annual cross-country race, aiming to raise funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence, drew 2958 runners across 12 cities. Donations were put towards psychological and medical support, shelter, clothing, food and legal guidance for those in need.
—ANN
Better air, better grades
Studies have shown that when classrooms are at a comfortable temperature and CO2 levels are low, students perform much better on tests than when CO2 levels are higher and the temperature is too hot or cold. This research could be used by educators to create healthy learning spaces for children and guidelines around ventilation and temperature regulation within the classroom.—Massey University
NBC TV news producers doing lunch-hour news.
Health champions
Members of Burnscreek Hi-way Wellness church, Solomon Islands, supported a community health screening on June 29, led by 10,000 Toes ambassadors— many of them youth. Using the SolPEN protocol, the team screened locals for major non-communicable disease risk factors. The results were sobering: one in three participants showed signs of high blood pressure, one in four were at risk of type 2 diabetes and one in 10 faced a high risk of heart attack or stroke. In response, the church plans to launch a nutrition-focused lifestyle program and expand screenings to nearby congregations. “This initiative is more than just screening—it’s a movement of faith in action,” said church elder Johnny Tasa. “Our young ambassadors are rising as health champions, and our church is taking ownership of the health crisis affecting our families.”—Loanne Liligeto
Space for discovery
Longburn Adventist College (LAC), the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference’s (NZPUC) boarding school, has officially dedicated its newly renovated science block. The $NZ1.4 million upgrade, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, follows six months of extensive structural work. The dedication on June 12 included a service led by NZPUC secretary and LAC board chair Kheir Boutros, and NZPUC president Dr Eddie Tupa’i. Both expressed gratitude for the improved learning space and the opportunity it presents for students to explore God’s creation through science. Dr Tupa’i prayed that the new facilities would “foster discovery, deepen faith” and “reveal God’s glory through scientific exploration”.—Dan Carrasco
Bring a friend
Almost 700 young people gathered at Mountain View Adventist College in Doonside (NSW) on June 21 for a day of worship, sport and connection. Hosted by the Greater Sydney Conference youth department, the event featured music by West Side Worship, a message from Pastor Abel Afele and evening sports tournaments. Many attendees brought non-Adventist friends, making it a day of both outreach and fellowship. Proceeds from the food stall supported an upcoming mission trip.—Record staff
Redefined
More than 300 young people gathered at Eight Mile Plains church in Brisbane (Qld) on June 6 for Redefined—a night of worship hosted by My Edge magazine in partnership with youth ministry Ingreign. The event featured live music, personal testimonies and moments of worship. “The testimonies that were shared resonated with all of us,” said attendee Jazmin Gonzalez from the Gold Coast. My Edge plans to partner with more youth ministries across Australia for similar events.—Kymberley McMurray
Team Faith at work
In preparation for the upcoming New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM) business session, church members across West New Britain Province (PNG) have contributed more than K1 million worth of materials, labour and resources to construct new facilities at Kulungi church near Kimbe.
With the event scheduled for September 28 to 30, a volunteer effort known as the “Faith Project” was launched on March 26 to complete permanent and semi-permanent dormitories, classrooms, toilets, a hall, kitchen and church building.
A total of 446 volunteers from districts across the province (Kandrian, Bali Vitu, Kove, Bialla, Talasea and Kimbe) joined the project, donating timber, food, transport and machinery including dump trucks and excavators. Local construction professionals also offered equipment and staff—continuing to pay their wages.
“We depend entirely on God, and through prayer, we’ve experienced what He can do,” said provincial area supervisor Pastor Gabriel Kamara. “We had inadequate funds to begin, so we named it the ‘Faith Project’ and our workers ‘Team Faith’.”
NBNIM leaders, including president Pastor Andrew Opis and secretary Pastor Richard Koroi, recently visited the site. “You are moving with a different spirit,” said Pastor Opis. “We are excited to see what God is doing here.”
As the project nears completion, church leaders are asking for continued prayer.
—Paul Bopalo
have news to share?
