Adventist Record - October 19, 2019

Everything beautiful LAUGH OF THE KOOKABURRA: A LITTLE TASTE OF HEAVEN 12 NEWS CHRISTIAN WOMEN LEADERS MEET PM 7 ADVENTIST RECORD | OCTOBER 19, 2019 ISSN 0819-5633

editor’s note

creation care Climate change. It’s a hot topic (sorry, I couldn’t help that one). All over mainstream media lately, we’ve seen thousands, even hundreds of thousands of predominantly young people around the world calling for a change in how the environment is being treated.

Even as the movement gains momentum, there is mounting resistance. And the reaction from Christians has been, in many cases, underwhelming.

This will be a controversial statement for some but here it goes: Adventists need to stand up and defend the environment.

It makes my heart sick to see the exploitation and destruction of the beautiful planet God has gifted us. If we cannot be good stewards here on Earth, as we were called to be (Genesis 1), then what makes us think we are fit for that same work in the New Earth?

Our first step needs to be to develop (maybe rediscover) good theology around creation care. It needs a “Theocentric” approach, an area in which we can contribute—placing God in the middle.

The first angel flying through heaven in Revelation 14 proclaims: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Did you catch that? Worship God who is Creator. It is hard to worship God while trashing His creation. Placing high regard on His creation then includes uplifting those who are made in His image.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Many environmental problems could be solved by alleviating poverty, which forces people into environmentally destructive behaviours.

And then there’s this: “The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small—and for destroying those who destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:18).

Destroying those who destroy the earth? I often wonder if that includes me. I wonder if buying a new smartphone with a chip taken from ravaged ground

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senior consulting editor glenn townend senior editor jarrod stackelroth assistant editors maryellen fairfax copyeditors tracey bridcutt kent kingston melody tan

in a process using child labour makes me complicit; if buying cheap cotton products with cotton grown in land not meant for growing that crop means I’m destroying a river system somewhere; if my superannuation, which is on “set and forget” mode, is contributing to an open cut mining company or a palm oil company that is destroying pristine rainforest.

Are the products that ensure my comfort and accessibility to the world I live in contributing to pollution or poverty or crime somewhere across the face of the globe? The reality is they probably are.

Our choices and our actions matter.

Yes, environmentalism does have the potential to become a religion. Perhaps there are hidden agendas.

It could even be used as justification for end-time religious restrictions. But that should not scare us, not if we are centred in our Creator.

If we don’t develop our own robust theology and action plan then we will drive our young people, our best and brightest, into the very arms of that religion.

For us, care for creation should be a healthy part of our own Jesus-centred, Sabbath sealed, hope-filled faith. We can have a nuanced, balanced view of the importance of the world around us without selling our souls.

We should not fear our children developing a passion for environmental care. We can foster and support that while teaching them about God who made the environment and how we’re called to protect it.

People will only listen to our unique, end-time message if we care about them and the here and now, not just the prophetic future. When the Church sets itself up as a fortress against these sorts of social movements, it prompts our young people to leave. Yet our theology has room in it to love and care for the environment and still be a disciple of Jesus and an ambassador of the Advent hope and message.

Creation jarrod stackelroth Sabbath is Senior editor /JStackelroth October 26.

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october 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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news

creation sabbath Science is highly respected because it is based on empirical evidence and rigorous research. For example, Sydney Adventist Hospital is held in high esteem for being on the cutting edge of prostate cancer research. Based on new knowledge and technology, the theories and methods of detecting and treating this cancer are changing—they are now more accurate.

Scientific advancement is beneficial but blindly following science leads to naïve thinking: Science says it, so it is right. Scientific theories are changed or discarded as knowledge increases.

The same is true of the science of origins.

Visionary Adventist pioneer Ellen White, reflecting on the differences between science and Scripture, wrote, “There should be a settled belief in the divine authority of God’s Holy Word.

The Bible is not to be tested by men’s ideas of science. Human knowledge is an unreliable guide. Sceptics who read the Bible for the sake of caviling, may, through an imperfect comprehension of either science or revelation, claim to find contradictions between them; but rightly understood, they are in perfect harmony” (PP, 114).

Theoretically, if we knew everything, science and Scripture would harmonise—because God is consistent.

However, we humans are limited in our knowledge of both science and Scripture. Paul acknowledged, “For now we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV) and, as Moses pointed out, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29, ESV).

Current scientific conclusions may raise questions we don’t have answers for—but part of maturity is living with questions and exploring possible new answers, without throwing out the solid foundation of Scripture. We’ll have access to all the answers in eternity. In the meantime we can keep marvelling at the wonders of God’s Creation.

Glenn townend SPD president /SPDpresident

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Adventist record | october 19, 2019

vanuatu government seeks support maryellen fairfax The government of Vanuatu has appealed to the Vanuatu Mission (VM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to extend the Blossom project to other Christian denominations.

Dorosday Kenneth, director of the Department of Women’s Affairs for the Vanuatu government, met with VM president Pastor Nos Terry to discuss how Blossom—an ADRA family life education program—could strengthen family units.

Ms Kenneth expressed that she would like to see Blossom training programs implemented throughout all Christian denominations.

Pastor Terry was quick to assure Ms Kenneth that VM is most willing to share its resources with the community and to contribute to the government’s “People’s Plan 2030”.

“If things go right [at home], things will go right everywhere,” explained Pastor Terry.

pastor terry meeting Dorosday Kenneth.

Blossom was jointly launched

by Pastor Terry and the Vanuatu Institute of Teacher Education principal Ben Bulekuran in May. According to the program’s “Training Facilitator’s Learning Objectives”, the Blossom project manual aims to: • Define “family” in the Vanuatu and biblical context.

• Discuss statistics on domestic violence in Vanuatu.

• Explore and identify problems families face at home.

• Discuss solutions for creating a healthy home.

• Develop a “forward plan” for all eight Seventh-day Adventist districts in Vanuatu.

• Train leaders to implement the Blossom project in their churches and communities.

new van a blessing for ministry record staff “We praise God for bringing Independent ministry Opergenerous people to help us ation Food for Life (OFFL) has been blessed by the donation of a accomplish His will and purpose He has called us to serve and pre-loved 14-seater van to assist minister through OFFL’s ministry.” its work in Papua New Guinea.

OFFL’s Born Free Sanctuary OFFL founder Dennis Perry provides full-time care for said the vehicle was needed to neglected and abused children transport children and youth from and youth. OFFL also operates the Born Free Sanctuary to and two early learning schools. from school and church.

“The donation occurred when we least expected it, and according to God’s perfect timing,” Mr Perry said.

“Up until the donation, our only aged vehicle had been The new van is providing transport off the road due to gearbox for children to school and church. failure.

san doctors awarded for their care and commitment leisa o’connor Sydney Adventist Hospital doctors have been recognised for their passion and expertise during the inaugural San Hospital Doctor Gala Dinner, at the Harbourside Taronga Function Centre.

South Pacific Division president and Adventist HealthCare chairman, Pastor Glenn Townend (via video) welcomed the doctors and reinforced the Board’s support of them and their work. Other presenters included master of ceremonies Jean Kittson, Adventist HealthCare CEO Brett Goods and medical executive Dr Jeanette Conley.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of award winners from among the many talented doctors nominated by their peers and hospital staff.

Long-serving and much revered former medical advisory committee chairman, Professor Brian Jones, was awarded the San Doctor Award for his altruism, compassion, integrity, leadership, mentorship and wholistic approach in caring for patients.

Noting his retirement at the end of September after 33 years at the San, Professor Jones was characteristically

in clinical research,” Professor Woo humble about his award, expressing said. his joy in working at the San. San cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Ian “The San is a unique institution,” he Nicholson was announced the winner said. “[The staff] are all great people of the San Doctor Community Services and they have an ethos that makes Award. An Order of Australia recipient the hospital special . . . I’ll miss them in 2014 and finalist for the Australian terribly.” of the Year in 2016, Dr Nicholson has The prestigious San Doctor taken part in more than 50 volunteer Academic Award was presented to life-saving heart missions with Open current medical advisory committee Heart International. deputy chairman, Professor Henry During the gala event Mr Goods Woo, in recognition of his leadership, shared recent hospital initiatives, innovation and commitment to educaacknowledging the role of the medical tion and skills sharing. fraternity in underpinning the hospiProfessor Woo is a professor of tal’s provision of quality care. surgery at the University of Sydney, a foundation member of the academic staff of the onsite medical school, and has been prolifically involved in clinical trials and publishing research.