Send info and photos to <news@record.net.au>
A century times six
Adventist Aged Care in Wahroonga (NSW) hosted a special morning tea on June 18 to honour six residents aged 101 and older. Joined by family, staff and community guests, Ruth Hunter (101), Jean Pease (107), Phyllis Timms (102), Leone Rocke (101) and Shirley Norris (101) were celebrated with cake, tributes and speeches. Noelle Humphreys, 105, was unable to attend due to illness. “It’s very unique, and we thoroughly appreciate the residents and the lives they have had—and that they share them with us,” said CEO Brian Swanepoel. Local MPs Alister Henskens and Nicolette Boele were also in attendance, sharing their admiration and birthday wishes.—Tracey Bridcutt
New life, new skills
More than 3000 members from 45 local churches attended the first East District Retention Camp Meeting at Bautama campgrounds, Port Moresby, from June 15 to 20. Held by the Central Papua Conference (CPC), the event offered daytime life skills training and evening church administration workshops. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, dressmakers and employment experts ran sessions aimed at helping members develop income-generating skills. “For many new members, previous occupations don’t align with Adventist lifestyle values, so learning new trades is vital,” said 8 Mile church elder John Olo, an IT professional who took leave from work to support participants. The East District was formed last year after separating from the North-East District. According to East District director Pastor Ismael Teine, the camp was well attended and will likely become an annual event. “God is teaching us how to love and be united as His people,” he said. The week concluded with 140 baptisms.—Reeves Papaol
Youth Engagement
the big three
As parents we all want one thing —to see our children/youth/ young adults reach adulthood retaining a vibrant connection with Jesus Christ and the church. Research shows that the influence of parents is “nearly deterministic” (more on that later). When it comes to positive influence and ongoing engagement of our young people within the church, nothing has a stronger influence than a strong family unit. But what if there was even more help available?
Over a five-year period, 625 Seventh-day Adventist young people in Australia completed two surveys on how they see the church—the first was in 2019 and the second in 2024. I conducted the research which was very relevant to my role as Australian Union Conference youth director. Many important concepts were put forward by respondents and three very significant outcomes stood out across the large range of responses.
The following three things are necessary if the Adventist Church wishes to retain its youth as they finish high school, gain their driver’s licence and more freedom, enter the work force, and/or become university students:
First, as noted above, parents who model a genuine family concern packed with grace-based Christian love have more impact than anything else on the journey from child to young adult.
Second, there needs to be a deep sense of intergenerational connection between the younger set and the older members in the church and vice-versa.
Thirdly, there needs to be a wellformed informal mentoring process in place. In short, to quote an old wellworn epithet: “What you do speaks so loud, I can’t hear what you say!”
In other words Christian goodness, Christian kindness and a deep sense of genuine care are foundational.
Parents
Parents play an important role in the lives of their children. They are a powerful influence right from the day of birth. David Briggs (2014) summarises some of the significant data that arises from a longitudinal study in the USA called “National Study of Youth and Religion”. He discovered only one per cent of teens (aged 15 to 17) raised by parents who attached little importance to religion were still connected to religion in their mid to late 20s. By contrast, 82 per cent of children raised by parents who talked about faith and attached great importance to their beliefs were still active as young adults. Christian Smith, quoted in Briggs (2014), found that the connection is “nearly deterministic” and that “Nothing else comes remotely close to matching the influence of parents on the religious faith and practices of youth. Parents just dominate . . . One of the strong-
est factors associated with older teens keeping their faith as young adults was having parents who talked about religion and spirituality at home” (p17,18).1
This challenges us as parents to make sure we are talking about our faith and belief in positive ways every day. Many of the youth and young adults who responded to my survey talked about the way their parents had been so influential in their lives.
Intergenerational relationships
It is true that all youth and young adults want some special time with those of their own age, but that doesn’t mean total exclusivity. Intergeneration does not mean one group dominating the other. It means each generational group gets to know other groups. This also means young people are seen as much a part of the church as the older persons. The church should not just look out for the spiritual condition of the person, but must ensure that there is care and support for a person, socially and physically as well. Intergenerational relationships work if an interest is taken in a person because of who they are and not just as an office holder or member of the local church.
This might look like inviting youth and young adults home for a meal, being there at a sporting event, a movie night or a multitude of other things of interest. Ultimately, we are social beings and there is much more to life than one aspect of our existence. This connection can take place in many ways and be as broad as one’s imagination.
Some simple ideas to get started. You could initiate conversations about what each individual does, where they work, what they are learning at TAFE or university. It’s very important to know each other’s names and discover what makes each other tick. Intergenerational relationships can be life-changing for all involved and can be as close as one generation or many generations apart in age.
If we want to see real youth en-
gagement in the local church we need these connections.
Mentoring
Mentors are certainly needed, but there is a real skill in being a good mentor. Mentors can be formal or informal. In a very real sense intergenerational relationships and mentoring can and do overlap.
Formal mentoring, or an agreement between two people, the mentor and mentee, is very important and certainly has it place. This article will focus on informal mentoring, which is vitally important in the local church but often missed. But what is informal mentoring? Much informal mentoring happens with a smile, a cheery word, a regular text message, a greeting or genuine acts of care and kindness.
Informal mentoring is when a church member decides to act out of a sense of love, not duty. This needs to begin when children are in Adventurers or Juniors and continue through to the young adult years. Informal mentoring must be long term and intentional. It is when older generations look out for younger generations and regularly connect. Studies have shown that younger men definitely need older men to be a part of that informal mentoring process. Kidder and Doorland (2021) build a strong case challenging churches to make sure that their mentoring processes are in place when it comes to working with males in particular.
They stated, “The top solution we discovered is simple: young men need older male mentors. If you want to see more young men engaged in church attendance, find dedicated men in your congregation who can intentionally mentor preteen boys through their young adult years. Mentoring was the common denominator among all the young men interviewed who were still engaged in church” (p42).2
Church leadership committees can add intentionality to this by making sure that each child is part of the church’s informal mentoring. Two survey responses direct from our
young adults say a lot to all of us:
“I grew up in a single parent family. I think my mum saw my older brothers leave the church because they had no strong mentor (despite her best efforts). So, she made sure I was plugged in with supportive mentors from the youth group I attended, to pastors and other leaders. I am so grateful I had all these people, but I also wonder where these people were for my brothers, I don’t understand why the church didn’t reach out to them” (Survey 179).3
And this: “Since becoming a single mother (out of wedlock) the church has been more supportive than I could have ever imagined! It came as a real surprise to me as I know I did the wrong thing so assumed there would be tension within the church. As far as I can see and tell everyone, at my home church has embraced me further into the church family and have done all they can to support me. People who never spoke to me before now take the time to check in on me. This has really showed me the value of a solid church family” (Survey 277).4
So, we come to the end of this piece. The real task starts now. We move from the descriptive phase to the implementation. I invite all of you, including myself, to make our homes, our churches and ourselves better exponents of Christian love, care and kindness, living out great parenting, genuine intergenerational connections and informal mentoring.
1. Briggs, D (2014) “Parents are top influence in teens remaining active in religion as young adults”. The Christian Century, 131(26), 17,18.
2. SJ Kidder & N Dorland (March 29, 2021), “Getting Back on Track”, Adventist World
3. Dr Jeff Parker dissertation <digitalcommons. andrews.edu/dmin/799/>, page 83.
4. Dr Jeff Parker dissertation <digitalcommons. andrews.edu/dmin/799/>, page 84.
Dr Jeff Parker youth director, Australian Union Conference.
Are Potatoes Good For You?
Despite their popularity, potatoes continue to cop concern, getting caught up in the anti-carb debate. So, we asked Sanitarium dietitian Nicola Perry to cut through the nutrition noise on the humble spud.
“Potatoes are an important part of diets around the world, and a healthy, budget-friendly staple. They contain essential nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C, which are important for energy, immunity, muscle, nerve and cardiovascular health,” said Nicola.
“In fact, potatoes also contribute a small amount of protein, including all nine essential amino acids—a lesserknown benefit! While most vegetables contain little to no carbohydrates, as a starchy vegetable, potatoes naturally provide more carbohydrates making them a quality source of energy for our brains and bodies.
“Not all potatoes are equal though—depending on the variety of potato, glycaemic index (GI), which means how quickly or slowly a carbohydrate food is digested and affects blood sugar levels, differs. This has unfortunately unfairly contributed to their bad carb reputation, despite all potatoes offering nutrients needed for health and quality energy to keep us going.”
Despite differences, Nicola says there’s no need to avoid any type of potatoes. Instead, she recommends choosing potatoes that best complement your meal and your tastebuds.
Explore our range of wholesome, tasty recipes for recipe inspiration at <sanitarium.com>.
Here are Nicola’s healthy eating tips for potatoes:
1. Keep the skin on:
“I recommend always washing your potatoes thoroughly and leaving the skin on for an extra fibre boost. The skin provides insoluble fibre, which helps keep us regular and plays an important role in carrying food through our digestive system.”
2. Cool for better gut health:
“Cooking and cooling potatoes increases their resistant starch content. This is another type of fibre and it acts as a prebiotic feeding the good bacteria in your gut. My favourite way to enjoy cooled potatoes is in dishes like potato salads.”
3. Mix it up:
“If you typically consume white potatoes, you could switch it up with sweet potatoes. White, purple, gold and red sweet potatoes contain vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and powerful plant compounds with antioxidant benefits,” Nicola says.
4. Fresh, not frozen:
“Frozen chips are convenient, but they are typically pre-fried and may have added salt. With just a little extra time, homemade fries are a healthier way to get that takeaway taste, especially when oven baking or using an air fryer.”
5.