“Research is part of the DNA of all people who study medicine and receiving this award is an example of how the ceo brett goods, professor brian jones, professor San environment can be henry woo and san medical executive dr jeanette conley. conducive to excellence

South Brisbane church celebrates 120 years maryellen fairfax South Brisbane Seventh-day Adventist Church (Qld) celebrated 120 years on Sabbath, August 31.

Many past members returned “home” to share memories and reflect on the church’s rich history.

South Queensland Conference president Pastor Brett Townend gave

Pastor Townend cracks a whip during the children’s story.

a presentation of the church’s journey and challenged the congregation to “look forward”. He also told the children’s story and captivated attendees with his ability to crack a whip.

Pastor Wal Taylor, aged 102, wrote a beautiful letter about the church, which was read out. A Korean choir sang “Blessed Assurance”.

A luncheon gave attendees the opportunity to reunite and reminisce.

The South Brisbane church was established from a group of 30 believers, thanks largely to the work of literature evangelists. A newspaper extract, dated October 14, 1898, reported that there

were “approximately 175 Seventh-day Adventists living in Queensland”.

October 13­-21, 1898, saw the first Seventh-day Adventist camp meeting in Queensland, at Logan Road, Woolloongabba. Ellen White was a principal speaker at the meetings, which attracted between 1000­and 3000 people. During the camp, Mrs White experienced a vision about South Brisbane church and how to best present the gospel message in Queensland.

South Brisbane church has spawned three new churches: Springwood, Mount Gravatt and Logan.

South Brisbane pastor, Gideon Okesene, is proud of the church’s thriving Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs, and their committed volunteers. october 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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North women’s retreat hotnztopics melody tan

Attended by almost 200 women, the North New Zealand Women’s Ministries conference hosted its largest retreat in five years at Tui Ridge on September 20–22.

Lynelle Laws, Women’s Ministries director for the North New Zealand Conference, attributes the rise in numbers to word-of-mouth, because “past attendees have found it a blessing in previous years”.

Karen Price, a “student advocate” and special needs teacher for Avondale School (Primary) in New South Wales, Australia, was the speaker for the weekend, themed The Advocate.

Ms Price spoke at four sessions, encouraging women to look beyond their perceived limitations and to rely on God’s strength.

“I just wanted the ladies to know that the Holy Spirit was given to us as an advocate and we do have the master key to access God,” she says.

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On Sabbath afternoon, attendees, aged from 14 to more than 80, also had the opportunity to attend a attendees holding their craft projects. number of workshops. Topics— enriched,” said Lynyce Leuuin from including mental wellness, Bible Cambridge church. journalling, candle making and green $NZ1100 was also collected at a living tips—were presented by different special offering for the “For the love speakers from both New Zealand and of Phileo” project, a scholarship fund Australia. to support female students attending “There’s always something new to Sonoma Adventist College (PNG). learn and I get to meet new people Ms Laws said the conference was too,” said Christina Simamao, from to help the “ladies see their potential, New Lynn Samoan Church. “I look that they’re not just a number . . . God forward to [the retreat] every year.” is accessible to them.”

Ms Simamao has attended every Ms Laws hopes attendees will be retreat since 2005, only missing three inspired to bring their friends—even due to personal reasons. those who don’t attend church—to “It has been absolutely amazing future women’s retreats. and really uplifting. I feel spiritually

christian women leaders meet pm maryellen fairfax Society, Anglican Deaconess MinisRepresentatives from the tries, Australian Christian Churches and Seventh-day Adventist Church met with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with representatives from both major political parties to advocate and other senior parliamentarians in for policies supporting and protecting Canberra on September 17-18, to vulnerable women and children in the highlight the issue of violence toward South Pacific. This was in support of the women and children in the Pacific.

Greater Sydney Conference Adventist Federal Government’s “Pacific Step Up” campaign.

Women’s Ministries director Beryl The group presented four requests to Landers and Australian Women’s the Australian Government: Christian Temperance Union presi• To ensure that Pacific Step Up dent Joy Marie Butler were nominated empowers local communities to by the Adventist Development and lead their own development.

Relief Agency (ADRA) to represent the • To ensure Pacific Step Up recogSeventh-day Adventist Church at the nises the needs of the most vulnermeetings. able women and children.

They joined 40 other women to • To work with the Australian Church present requests to various members to leverage, amplify and strengthen of parliament on Tuesday, September the Pacific Church as a partner for 17. Mrs Landers was then selected development and nation building. among 10 women to speak with the • To ensure the Pacific Step Up is prime minister himself on Wednesday, not at the cost of “stepping down” September 18. elsewhere in the world.

In their 15-minute meeting, Mrs The women presented their requests Landers was impressed that Mr in light of a recent report revealing that Morrison mentioned Seventh-day nearly 87 per cent of children experiAdventists three times. ence physical or sexual violence across “He was on board with our requests eight Pacific countries. because he sees how integral the Mrs Landers said she is inspired and Church is to development in the will take her experience into future Islands,” she said. “He’s seen the meetings. work of ADRA and he’s met the prime “I am going to the Australian minister of Papua New Guinea, who is Union Conference in October for their an Adventist. He even used the collowomen’s ministry advisory. I will chalquial term ‘SDA’!” lenge them that Adventist women in The cohort is the largest delegation Australia can be the voice of the voiceof female Christian leaders to travel less sisters in the Islands. This has been to Parliament, a unified effort coordia great learning experience.” nated by Micah Australia—a coalition of churches and Christian non-government organisations that raises a voice for justice and a world free from poverty.

The women leaders—including representatives from Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, The Salvation Army, Hillsong, beryl landers with Mr Morrison and other church Baptist, Churches representatives at parliament house, canberra. of Christ, Bible

news grabs

creation sabbath next week

The General Conference has created Finding Rest, a two-minute film revealing the true character of God as the Creator. It is designed to be shown in churches for “Creation Sabbath” on October 26 and can be readily accessed in many languages at creationsabbath.net.—Timothy Standish

east african medical school

Republic of Rwanda president Paul Kagame joined GC president Dr Ted Wilson to unveil the new East-Central Africa Division School of Medicine in early September. The first completed phase includes nine laboratories, smart classrooms, a modern cafeteria, student dormitories and a guest house.—ANN

samoans baptised in usa

More than 900 people attended the North American Division Samoan Camp Meetings in Washington (USA) from June 24-30. Attendees shared traditional fashions, songs, dances, comedies and unique stories that illustrated “breaking through enemy lines”. As a result, a total of 44 people were baptised.—Gleaner Now

october 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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hot topics South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day adventist church statement on the environment NEW CEO FOR BIble soCIETy

Bible Society Australia has announced the appointment of its new CEO, Grant Thompson. With previous pastoral experience and a 20-year career as Hillsong’s global chief marketing officer, he is highly skilled at digital marketing, publishing and strategic planning.

He commenced the new role on October 1.—Bible Society

CHURCH COULD MAKE YOU FAT

According to data from Duke University’s Samuel DuBois Cook Center for Social Equity (US), black men who attend church almost daily were nearly three times more likely to be obese than those who don’t attend church or rarely go. While expected to relate to social norms, the trend affects only men and its cause is so far unknown.—Adventist Today

kanye west turns christian?

Kanye West has reportedly told fans that he will no longer make “secular” music and that his new album “Jesus is King” will be free from profanity.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, parts of the Lord’s Prayer will show up in choruses, and West will use Jesus’ name as the first word of every bar of a verse.—Relevant

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Seventh-day Adventists believe that humankind was created in the image of God, thus representing God as His stewards, to rule the natural environment in a faithful and fruitful way (Genesis 1:26,27).

Unfortunately, corruption and exploitation have been brought into the management of the human domain of responsibility (Romans 5:12; 8:20,21). Increasingly, men and women have been involved in thoughtless destruction of the earth’s resources, resulting in widespread suffering, environmental disarray and the threat of climate change.

While scientific research needs to continue, it is clear from the accumulated evidence that the increasing emission of destructive gases, the depletion of the protective mantle of ozone, the massive destruction of the world’s forests, rising sea levels and the so-called greenhouse effect, are all threatening the earth’s eco-system.

These problems are largely due to human selfishness and the egocentric pursuit of getting more and more through ever-increasing production, unlimited consumption and depletion of non-renewable resources. The ecological crisis is rooted in humankind’s greed and refusal to practise good and faithful stewardship within the divine boundaries of creation.

Seventh-day Adventists advocate a simple, wholesome lifestyle, where people do not step on the treadmill of unbridled consumerism, goods-getting and production of waste. We call for respect of creation, restraint in the use of the world’s resources, re-evaluation of one’s needs and reaffirmation of the dignity of created life.

We support the efforts of concerned world leaders and all humankind to protect and respect that which has been created by God and entrusted to us.

flashpoint

adventurer farming fun

Gelabaii Adventurers attended the OISCA (Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International) headquarters in Kokopo, East New Britain, PNG, on August 25.

The organisation is co-funded by the PNG and Japanese governments to train locals in smallscale business such as fishery, poultry, piggery and vegetable farming. All Adventurer classes— Busy Bees, Sunbeams, Builders and Helping Hands—attended as part of their honour award.

The children were excited to ask their tour guide questions and enjoyed their trip alongside their teachers.—Taitarae Sevau

heart to heart weekend

International speaker, doctor and co-host of the Forgive to Live series, Dr Marcha William, presented a two-day seminar entitled “Heart to Heart” at East Auckland Church, NZ. Approximately 70 people attended five sessions across the weekend (August 23). When asked what she hoped participants would take away, Dr William replied, “My prayer is that you will sense Jesus tapping into your heart . . . to become an effective ambassador for Christ.” Event coordinator Christine Miles says that “Heart to Heart” will be followed up with Forgive to Live workshops, to prepare listeners to respond to the gospel.—Christine Miles

seeds of success

Darling Downs Christian School (Toowoomba, Qld) has won first place against 17 other schools in the “City Student Run Garden” category at the Toowomba Carnival of Flowers. The school has won many awards over the years, but was pleasantly surprised to win this year, even in a drought. The school has a senior garden run by grades 7-10 where students are taught to plant, weed, fertilise and harvest everything from fruit trees to cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, lettuce and beans. There is also a primary kitchen garden where some of the produce is used for home economics classes.—Geof Frauenfelder/David Peers

tom fowler turns 100

Nunawading (Vic) church member Tom Fowler celebrated his 100th birthday on September 2. An ex-member of both the Army and Navy, he was visited by chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Joseph Noonan, and five Navy personnel on Friday, September 13. They shook his hand and asked him the secret to good health. They were surprised that Tom doesn’t take medication, is vegetarian and cares for himself in his unit at AdventCare.—Margaret Knight

father’s day outreach

Members of Landsborough Seventh-day Adventist Church (Qld) reached out to their local community on Father’s Day weekend by distributing gift packs to fathers living near the church. A team of volunteers actively shared the gospel message by placing copies of Signs of the Times magazine in the gift packs.—Charles Russell

legacy support

Students from Wahroonga Adventist School (Sydney, NSW) have raised more than $A3000 for Legacy, a charity supporting families of defence force veterans. The school held a mufti day and lunch food stall, which raised more than $1500, and sold Legacy badges and pens, which raised a further $1800. An initiative of the Student Representative Council, the activities helped students to learn about the importance of Legacy.—Tracey Bridcutt

png at oshkosh camporee

Members of the Koki Pathfinder club from Papua New Guinea Union Mission’s (PNGUM) Central Papua Conference (CPC) attended the Oshkosh International Pathfinder Camporee.

While 71 Pathfinders from 15 different clubs across four conferences—Tasmania, Greater Sydney, South Australia and South New South Wales— attended from the AUC, a larger contingent of 148 Pathfinders from 29 different clubs across PNGUM attended from CPC, Morobe Mission, Western Highlands Mission, East Highlands Simbu Mission and New Britain New Ireland Mission.—Maryellen Fairfax

have a news story? email it to news@record.net.au

christchurch family camp

More than 80 people attended Christchurch Filipino Multicultural Adventist Church’s annual family camp at Mt Hutt. South New Zealand Conference president Pastor Mike Sikuri emphasised the need to spend time with all members of your family as well as with God. A camp highlight was working together on happy family ABCs: A=ability to understand; B=bonding time; C=caring for others, and so on.—Mebzar Quinto october 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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My Story

Avondale saved my life

I

f I had not attended Avondale College—as I did from 2004 to 2006—it is almost certain that, at some point during or shortly after that period, I would have killed myself.

I did not, in large part due to the kind, nurturing, Christian environment of Avondale College and the personal support of Christ-like individuals, staff and teachers, who genuinely cared about my wellbeing.

But let me go back a little.

In 2002 I graduated from Avondale High School—pathetically unprepared for both adult life and tertiary study. Not, I must hasten to add, through any fault of that institution, but due entirely to the depression and anxiety that had been slowly growing within me since childhood. I was immediately overwhelmed by the removal of the familiar school structure and the sudden arrival of adult freedoms.

Avondale College was an obvious choice for tertiary education, but I‘d heard lots of criticism within the church community and so I baulked at the idea. I thought myself very clever for choosing a nearby university of large size and impressive curriculum.

As I was young, ignorant and already damaged, it was a disastrous choice. In my first semester I failed three out of four subjects. In my second semester I failed two out of two (I just need to focus! was my self-deluded justification), all through non-attendance and failure to complete assignments.

I made no friends, formed no new relationships.

None of this seemed to bother anyone at the uni, and they were very happy to welcome me and my study debt back for a second year.

Depression tends to damage the memory, but I do know there were frequent, lengthy and unfathomably deep periods of despair that always made a mockery of my feeble attempts at routine, discipline and productivity.

I remember social anxiety that made it impossible to talk to teachers or classmates. I remember my self-esteem, which had been stripped away early in my teenage years and never recovered, somehow managed to sink even lower. I felt invisible, but preferred it, because the idea of being

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noticed was terrifying. Only one outcome loomed before me as an increasingly welcome release.

Enrolling in Outdoor Recreation at Avondale College was a decision born out of desperation.

It was also the decision that saved my life. The outdoor exercise was of course beneficial. The smaller and more intimate environment was less intimidating, the culture comfortingly familiar, the teachers kinder. If I was missing from class, someone would come to check up on me. If I was close to missing a deadline, someone was there to remind me to make sure it was done. When I had questions, the right person to ask was never difficult to find. Regular worship in a non-judgemental church community helped me keep my faith at a time when many of my peers were leaving the Church disillusioned.

Avondale College was not perfect and I was not suddenly rid of my burdens overnight. I was an average-to-poor student, socially awkward, suffering periods of depression, struggling with self-esteem—but at the end of the year I graduated with a Certificate 3 in Outdoor Recreation. That achievement, though it may seem unimpressive on the surface, was a turning point in my life. Now, 15 years later, as I finally learn the wisdom to understand it, I can only express my constant and eternal gratitude.

Lately I see misinformation of the same sort that contributed to my foolish choices is again turning those who should be Avondale’s greatest supporters into damaging critics.

In truth, I am terrified to publish this article.

I have no desire to expose myself to the hand grenades of abuse so casually tossed about the internet in this post-truth world; I am still too fragile for that. But I will defend Avondale College here and in any other forum and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic place to undertake tertiary education because, as I may have already mentioned, Avondale saved my life.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline (13 11 44) or local support services.

luke webster country director, ADRA China (Hong Kong).

My ministry

Tuggerah Op Shop: Created to serve

T

he minute you meet Carolyn Foster her heart for service becomes abundantly clear.