Pop them in the pantry:
“I recommend keeping your potatoes in the pantry, not the fridge. Storing them in a cool, dark place helps preserve their quality and prevents them from turning sweet or sprouting.”
IT TOOK A QUESTION
TO BE BORN AGAIN
Ihad the privilege of growing up in an Adventist home.
My mother had tried to teach me the gospel, but I was a moralist—failing, but still aiming, to get to heaven by good behaviour.
Following a career in business, where achieving was the benchmark for success, I was now in my first year of a theology degree at Avondale College (now University).
It was in a class taught by “straight from the shoulder” Arch Hefron, that he confronted his students with the statement, “If you don’t have the assurance of salvation, come and see me in my office.”
What arrogance, I thought, thinking that you could be good enough to be assured of eternal life! So up the stairs I went to his office. The door was open. Arch was standing, bent over, thumbing through papers. I knocked. He didn’t look up. “Yes,” came the gruff voice.
“I’ve come here about the challenge you threw out to the class about being assured of being saved,” I said.
He still didn’t look up. “Yes,” he replied.
“Well, it seems to me that that’s like a pretty self-righteous attitude,” I suggested.
Then he straightened up, looked me straight in the eye, and asked the question that changed my life: “Are your sins forgiven?”
It hit me like a rocket. If my sins were forgiven, then there was no barrier between God and me! And if there was no barrier, then I could be assured of salvation. I had eternal life!
I was “born again”.
The Holy Spirit brought me instant conviction that Jesus had forgiven me 2000 years ago (1 John 2:2,12). Jesus had paid the price for my sin when He was crucified (2 Corinthians 5:21). So now, if I believed that, I had eternal life (John 3:15-18). What mattered was Jesus’ performance. Not mine.
THAT IS “THE GOSPEL”!
God knew the hopeless predicament that I was in–that no matter how hard I tried, I was still a sinner (Romans 3:23; 5:12,18; 7:14-18; Isaiah 64:6). That is why He passionately wanted to give me the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:7-9). I could never get there by myself. What I must do is accept the gift. I did!
Such unconditional love transformed my life. Now, I wanted to live so that others could know the joy of Jesus, have the identity of belonging to God and know the privilege of living without condemnation, in spite of my regrettable mistakes.
This honour has led me to preach “the good news” to thousands of people internationally, so that they too could rejoice in “the incomparable riches of His grace”. That “grace” encourages us to do whatever God has prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:7-10).
Jesus truly said that “God so loved the world that he gave his unique son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Arch Hefron taught me a great lesson. That lesson was in the power of a question. I guess that Arch had learned that technique from his master Teacher–Jesus.
Have you noticed how Jesus often used a question to help people think? Self-realisation and truth can often come from a question, more than from “telling”.
Do you use questions when you share Jesus’ way?
If you do, then others too may embrace the gospel, the good news of Jesus’ gift to us and have the assurance of salvation.
John Denne retired pastor, ministerial secretary and mentor to pastors.
kum ba yahs and Candles
It’s just not my thing ay,“ my friend said, as she threw me a look—a mixture of pity and guilt.
“That’s fine,” I quickly replied, not knowing what to do with yet another dismissal of my women’s ministry events. I hadn’t always thought women’s ministry was my thing either, but now that I’d been running events for 10 years, I’d come to see the value of the programs and the fellowship.
The particular weekend in question saw a woman attending who had been at our Adventist school boarding facility, but had left the Church and just returned, decades later. Another woman was new to our Church and enjoying meeting fellow Adventists. Mothers brought teens pretending to be indifferent yet still in the presence of women in worship and older women brought unchurched friends. Friends we hadn’t yet met from another denomination also came to worship alongside friends we only see once a year.
What type of woman does see it as “their thing”? In the
years I have been running women’s weekends I’ve noticed some trends. Women, as a generalisation, love to do things together as a group of girlfriends. This is true of any group of females but particularly among cultural groups such as Pacifica, African and Filipino women—to name a few in our Conference.
There is strength and beauty in togetherness. Women who are older and/or alone have the opportunity to find a feeling of belonging and often look forward to a gathering of like-minded Christians. Women looking for some “me” time—away from the busyness of family, work and church responsibilities—love the connection. Women who are looking for a deeper spiritual connection are attracted to a strong message. Women who love to laugh, let their hair down and enjoy downtime, book into retreats with their friends. And some women come “just because you need help to run things . . . but remember it’s not my thing!” And, while never admitting to it, they often find more than they bargained for.
I can’t say I blame my friends. It may seem that for the
uncomfortable sacrifice of leaving their husband and kids to their own ends, they only receive a dubious-smelling free candle and several emotional rounds of handholding while singing “Kum ba Yah”!