“I think God did create us to serve,” enthuses Mrs Foster (known affectionately as Cas), who manages the Tuggerah ADRA Op Shop on the Central Coast of New South Wales.

“God created us to be in His image and He is the greatest Server of all.”

With this passion, it’s no surprise that when an opportunity arose to manage an op shop in the Central Coast region, Mrs Foster decided to dive into the unknown and volunteer for the position.

“I [stuck] my hand up and thought, Well I’ve never done it before, but I’ll give it a go, and God, You need to help me with this,” she says.

“Once you start volunteering it becomes very addictive.”

Mrs Foster opened the store in November 2018 with the support of her family, in particular her parents John and Ellen Kooyman who volunteer with her two days a week. For Mrs Foster, it’s a ministry that has been founded on prayer.

“We prayed about every decision.

We prayed about where to go, we prayed about which church [to collaborate with].”

Partnering with Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church (NSW), the North New South Wales Conference and ADRA, the Tuggerah ADRA Op Shop is situated in an area of

declining economic prosperity. In 2019, the Central Coast was listed as having one of the worst rates of youth unemployment in Australia, and the Tuggerah-Wyong regions have been categorised for many years as low socioeconomic areas.

As ADRA Australia national retail manager Gordon Coutts highlights, op shops are the only option for some.

“You have a large amount of people who come to our op shops, [who] don’t necessarily want to be there,” says Mr Coutts. “They’re there because they have to be there.”

Mrs Foster and her team strive to provide useful, well-priced options for clothing, homewares and toys (among many other items). An important element of the op shop is its array of affordable furniture. The pieces have often been generously donated through a furniture transport business operated by Mrs Foster’s husband, Graham.

While the shop items are an important part of the mission, it’s obvious that customer interactions are where Mrs Foster’s passion lies. Just that morning, a customer with a speech or hearing impairment had come in looking for a train fare to visit her ailing mother.

“All she wanted was $A2.50,” Mrs Foster says. “She’d been to a few other op shops and places and no-one would help her. [My] dad gave her $2.50 and she was beyond excited,

just so thankful someone would help her and listen to her.”

For Tuggerah Op Shop local management committee chairperson and Adventist Media CFO, Jean Tiran, this op shop draws right into the heart of Christlikeness.

“What did Jesus do? He was very active in His community,” says Mr Tiran. “Sometimes people want to come to a place where someone will just listen to them. The individuals working at the Tuggerah Op Shop are fulfilling the needs of people.”

The shop is in desperate need of volunteers, especially those who would love to step out of their comfort zone and form relationships with members of the community.

“In the last days . . . we are called to witness to others through acts of love. I think there is no greater way than when you’re in a place like this— meeting people, connecting with them, talking to them,” Mrs Foster says passionately. “You don’t necessarily sit down and give them a Sabbath school study lesson . . . but they’re meeting you and they’re actually feeling loved [and] heard by you.”

“God looks after the shop, and we look after [the relationships],” her father John chimes in.

For more details visit the Tuggerah ADRA Op Shop page on Facebook.

jessica krause intern, adventist record. studies at newcastle university.

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

11

Creation

Everything beautiful

M

y seven-year-old daughter was totally awake, thanks to jetlag, when she came into my bedroom at around 4am am to talk about things like school, scooters and the long flight from LA to Sydney. As dawn broke, an otherworldly cackling erupted outside.

“Dad, it’s kookaburras!” she exclaimed. Australia that morning seemed very close to heaven.

Recently, I had a very different conversation with a theologian colleague who asked about scientific developments relating to creation.

The question launched me into an enthusiastic discourse about DNA’s genetic code, leading my friend and others’ eyes to glaze over within 30 seconds. Technical details overwhelmed their ability to appreciate what so thrilled me.

How disappointing that those without a molecular biology background are unlikely to appreciate these marvels! Not that I have special insights elevating me above mere mortals. Other people have profound understandings in whole areas of knowledge that reveal beauty I’d love to be able to see and appreciate.

While academic programs can educate, they can also blind us to other areas.

Others are more practically equipped, like Tan Bah Chee, my hero when I was a seven-year-old growing up in Penang, Malaysia. I held Mr Tan’s hand as he cared for our garden, showing me the mysteries of plant grafting and other botanical curiosities.

Science opens a thousand wonders to those subjected to the rigour necessary for understanding a small fraction of the creation, but the

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Creator God is infinite and His creation opens an unending array of marvels. These can be seen by all people; from a sevenyear-old hearing kookaburras for the first time to a Malaysian gardener or a scientist contemplating overlapping genes and the genetic code.

Everyone can see some of God’s wonders. Talking about our universe, the psalmist wrote: “There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard” Psalm 19:3 (NKJV).

The Creator God reaches all of humanity through His creation.

However, delusions can blind even the most brilliant and educated (Isaiah 66:4 and 2 Thessalonians 2:11). My work involves examining arguments and evidence, looking for ways to reach minds blinded by the secular spirit of our age. But we don’t want to simply triumph over those we disagree with; like all Christians, we are called to participate with Christ in opening the eyes of the blind.

Imagine the darkness inhabited by those so deluded that the clear has become opaque and the creation, at which “the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7, NKJV), has collapsed into an unending struggle for survival.

Jesus Christ, through whom “all things were made” (John 1:2, NKJV), is the Light of the World, yet “the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:3, NKJV). However, Jesus provides more than light; He gives “recovery of sight to the blind” (Luke 4:18, NKJV).

Not everyone is going to appreciate the genetic code’s inner

secrets, plant grafting, mathematically-modelled heavenly movements, ingredient combinations that create delicacies, flower arrangements that captivate eyes or any number of the other infinite wonders of God’s creation, but every child of God can take in some of the wonder and share that joy with others. This is why Creation Sabbath isn’t about complex academic arguments, droning theological debates or obscure biological discoveries.

It is about sharing the joy of creation among believers and with our communities.

Doing this, we walk in the footsteps of our Creator, who opened the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf so that daughters can share the joy of creation with their fathers early one Sydney morning.

Dr Timothy standish senior scientist, geoscience research institute, loma linda, usa.

digging in his word

With gary webster

END-TIME AUTHENTIC WORSHIP

Lessons from nature

T

he time had come when we could have a break from the hustle and bustle of city life—a chance to go north and find some warmer weather.

We had travelled for a few days and the weekend was upon us. We arrived at Lake Cargelligo, NSW, and set up camp beside the lake.

There is no Seventh-day Adventist church there so we decided to go to God’s Cathedral and get a lesson from nature.

Sitting in our chairs we thought of Jesus teaching from His boat on the Sea of Galilee. The fishermen were out in their boats. The pelican, the cormorants, ducks, egrets, ibis and spoonbills all fishing for their living just as the fishermen did in Bible times. The cormorants would sit on a rock to dry their wings, just as the fishermen would hang their nets on rocks and the sides of their boats. We could see a flock of small grebe in the middle of the lake.

They would suddenly disappear and then resurface again. This reminded us of the school of the prophets. As each one was martyred, new ones would come up in their place.

Suddenly a kite, a bird of prey, appeared and all the little birds flew away.

Did this represent the devil and Satan coming to tempt us? And how we must flee from him?

The gentle breeze blowing across the lake and the ripples coming to shore reminded us of God’s love for us and how He gently leads and guides us through life. His love never fails.

As the sun sank in the West, we were again reminded that the Sabbath had been a blessed one and the glories in the sky reminded us of the soon coming Saviour.

Were we sad because we didn’t get to go to a church? Yes, because we missed having the friendship and fellowship of the little country churches we like to visit. But no, because we sat at the feet of the great Master and saw His stories unfold before our eyes.

Dear Lord, thank You for this blessed day. Thank You for Your love and tender care each day. Thank You for Your creation that reminds us of so many of the stories we read about in Your Word. Thank You for the quiet times that we can spend with You in nature and in prayer. Amen.

shirley garley writes from hampton park, victoria.

Worship will be the central issue in the end times. While the dragon, the sea beast and the land beast seek global worship, God calls the world to worship Him as Creator.

But what is true worship? READ Revelation 13:4,12,14,15; 14:6,7.