Oh, come on now—where did these ideas come from!? Could it be that we have been ingrained with the notion that where girls gather the stereotype of “froth and bubble” décor will be more dominant than the goodness of God theology shared? Have we as women been led to believe that we have no need to nurture our own spirituality, but rather actively encourage our men and children to know God, before we seek Him ourselves? May it even be that as women in church, we may let our self-esteem ebb to levels that make it uncomfortable to face our spiritual sides and share these with others?
Each reason or excuse for not “feeling” a call to meet with other women, spiritually and socially, is as individual as each of us. The only crime is if we, as a church, don’t encourage the women to seek fellowship where
appropriate, as they do for others.
So what about the candles? What about the heightened emotions? Oh, come on now—you know a girl loves gifts and cute décor and that tapping into emotions has “good gospel vibes” all over it!
The best gatherings of women in our church today involve times that supersede the so-called “girly” trappings and trade—at least some of these—for top level sharing of God’s Word by excellent speakers, in a setting designed to intentionally bring God’s girls to His throne. Workshop options at retreats I am involved in include “Reaching the community”, “Giving Bible studies”, “Bible journalling”, “Prayer ministry”, “Health initiatives”, “Hands-on craft options to bless others with” and “How to prepare sermons”.
Lori Hatcher, writing for Crosswalk.com observed, “When I join a group of women singing praise songs to God, I experience a taste of what heaven’s going to be like when we’re gathered around His throne. When I sit with my sisters and open God’s Word, the insights I gain as we study together add weight and credence to its truth. When I pray for others, and they pray for me, I know I’m not alone, no matter how heavy my burden is. Some years their faith strengthens me, and other years my faith strengthens them. Together we bear each other’s burdens.”
She continues, with examples of the non-verbal dialogue in our heads: “I can’t be gone for a whole weekend. Who will take the kids to soccer?; My husband hates it when I’m gone. It’s not worth the hassle; It’s out of my comfort zone and a little scary.”
She concludes, “We have a hundred reasons why we shouldn’t go to the women’s retreat. Some years the voices win out, and we stay home. Later, when we hear the glowing reports from others about how wonderful it was, we feel a pang of regret, but it doesn’t last long. ‘Oh well,’ we say, ‘maybe next year.’ Other times we make the extra effort, and we’re the ones sharing happy stories and telling how glad we are that we attended.”
As a women’s ministry coordinator, I don’t have all the answers to encourage my friends to attend a retreat weekend. What I do know is that even when YOU may not see the benefit for yourself, there are always women who do attend who could greatly benefit from your presence— how’s that for some solid female subliminal guilt?
So, could it be “your thing”, my friend? Next time you see a women’s event advertised, come and make the best spiritual memories. Take it from me and a few thousand blessed women when we say ”please try not to let those crazy notions of candles and Kum ba Yah’s derail your purpose”. There’s every chance you will be blessed in the most surprising ways . . . and be a blessing.
Lynette Laws Women’s
ministry coordinator in North NZ.
Blaming our fortune-telling god
Christians often worship a fortune-telling caricature of our Creator and Best Friend. Then we blame this fortune-telling god for decisions that are actually our own. You might think this is all a bit far-fetched, but chances are, you’ve done it too. I know I have.
Let me explain.
When, as growing Christians, we hear inspirational stories of how God directly intervened and led in the lives of other Christians, we often get jealous. Your friend tells you how God chose their house, or spouse, through an amazing story of events that can hardly be described as mere coincidence. He prayed that she would say some specific phrase. She said those exact words and voilá!
Why doesn’t God do that for me?
So we try to recreate the miraculous in our own lives. We make deals with God on our own terms, then interpret whatever happens next as God directly intervening to solve
our problem, or get us out of a pickle. Or we just want to sound spiritual so we start telling stories about how God led us to the exact situation we’re in now, or how He told us that the thing we happen to want to do is actually His will for us. Sound familiar?
I’ve done this myself. I prayed that if I got accepted to do a PhD then I would take it as God’s will for me to do the doctorate. Then I told people that God led me to do the PhD. Looking back, perhaps there was a little arrogance behind my claim. One, I wanted to deflect from any perception of my PhD being a vanity project. (It probably was!) And secondly, I wanted to sound extra spiritual—as though I had a direct connection to knowing God’s will. Looking back, while I don’t have any specific regrets about doing the PhD, I probably wouldn’t have done it if I could have that time over again with the wisdom of hindsight.
This blaming of our fortune-telling version of “God” can
take a wide variety of forms. You may have tried this in a business meeting. You want to get the church to agree to something so you lead with “We’ve been praying a lot about this and God has led us to . . .” Or perhaps you don’t particularly like what’s being proposed, so you respond with “Have we prayed enough about this? I think we need to commit this decision to prayer.” Try either one of those next time you’re in a church meeting and see the influential power of appealing to a fortune-telling god. (I say this facetiously of course! Please don’t do that!)
This habit of blaming God for our decisions started right back with Adam and Eve. They made poor decisions then ultimately blamed God for them. We’ve caught onto their habit.
The serpent convinced Eve that God was restrictive. There was one path for her and one path only that God ordained. His temptation emphasised the restrictions, making them seem all-pervasive. But in fact, God’s will for Eve was broad. There were many viable choices of fruits that she could eat. Only one was wrong. Today Christians often flip that to think that God is restrictive on our choices. There is only one career, one life partner, one option that God will bless. The others are all dead ends. Our job is to find the one path that’s in God’s will for our lives. But that is a deception. God created us free. He loves us way more than parents love their children. He doesn’t want to remove our freedom.
Parents, imagine your children coming to ask you: What car should I buy? Which course of study should I take? Which job should I apply for? Where should I live? Who should I marry? When should I have kids? Would you, as parents, want to keep on giving detailed directions for your adult offspring? Only if—God forbid—you’re a controlling parent.
This actually breaks the third commandment—taking God’s name in vain.
Here’s why we treat God like a fortune-teller. We want to avoid the hard work, risk and responsibility involved in constantly prioritising among good options for major life decisions. We want God to do more than simply tell us broadly what is good and bad. We want Him to tell us which specific option is best. Wouldn’t that make life much easier?
Think twice before praying, “God, I’ll marry the first person who speaks to me.” Such a prayer is foolish. It doesn’t make what happens next “God’s will” just because you put your fortune-telling god in a corner.
The strange story of Jephthah’s daughter (Judges 11) is actually a great biblical reminder of the danger of treating God like a fortune-teller. God won’t always intervene the way we expect, if at all, when we make crazy deals with Him on our own terms.
You may wonder, what about God’s leading in the choice of Rebekah as Isaac’s wife? This is a great case study (see Genesis 24). Abraham’s servant didn’t ask
for an arbitrary sign but for something that revealed the woman’s character. If we ask God for signs, ask for one that makes sense. Remember Jesus warned that only the selfish demand signs.
What about the promise of Isaiah 30:21 that God will guide us to the right or left? This is often taken out of context. The very next verse gives clarity: the promise is for guidance in the absolute moral boundaries of good and evil. Not fortune-telling between good options.
God has already given us detailed instructions of His will. But the instructions are not fortune-telling: picking the winner or getting us out of a tight spot. He’s given us a beautiful picture of His character, principles of right and wrong, and godly values and directions for abundant and happy living. They’re all in the Bible.
God’s original guidance to Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:16,17 is a great template for knowing God’s will for our decisions today. I’m paraphrasing: “There are many good things you are free to do with your lives, within broad boundaries for what’s morally good and bad. Please remain within the boundaries of truth and love so that you are happy and prosper. If you choose evil, suffering will inevitably follow.”
God doesn’t give us freedom only to want to take it back again by giving us detailed instructions—if we’re spiritual enough to find them—for the one exclusive pathway that is alone His will for our lives. That’s the image of a fortune-telling image god.
Occasionally God does intervene directly and give a specific plan for who to marry (Hosea), or where to live (Abraham), or what career to pursue (Saul who became Paul). In none of these cases do we find the person praying to God that He would reveal His choice in these specific matters. God simply unambiguously gave an unexpected life-changing plan. The more we trust in God, the more often He will intervene like this. But He does so on His terms, not on ours. If He reveals His specific will to us for a choice between otherwise “good” options, follow it! But if He does not, it’s not because we’re any less spiritual.
Remember, we serve a God of love and freedom. Like a parent, He delights to see us exercise our own free will, creatively expressing our love for Him as we follow Him within the broad principles and boundaries of His truth and love.
Daniel Livingston, PhD leads a science and research team at a large utility in the Hunter region of NSW. He attends Newcastle University Adventist Church with his family.
Wrestling with God
It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff” (Hebrews 11:21).
Growing up in the Church, I frequently encountered the phrase “wrestling with God”. In most instances, it was described as an allegorical debate, a sort of “fighting it out” to see what God thinks about a certain situation or idea. Of course, God would always win, but we were to argue anyway, even if we knew the answer, because somehow it would increase our faith.