Authentic worship, as opposed to vain or worthless worship, occurs when we fully surrender to God in obedience to His commandments.

Little wonder the final conflict is sandwiched between two texts that describe God’s followers as those who “keep God’s commandments”.

READ Mark 7:7,8; Revelation 12:17; 14:12.

Ancient Hittite covenant treaties were placed in their temples. In similar fashion, God’s covenant with His people—the Ten Commandments—were put inside the ark in God’s temple. In the end times, God highlights the importance of obedience to His commandments by revealing the Ark of the Covenant in His heavenly temple. READ Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:2; 1 Samuel 3:3; Revelation 11:19.

Jesus declared that an ongoing relationship of love with God is evidenced ancient hittite treaty. by obedience to His commandments. That is only possible by grace through faith; trusting wholly on Christ and Him crucified. Is your worship authentic?

READ John 14:16; 15:9,10; Revelation 14:12; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 6:14; Titus 2:11-14.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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the Creation I

n the summer of 1791, Joseph Haydn heard Handel’s Messiah and Israel in Egypt oratorios for the first time, performed by a massed choir and orchestra in Westminster Abbey.

Haydn was 59 and the most famous composer in Europe. Yet he was “deeply moved by the grandeur of the music and by its immediate effect on the audience”.1 He told a friend he would like to compose something similar. The friend “took his Bible in his hands and said, ‘There, take that, and begin at the beginning’.”2 Haydn did exactly that. Charles Darwin was not yet born, and Haydn’s librettists felt no pressure to try to conform the biblical text to a conflicting theory. Together, they simply rendered it in music.

The Creation (Die Schöpfung in German, the language Haydn grew up with) premiered in 1798, a rather insecure year for Catholics like Haydn, as Napoleon’s army had removed the papacy from power (and shot the nose off the Sphinx). That same year the Cherokee nation signed a treaty with the United States, the Society of United Irishmen rebelled against British rule and Europeans first set eyes on the platypus.

Haydn wrote, “Never was I so devout as when I composed The Creation. I knelt down each day to pray to God to give me strength for my work.”3 Haydn wanted this work

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to inspire “the adoration and worship of the Creator”, by encouraging the listener into “a frame of mind where he is most susceptible to the kindness and omnipotence of the Creator”.4 If a musical idea did not come easily to him, he said, “I try to find out if I have erred in some way or other, thereby forfeiting grace; and I pray for mercy until I feel that I am forgiven.”5 Haydn had no easy life. Born to a poor family, he earned a living as a choir boy—until his voice broke. A friend suggested he become a castrato but his father refused. For the next eight years, Haydn lived where he could–with friends, on the street, “in a miserable little garret without a stove” —and barely survived by giving music lessons. Eventually he became a music teacher in a noble family, and then Kapellmeister at the estate of Prince Esterházy, a prestigious and well-paid appointment, even if a regional one.

Mozart once said, “Haydn alone has the secret both of making me smile and of touching my innermost soul.”6 Haydn’s zest for life, deep Christian faith, and musical and dramatic gifts all combined to produce a profound setting of the creation account that touches heart, mind and soul.

A Swedish diplomat wrote about the moment the Viennese public first heard The Creation: “At that moment when light broke out for the first time, one would have said that rays darted

from the composer’s burning eyes.

The enchantment of the electrified Viennese was so general that the orchestra could not proceed for some minutes.”7 More than 200 years later the same electrifying enchantment still awaits all those who listen carefully to Haydn’s exciting portrayal of the creation of light, sun, moon, stars, sea creatures, animals and birds, as sung by three archangels, Raphael, Uriel and Gabriel, and a choir of angels in Part I and Part II of The Creation.

Part III is performed less these days.

It contains the songs of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Adam sings “Our duty we have performed now . . .

Then mayest thou feel and know / The high degree of bliss the Lord allotted us.”

Eve sings to her husband, “Thy will is law to me . . . and from obedience / Grows my pride and happiness.” Adam replies, “Graceful consort, at thy side / Softly fly the golden hours.”

This section seems more influenced

by John Milton’s Paradise Lost than the Bible, which suggests male domination is part of the curse of sin and the Fall.

Haydn may be forgiven for this depiction of marriage. He fell in love with a girl named Theresa. Her father, a wigmaker, had helped him in his younger years but Theresa’s parents made her enter a convent. Stunned, Haydn proposed to her older sister

Culture

Maria instead. They were incompatible and there were infidelities on both sides. Haydn said, “My wife was incapable of bearing children and thus I was less indifferent to the charms of other women.” Maria had no respect for his musical gifts and even cut up his manuscripts to use as paper hair curlers. They separated but, as Catholics, could not divorce. Haydn financially supported her throughout her life, even as he wished he was free to marry a widow he loved in England.

A disappointing personal life did not destroy Haydn’s exuberance in music and worship. Composing Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi (Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world), Haydn said he was seized with “uncontrollable gladness” and his heart “leapt for joy”. When criticised by some in the Church for being irreverently joyful, Haydn replied, “Since God has given me a cheerful heart, He will forgive me for serving Him cheerfully.”8 He said, “When I sit at my old worm-eaten piano, I envy no king in his happiness.”

Before his death, Haydn told a friend, “I have only to wait like a child for the time when God calls me to Himself.”9 Haydn’s immortal The Creation remains one of the most frequently performed oratorios, next to Handel’s beloved Messiah, which inspired it.10 When you next have

the opportunity to listen to a performance may you too feel “susceptible to the kindness and omnipotence of the Creator”.11

1. Annette Oppermann, “Preface” in Haydn Creation: Conductor Score, (Kassel: Bärenreiter-verlag, 2009), VI. 2. Ibid. See also Nicholas Temperley, “Composition, performance and reception,” in Haydn: The Creation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, June 2012), 31-46. <https:// doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511620102.005>.

3. Neil Butterworth, Haydn, His Life and Times, (Kent: Midas Books, 1977), 122.

4. Howard Chandler Robbins Landon, The Collected Correspondence and London Notebooks of Joseph Haydn (Fairlawn, NJ: Essential Books, 1959), 187.

5. Christina Stadtlaender, Joseph Haydn of Eisenstadt (London: Dennis Dobson, 1968), 66.

6. As quoted by John Bawden in program notes. <choirs.org.uk/prognotes/creation. htm>. Although the authenticity of the original source of this quote is unverifiable, it certainly supports the known fact that Haydn and Mozart were contemporaneous peers.

7. Nicholas Temperley, Hadyn: The Creation, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991), 24, 35.

8. Heinrich Edward Jacob, Joseph Haydn, His Art, Times and Glory (Westport: Greenwood Press, 1950), 273.

9. Michel Brenet, Haydn (New York: Benjamin Blom Inc, 1972), 58-59.

10. A Peter Brown (editor) and Julie Schnepel, “Preface,” in Haydn Creation: Vocal Score, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991), vi.

11. Howard Chandler Robbins Landon, The Collected Correspondence and London Notebooks of Joseph Haydn (Fairlawn, NJ: Essential Books, 1959), 187.

aleta King is director of the Avondale Conservatorium and lecturer in musicianship and conducting.

Recommended listening of “The Creation”: 1991. C Hogwood, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of New College Oxford, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael George. Performance in English. Period instruments. Baroque Pitch.

1991. S Rattle, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Orchestra, Arleen Augér, Philip Langridge, David Thomas. Performance in English. Modern orchestra. Modern Pitch.

1996. JE Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, Sylvia McNair, Michael Schade, Gerald Finley, (Donna Brown, Rodney Gilfry, Caroline Stormer). Performance in German.

YouTube—<youtube.com/watch?v=l07oRR4u-rk>, 2012 performance complete with period instruments. The musicianship of the choir, orchestra, soloists and conductor combined is spectacular to see and hear in full flight!

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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the

Ten

Tips for making your church an

inviting community

So, you want to attract unchurched people? Here are some ideas to make your church an inviting place for people who normally wouldn’t set foot inside.

1. Make the jump

6. respect doubts and different beliefs

Becoming a missional church requires making the decision to actually reach those who are not already there. It won’t happen via osmosis and it may alter a church’s DNA, but it will be worth it!

When your service starts, make sure guests know they are in a safe space to air questions and doubts. Watch your quips—cheap shots at atheists and other faiths may get a laugh from your fellow brethren, but you can guarantee the struggling atheist in your pew won’t be back.

2. Look at your signage and greeting ministry If someone walked by your church, would they know it was there? Once people get inside, will they know where parking is or where the restrooms are? Does your greeting extend beyond the front doors (ie, do all members acknowledge/welcome first-timers)? If you’re unsure, make a change!

3. Watch your language

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7. Needs come first Ellen White says, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” Look to needs first, Jesus did!

8. Stop calling them “unchurched”

While saying “Happy Sabbath” and “God is good” gets our Adventist juices flowing, first-time guests will have no idea what we’re talking about. The minute we start to use our “in” language or tell Adventist jokes, we isolate anyone who isn’t in our crowd. Be mindful.

Yes, we know we’ve broken our own rule, but if you’re going to reach individuals in your community, you need to stop calling them unchurched (or non-Adventist, non-Christian etc). They’re people . . . and Jesus loves them.

4. Don’t assume they know anything about Christianity

9. Get involved in your community

Assume first-timers know the bare minimum. Don’t say in your service “we all know *insert Bible story, song or a funny story about a member*”. They don’t. You can still include these stories and songs, but give context, so everyone understands.

The Christian life isn’t restricted to Sabbath and neither is your church. In essence, church is not a building; it is a community. When you go out to work or university, you are the church. Join groups you’re passionate about and do life with people in your community.

5. Pump up your children’s ministries

10. Preach the gospel

A clean, fun, AdSafe-compliant children’s ministry is a brilliant asset in reaching families. Let the first-time guests know the ministries on offer, the safety mechanisms in place, and where their kids will be. If kids have a great time, parents will want to stick around.

Make sure your church lives and breathes the gospel.

Adventism has beautiful doctrines, but if people leave our services without coming face to face with the good news of Jesus Christ, we have preached in vain. When we lift up Jesus, people will be drawn to Him (John 12:32).

Adventist record | October 19, 2019

Community comfortably on a bench despite a ban on homeless people from sleeping on benches themselves.

What was intended as a sculpture to highlight Christ’s humble character ended up going against the humility that Christ stood for. Imagine the thoughts of homeless people as they look up at the specially reserved depiction of Jesus sleeping on the bench while they are confined to the cold, hard ground.

The sculpture, designed to point out the humility of Christ and His relatability to the lowest of society, now points out the injustice and dehumanisation that the homeless of Orlando are facing.

But how do we approach Christ’s teachings about caring for the less fortunate? We discuss helping the needy using great rhetoric at church each week, but sometimes do very little when it comes to application.

“Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,” Jesus once said to a man (Matthew 19:21).

A friend who claims a Christian background but doesn’t attend church once shared his feelings of mistrust about church systems with me. He pointed out the disconnect between Christ’s teachings about the poor and what Christians actually do about it. People are tired of the “thoughts and prayers” cliche that’s put out on social media by the same Christians who sit back and do nothing.

The sad irony is that there are so many wonderful opportunities the Adventist Church provides for us to get involved, and yet we don’t. Yes, the Church runs mission trips and large-scale projects, but even smaller things like donating to the 10,000 Toes campaign or giving leftover belongings to an ADRA op-shop will be a huge benefit to someone who needs it.

In Sydney, Redfern Community Centre is a way for church members to feed and worship with homeless people in the city. The interactions I’ve had there while serving members of the community have brought me closer to God than many other forms of worship.

When challenged by the irony of injustice, we’re also faced with a choice between inaction and doing something.

I struggle to believe that Jesus would’ve slept on the park bench in Orlando—I think He would’ve been right there on the ground with the lowest of the low. Jesus wouldn’t have sat back and done nothing; He would’ve gotten right in amongst it.

Let’s turn our thoughts and prayers into action.

the irony of homeless Jesus

A

s the United States presidential motorcade passed through Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, one of the passengers, Nellie Connally, leant over and spoke to John F Kennedy. The sides of the road were filled with crowds of adoring fans who had flocked to see the President and his wife in a public display. “Mr President, you certainly can’t say that Dallas doesn’t love you,” Connally said.

Moments later, as the motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza, President Kennedy was fatally shot by Dallas resident Lee Harvey Oswald. Turns out there was a person in town who didn’t love Kennedy.

History is full of events where the complete opposite of what was expected ends up happening. From the Chinese tribes who unintentionally invented gunpowder while trying to create the “elixir of immortality”, to a memorial tree for Beatles musician George Harrison being killed by beetles, hindsight gives us plenty to think about. Believe it or not, the patent for the invention of the fire hydrant was burnt down along with the building that housed it in 1836—so we don’t actually know who invented it.

In the last decade, multiple cities around the world have installed artistic “Homeless Jesus” statues, which depict a metallic representation of Jesus laying on a park bench, huddled in a long-hooded robe, His nail-scarred feet protruding. The idea originated in Toronto, Canada, and has since spread to other sites, including Sydney, Vatican City and even the Dominican Republic. Sculptor Timothy Schmalz stated he attempted to depict Christ’s humility, inspired by Matthew 25:46: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Nothing ironic about that.

However, in Orlando, Florida, the statue of Jesus sleeps

Daniel Kuberek assistant editor, Signs of the times.

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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health

Protecting your bone health Osteoporosis is a chronic disease where a loss of calcium thins and weakens the bones. This causes the bones to become more fragile and likely to break and fracture from a fall or injury. The most common fractures occur in the spine, hips and wrists.

There are two major factors that influence the development of osteoporosis: inadequate peak bone mass levels obtained in early life and high amounts of bone mass loss later in life.

Women are at a greater risk of osteoporosis because they have lighter bones and also experience drops in oestrogen levels after menopause, which speeds up the loss of bone.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY BONE HEALTH? There are three key steps you can take to build your bone mass, slow down your bone loss and reduce your chance of developing osteoporosis: boost your calcium intake, regular exercise and sunshine.

1. Boost your calcium Calcium’s major role is to strengthen bones and teeth. Calcium also helps blood clotting, muscle function, nerve impulses, fluid balance and the release of hormones.

Cherry Ripe Smoothie This delicious cherry ripe smoothie is the ultimate guilty pleasure breakfast­­—but without the guilt! With raw cacao and the goodness of coconut milk, it offers almost half of your recommended daily calcium intake.

Find this recipe and hundreds more at: Australia: sanitarium.com.au/recipes New Zealand: sanitarium.co.nz/recipes

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2. How much calcium?

The daily recommended calcium intake for adults is 1000 mg. This increases to 1300 mg for adolescents, postmenopausal women and all people over 70 years of age. Aim for two to three serves of dairy or calcium-fortified dairy alternatives each day as well as trying to include as many other sources of calcium as possible.

3. Calcium-rich foods Many people believe calcium is limited to foods such as dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, and some fish such as sardines. While these foods can be good sources of calcium, they aren’t the only sources. Valuable plant sources of calcium include nuts, tofu, green leafy vegetables and fortified soy or nut-based milks.

Top tips for healthy bones

EAT MORE SOY Isoflavones (natural plant chemicals) found in soy may help to increase bone formation, which will help to strengthen bones. Soy foods are also a source of calcium.

MOVE MORE Exercise can help to build bone, keeping your bones denser and stronger.

The best bone-building exercises are weightbearing (like walking, hiking or playing tennis), high impact (like skipping and jogging) or balance training (like pilates). Varying the type of exercise and increasing its intensity will help further stimulate bone growth.

GET OUTDOORS Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. It’s essential for bone health as it helps to increase calcium absorption in the body. So try to increase your vitamin D levels by exposing your skin to sunlight in the early mornings or late afternoons to prevent sunburn. Food sources of vitamin D include eggs (a small amount), vitamin D mushrooms (irradiated by the sun) and fortified foods.

/sanitariumaustralia /sanitariumnz

life

Oh taste and see . . .