Late one Friday night, the Sabbath speaker for the public campus ministry church plant I was leading had to cancel. It obviously being too late to find someone else, I began to pray for guidance as to what I should present instead. The phrase, “wrestling with God” kept reverberating through my mind. For years I have been told its interpretation, but I had never studied it for myself. I had read through Genesis
multiple times, but hadn’t thought further about this story’s significance. I grabbed my favourite Bible and began to read, from the beginning, Jacob’s life story.
Over the next two or three hours, I read swathes of Scripture, eager to understand what this concept truly means. We begin in Genesis 25. From the moment of his birth, Jacob’s character is easily understood: he is a supplanter. Through deception, he takes every blessing he can for himself, no matter the cost to others. That is literally what his name means, and story after story reveals that he lives up to it.
On the edge of the land of Canaan, alone, helpless and sleeping with his head on a rock, God reveals Himself to Jacob for the first time in a dream. He sees a ladder with angels ascending to and descending from heaven. He hears God’s voice as He gives a promise of a real blessing, one that is designed for him and one that he doesn’t
require supplanting to receive. Considering Jacob’s history, God’s final words are astounding: “I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15).
God knew who Jacob was, but He offered him these promises anyway. Jacob gave a conditional promise in response and commemorated the event with a pillar.
Over the next few chapters, Jacob experiences a taste of his own medicine as his father-in-law continually deceives and supplants him. After patiently enduring for well over a decade, God reveals Himself to Jacob again, telling him that it’s time to go home.
On the border of Canaan, near where God had originally met with him, he begins to panic. What if he will be made to pay for his sins? In desperation, he prayed. He recognises his sin and acknowledges that he has done nothing to deserve God’s goodness, yet he pleads that God will keep the promise He had made all of those years earlier.
Up until this point, Jacob has been growing and changing. He was learning to hear God’s voice and to trust Him. But now comes the ultimate test—will God actually do what He has promised?
While all alone in the middle of the night, after sending everyone else across the river into Canaan, a man attacked Jacob. Having been living in fear of his brother, it is likely that he supposed it was someone sent to murder him. Jacob was fighting for his life.
Like Jacob, we have been born as supplanters, living for personal, selfish gain. Throughout the course of our lives, we do a lot of evil. Over time we change, we become better people—albeit slowly—and we learn to hear God’s voice and trust Him. Then we come to the moment when we face the fact that God hasn’t actually saved us yet: we haven’t had a true conversion, and we are, either physically or spiritually, fighting for our lives.
God revealed Himself to Jacob as his greatest fear—a murderer in the night. The only hope Jacob had of living to see the morning was that God would keep His promise. It was this hope—this faith—that kept him fighting all night long. God saw that Jacob would use all of his physical strength to not give up the fight, so He took his physical strength away.
With the touch that put his hip out of socket, Jacob realised with Whom he was dealing. When the Man asked to be let go, Jacob refused. He had confessed his sins and given all he had, now it was time for him to claim God’s promise, knowing that is the only thing that could save him, both now from his brother and eternally. He asked for the blessing God had promised him. In response, God asked for his name, making him own up to who he was, then changed it, signifying God’s power to change his character and make him righteous.
We experience true conversion when we choose to claim God’s promises. When we come to the place where
we confess our sins and see that our own strength cannot set us free, we understand our helplessness. In these moments, if we choose to rely on God’s mercy, God will save us. No sin is too great that it cannot be forgiven. God has promised, and He is faithful. This is how we walk by faith.
In Hebrews’ recount of the generational passing of the promise, the author remarks that not only did Jacob pass the promise of salvation onto the subsequent generations, but he worshipped as he did it, leaning on a cane. He had been permanently disabled. Each day of his life, he had a physical reminder of his altercation with God, and each day he remembered that God had been faithful to His promise. His firsthand experience with God gave him the assurance of the full salvation through Christ for himself and his posterity even though he would not see it in his lifetime.
As I closed my study that night, I thought back to the time in my life where I learned how to claim the promises of God. In the middle of the night, all alone in my dorm room, I understood my helplessness. Reading chapter 6 on faith in Steps to Christ, I realised that I hadn’t been given victory over my fears because I had never chosen to forsake all and trust only the promises of God. Through the darkness, I cried for forgiveness, then claimed in full confidence the power of God for my salvation. In that instant, I experienced freedom. My fears never returned, I lived in peace, and God became my own more than I ever thought He could. We have all the assurance we need of our salvation.
Wrestling with God is not about fighting with Him or giving in, but refusing to let go of His promises. We don’t cling to our own strength, but in worship lean on His.
Kelli Daugherty-Kitevski
is an editor and writer in Sydney, Australia. Originally from the United States, she has a background in music and a passion for sharing practical truths from God’s word.