A

s humans we are created with five basic senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

These senses are fundamental to our ability to enjoy life to the full. Sure, there are people who have lost the sense of sight and still live fulfilling lives; people who have lost the sense of hearing and still are blessed every day; some people have a reduced sense of smell but enjoy life to the full.

But . . . if you had to give up one of your five senses, which one would you choose?

Luckily, most of us never have to make that choice. Some of us end up having the choice made for us due to accidents or illnesses. And it is often not until you have lost something that you come to realise how important it is in your life. We take so many things for granted, it almost creates a sense of apathy within us. I know this to be true for myself.

Taste, as one of the five basic senses, is referred to 32 times in the Bible (NKJV). In most of these references, taste is dealing with the real sensation of eating food and recognising the flavours present.

There are however a few verses where the word taste is talking about something apart from the sensory experience that food gives you.

Psalm 34:8 is one such example. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good” (NKJV).

Oh, taste. Why taste?

I’m on the other side of a seven-week treatment for a carcinogenic tumour that attacked my throat region. Early on, in the treatment preparation phase, the specialists pointed out that one of the side effects of the treatment would be a loss of taste.

While you sort of hear it and make a mental note of the comments, you do not really comprehend the ramifications—until it hits for real.

Taste was just one of the side effects. There were a number of others, like potential hair loss,

changes to my hearing, tingling in my fingers and toes etc. Loss of taste just became another one to be aware of in the long list of things that could impact my life as I went through the treatment regime.

After losing my sensation of taste completely, it has become clear to me just how much it adds to the enjoyment of life. As I shared with a dear friend of mine, “Everything that you put in your mouth tastes like a packet of Weet-Bix. That is, the taste of the cardboard box, not the biscuits!”

You see delicious food everywhere and your imagination runs wild with the memory of all the flavours. Yet, nothing registers once you put it in your mouth. Nothing! Nada! Rien!

When reading Psalm 34:8, I can’t help but wonder why God used the sensation of taste to appeal to us. He could have used any of the other senses, as He has in many other verses in Scripture, but here He chose taste.

Taste is so important to the enjoyment of eating, but it is not until you have lost it that you truly comprehend how important it really is. It impacts not just the physical enjoyment of eating but also the mental enjoyment. It stimulates your appetite and your desire to eat. It often makes you eat more than you physically need, to the detriment of your waistline.

God uses the sensation of taste in this case as it points to His unbounding goodness. The sensation of taste will make you want more of God. It stimulates your appetite—to want to be closer to God, it makes you crave more of Him. While my tastebuds have left the station for the time being, I’m savouring the goodness of God, claiming His promise that when I taste, He will pour out His goodness in abundance.

ole pedersen manager, hope channel new zealand.

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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Have your Say 10 +1 As seen in “Triumph slump” (Editorial, September 21), Peter [needed] to become a follower of Jesus before ever a leader. So “Get behind me Satan!” is perhaps the first of all other qualities to look for in a “godly wife” (“The Ten: Qualities to look for in a godly wife”). That said, there was not one direct reference to Jesus in [that article]. So let this mention also be emphasised in the search for a Christian wife.

“Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). Jesus’ emphasis? To be like Him, no more, no less. Is a woman created equally in the image of God? Yes. Refer to Genesis 1:27.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Gender equality—the first quality to look for, so to triumph in every season of love and with a godly wife.

Darren Siems, NSW

NEVER FAIL Re: Letters, August 17.

I am surprised that a preacher in a Seventh-day Adventist church in recent times would use “56 quotes from EG White and three Bible texts” in a sermon.

I have been a member of God’s church for nearly 40 years and it is becoming a rare thing to hear any text at all from the Spirit of Prophecy. How sad that many are ashamed of one who passes every biblical test of a true prophet. “The churches that have cherished influences which less lessen faith in the testimonies are weak and tottering” (1SM, 45).

Something to ponder.

What drove Ellen White to write so prolifically to us?

Here are some reasons: “Early and late, I am writing out the matters that the Lord opens before me.

The burden of my work is to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord” (3SM, 49).

“To simplify the great truths already given, that all may be left without excuse” (5T, 665).

“To specify what is truth”

(Letter 27, 1910).

“To correct those who err from Bible truth” (EW, 78).

“For the comfort of His people” (EW, 78).

“To encourage the desponding” (RH 10/1/1856). Not needed in our day?

I praise God that with the Bible and inspired writings we can never fail. How amazing is this promise—“Men may get up scheme after scheme and the enemy will seek to seduce souls from the truth, but all who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White and has given her a message will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days” (3SM, 84).

Roger Kerr, NSW

CURRENT CRISIS For the past 13 weeks we have been studying the biblical perspective of our responsibility to help the needy. We quote from “Encourage each other to good works” (For the least of these): “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong

to the family of believers.”

This is upheld by biblical reports of early Christians sacrificing for those in need and disciples carrying gifts of assistance from one group of believers to another.

In light of this, may we ask what the corporate Church—at all levels—is doing in an ongoing and practical way to alleviate the enormous stress our church member families are suffering in the dire drought circumstances they face, and what programs are currently in place to seek out and assist all the Seventh-day Adventist farming families who are in this category?

Is there a concerted, organised effort, including an action strategy, to help all our needy fellow members? Not only to say “we care about you, we’re praying for you”, but “here is food, here is a member to be your companion to keep in contact with you, here is financial help to provide some necessities for your survival”?

We understand [people may be reluctant] to reveal

their need, but surely there are those who can reach out and open an opportunity to assist, keeping dignity intact. Could each member be given opportunity to assist in an organised and unilateral program? While many are distressed about the world’s future, let us get going with some practical assistance to help our very own who need us right now!

With Christmas approaching, perhaps we who are not so affected could make some specific sacrifices and redirect our gifts to our brothers and sisters in the church family.

Or, maybe the past 13 weeks of study has been just theory, or a message for “someone else”.

Valerie and Allan Hillier, NSW Note: Views in “Have your say” do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination. Comments should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name, address and phone number. All comments are edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author’s original meaning will not be changed. Not all comments received are published.

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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noticeboard Appreciation WARD. Greg, Michelle, Crystal and families wish to express their appreciation for all the prayers, cards and phone calls in response to the passing of Carmen, loving wife, mother and Nan.

Anniversary GROLIMUND.

Geoffrey and Reo Grolimund (née Ormsby) were married on 27.9.1959 in the Wahroonga church by Pastor Max Grolimund. They have three children, Bruce, Beverley-Sue and Gillian and three granddaughters, Eva, Gracie and Isabella. Most of their years were spent farming in the Nowra area (NSW) and on retirement they moved to Maleny (Qld) and then to their present home in Bargara. They plan to celebrate this milestone with their family at the end of the year.

Weddings BRINSMEAD– ETWELL. Shane

Brinsmead, son of Mark and Marilyn Brinsmead (Albury, NSW), and Alana Etwell, daughter of Rodney and Natasha Etwell (Sydney), celebrated their union with God and each other on 16.12.18.

The couple enjoyed a wonderful day with family and friends, and pray that Colossians 3:12-16 will always describe their marriage.

Kendell Cobbin

BUNN–COUTTS. Max Bunn and

Dallas Coutts were married on 3.9.19 at a private residence in Bunkerville, NSW. Ken Love

Obituaries BAIN, Gregory John, born

19.12.1964 in Brisbane, Qld; died 7.8.19 in Caboolture. On 21.6.1991 he married Bronwyn.

Greg is survived by his wife; mother, Brenda (Caboolture); brother, Jeffery (Brisbane); sister, Kellie (Brisbane); daughters, Stevie-Rae and Jessica (both of Perth, WA); sons, Zac (Rockhampton, Qld); Jarryd (Caboolture) and Conan (Caboolture); and their respective families.

Greg lived larger than life despite striving with failing health for many years. Greg surrendered this life with a sure hope that

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Adventist record | October 19, 2019

the gracious God he knew will call him to newness of life at the resurrection. Greg’s generosity and humour will be missed by all.

Lorenzo Berry

GOTTS, Phillip Stanley,

born 25.3.1935 in Brunswick, Vic; died 15.6.19 in Wantirna.