Dementia and finance
One area that I’d love to see the Church address is the issue of dementia and finances (“Become a dementia-friendly church”, June 21). Many people with dementia lose financial capacity, and I’d like to see the Church tackle the problem of dementia sufferers giving excessive money to the Church because they’ve lost capacity to manage their money. Many people with dementia spend money in an almost-OCD manner— buying excessive clothes, or phones, etc. This can also be reflected in their giving to the Church—not realising that they don’t have the funds to do so. When I took over managing my mum’s finances, I found that she was giving very generously to the Church and a variety of charities, but her bank account had been overdrawn a number of times in just a few months. It’s a tricky issue, but I’d love to see the Church come up with some guidelines around this
Julie Wind Hoey, via Facebook
Conversations
Always room
I would love to see the artworks (“Moth-eaten souls”, June 21). Fortunately our Church does have very good nursing homes and I work in one as a volunteer chaplain. The many dementia residents are beautifully cared for but there is always room for improvement and we need more caring visitors and more education about this phenomenon.
Joy-Marie Butler, via Facebook
Prayer growth
Thank you for this beautiful article: “Prayer group marks 10-year anniversary” (Facebook, June 18). It’s so inspiring to see this, and I hope many more prayer groups like this will continue to grow. God bless you all.
Dejan Stojkovic, via Facebook
Inspiring read
I truly enjoyed reading the book All Things to All People by David Syme (reported in Record in the article “Mission stories celebrated at ADRA
anniversary”). Thank you to Signs for publishing this book.
It is a very inspiring read, showcasing the amazing ways that God has worked through this couple and their faithful obedience, to save lives and bring healing and the gospel of salvation to others that they have helped across the world.
It is an encouraging testament of what God’s spirit at work in the lives of His people can accomplish today.
Bijoy Menon, NZ
Make an impact
I’d like to think that you did make an impact on more than one person there (“Not just about the moment”, Feature, May 31). Your time, your presence and what you shared would have left an impression and impact on them without you knowing but God. I know that God appreciated your effort. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
Apii Inukiha’angana, via Facebook
Wedding
DONALD—LOCKHART. Jesse
Alexander Donald, son of Brett and Debbie Donald (Windsor, NSW) and Sarah Ann Lockhart, daughter of Kelvin and Cherie Lockhart (Schofields) were married on 15.6.25 at Appin House, Appin. Jesse and Sarah met at church, and their love blossomed over the AV desk, serving their church and Conference at local events. They plan to set up their home in Penrith where Sarah is a registered nurse and currently studying to be a midwife. Jesse works as an IT professional.
Simon Gigliotti
Obituaries
DOVE, Edward Kenneth, born 3.11.1935; died 14.5.25 in Birtinya, Qld. On 20.3.16 he married Barbara Maller. He was predeceased by his first wife, Judith and his second wife, Joy. Ken is survived by his wife (Little Mountain); son, Stephen and Margaret (Chelmer); daughter, Kerry (Forest Lake) and grandchildren, Annie and Isaak. In a moment of deep despair, Ken cried out to God, “If You are real, show Yourself to me.” The Lord answered his heartfelt plea, leading Ken to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church. From that moment on, he dedicated his life to serving God and the Church in many meaningful ways until his passing. Ken was a gifted artist, known for his caricatures and cartoons. His talent brought joy and inspiration through illustrations in books, newspapers, shows and fairs.
Scott Wareham, John Rabbas
YOULDEN, Jean
Murray (nee Miller), born 31.5.1922; died 13.6.25 in Warrina Aged Care, Castle Hill, NSW. She was predeceased by husband, Frank; brother, Graham Miller (ex-SPD youth director); and grandson, Paul. Jean is survived by her children, Geoff and Lynne (Adelaide, SA); Margaret and Ian Howie (Sydney, NSW) and Bruce and Anne-Marie (Newcastle); grandchildren, Nigel, Jason, Royden, Brayden, Michael and Daniel; and 11 great-grandchildren. Jean will long be remembered by her loving family and those who called her “Mum”, for her selfless generosity, gracious thoughtfulness and caring spirit. She sleeps, awaiting reunion with her brother, husband and family, when together they meet their Saviour.
Geoff Youlden, Ian Howie
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MISSING MEMBERS. The Innisfail Seventh-day Adventist church is looking for the following members: Gerald Berry-Porter, Gail Hitchings, Jacob James, Bert Jose, Grace Jose, Josef MacAlpine, Valda Maloney, Warren Maloney, Christine Maudsley, Niumaia Narabe, Christine Robinson, Mark and Jodi Slingo, Kayla Turner, Suzanne Ward. Please contact the church clerk <innisfailsdachurch@gmail. com>.
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