On 19.11.1955 he married Wilmer Harrington. Phil was predeceased by his son, Perry in 1988. He is survived by his daughters, Rouvea and Chris Talty (Gippsland), Tiana and Daryl Murdoch (Wantirna) and Melea Couty (Lilydale). Phil will be remembered by most as a skilled fitter and turner/toolmaker, a keen and accomplished marksman and a man with a love of cars, travel and swimming.

His memorial service was held at the Greensborough (now Plenty Valley) church, where he was a lifetime member. We will miss his wit and sense of humour. He was an intense conversationalist covering all manner of subjects and pursuits, especially his love for the Lord. Phil went to sleep in the certain hope of the resurrection.

Gavan Grosser

MACQUEEN, Thelma

Patricia (nee Darby), born 3.2.1929 in Kempsey, NSW; died 17.3.19 in Lake Haven Aged Care. On 15.9.1947 she married Frederick, who predeceased her in 1986. She was also predeceased by her son, Mark in 2013.

Pat is survived by her children, Robert and Jan (Bishops Creek), David and Glenda (Bonnells Bay) and Leanne and Robert Becker (Woongarrah); seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was a great wife, mother and grandmother and to so many, a great friend. Pat attended Mullumbimby, Casino and Wallsend churches and served God in Pathfinders, primary Sabbath school and as a deaconess. She was a cook at North NSW camp and loved travelling in Australia.

Benjamin Rea

PAOLA, Antonio Natale (Tony), born 2.10.1940 in Conflenti, Italy; died 16.9.19 in Cranbourne, Vic. On 15.2.1962 Tony married Giovanna and migrated to Australia in May 1967. Tony is survived by his wife; children, Joe and Mary (Pearcedale), Raffelina (Cranbourne South), and Angela and

Emmanuel Doumias (Tooradin); and nine grandchildren. Tony was so proud of his family. Tony and Giovanna were baptised in 1990 at Springvale and were regular members at Cranbourne for many years. Tony will be remembered as a man of great humility and a very hard worker. His quiet demeanour endeared him to his fellow believers, and his sense of humour and deep loyalty endeared him to his family. Tony died believing in Jesus and his family and many friends were encouraged to determine to reunite with him on the day of Christ’s soon return Barry Whelan

Taylor, Ruth (nee Winter), born

4.11.1925 in Grafton, NSW; died 16.8.19 in Ocean Shores.

On 15.5.1965 she married Mort Taylor, who predeceased her.

Ruth was also predeceased by her step-children Meva, Carol, Vernette, Brian, Ruth, Bruce, Jeff, Louis, Vicki and Dawn. She is survived by her step-daughter

Jenny; step granddaughter Marlena; brother, Arthur; and sister, Dorothy. Ruth was a dedicated Christian lady. She took on the responsibility of caring for all of the 12 children as their mother had died of cancer. Her home was her mission field.

The community loved Ruth as she displayed her Christianity to others. Their home was open to anyone who needed help. A member of Mullumbimby church for more than 50 years, she will always be remembered for her smile.

Cranville Tooley

ADVERTISING ALLROUND TRAVEL

International airfares, group travel specialists. Great tours 2020: May 17-31—Israel and Jordan, Dr Peter Roennfeldt. May/June— Paul’s missionary journeys. May/ June-Greece, Patmos, Turkey, Dr Roennfeldt. January 3-13 Cruise Sydney to New Zealand. Passion

SUPPORTING MINISTRY CEDARVALE Health Evangelism Course With eight years experience now completed, Cedarvale is still running their Medical Missionary Training Course for the young and “young-at-heart”. We are currently looking for new female students for 2020 to fill our January and July intakes. Why not come and work alongside our team of experienced and dedicated health professionals and be a part of seeing how health ministry in action changes lives. Be mentored and encouraged in a team that you become a valued part of. This is a great opportunity not to be missed by school leavers or even those who just want to experience the joy of serving. The course has pathways to achieve Cert IV in Massage as well as Cert IV PCHEP—our Adventist Health Education Course. Some students can receive Centrelink for support (if they qualify). Visit <cedarvale.org/School> for more information and application forms, or call (02) 4465 1362. Also check what we do as a retreat at <cedarvaleretreat.com.au>. Applications for January intake close November 8, 2019.

Cedarvale is an independent ministry supportive of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

KARALUNDI COLLEGE Various Positions Karalundi College (WA) is a co-educational, Grade 7-10 Christian boarding school that serves the Aboriginal people of the Mid-West and Pilbara regions, in Western Australia. The college is starting in January 2020. The Board is looking for Adventist staff who can help to effectively deliver the school program, and support and encourage students. Positions available are: Principal, classroom teachers, boarding staff, kitchen staff, administration officer, business manager, chaplain, Aboriginal education workers, head cook, cafe/caravan park manager. Part-time positions: assistant cook, maintenance, swimming pool manager, groundsperson and mechanic. Successful applicants will be required to start and be on site by January 2020. For more details, please contact Brendan Webb at <finance@karalundi.wa.edu.au> or call 0422520683.

Applications close November 5, 2019.

noticeboard play Oberammergau—date TBA. October—Gary Kent Bible lands.

General Conference Indianapolis. Contact: Anita or Peter on 0405 260 155. Email <alltrav@ bigpond.net.au>.

TO GIVE AWAY: HAMADA CD PRINTING PRESS

Single colour, suction fed, can also be hand operated. Reconditioned and stored, not used.

Other printing equipment available as well. Must pick up. Phone 0428 699 163.

New Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist Church Official Opening

All friends, members, former members and pastors are invited to celebrate the official opening

of the fourth Kellyville church on 9.11.2019. Refreshments and church tours from 10am. Worship Service 11am. Lunch 1.00pm.

Official Opening 3pm. Address: 4 Gum Nut Close, Kellyville NSW. Contact: Dulce Ferguson <opening@kellyville.church>.

Phone 0403 821 382. Website <kellyville.church>.

Mildura church 100th Anniversary

Sabbath November 16, 2019.

Mildura church will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To celebrate 100 years of God’s faithfulness, an invitation is extended to all members, past members and friends to join us for a day of worship and fellowship.

Sabbath School-10am, Worship

Program-11:30am, fellowship lunch and afternoon program.

Enquiries <mildurasda100anniversary@gmail.com> or phone 0409 437 304.

ABSOLUTE CARE FUNERALS The Adventist family owned and operated business, caring for you from Sydney to Newcastle and Wollongong. Contact Arne Neirinckx, who understands our Adventist philosophy. Contact us on 1300 982 803 or 0408 458 452 or <arne@absolutecarefunerals.com.au> even if you have already prepaid your funeral.

religious, EG White commentaries, half are not religious, Australiana, Aboriginal history, children’s novels etc (collectables). Nunawading church, 169 Central Rd. 10am-3pm. Cup Day, Tuesday, November 5. Make a calendar note now. Also a garage sale.

GIANT BOOKSALE (DEFINITELY THE LAST)

NEXT ISSUE: ADVENTIST RECORD NOVEMBER 3

Bargains galore. 1500 books. $A3 each to clear. Cash only. Half are

POSITIONS VACANT DEPARTMENTAL AND DONOR RELATIONS ASSISTANT ADVENTIST MEDIA - WAHROONGA, NSW

DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT ADVENTIST MEDIA - WAHROONGA, NSW

Adventist Media is looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person to join our friendly team. The successful candidate will be passionate about serving the Church, have excellent communication and people skills, a friendly phone manner and data entry experience. A major part of this role involves liaising with our magazine subscribers and donors. Other duties include assisting with promotional activities and with the Seventh-day Adventist Church Identity project, as well as general office duties. This full-time role is broad and varied, suited to someone with strong organisational skills and a “can do” attitude. If this sounds like you, please email <joycarey@ adventistmedia.org.au> for full selection criteria. The appointing body reserves the right to fill this position at its discretion and to close applications early. Only those who have a legal right to work in Australia may apply. Applications close October 21, 2019.

Adventist Media (AM) seeks a capable and committed individual to join its marketing and sales team to implement AM’s strategic and innovative digital marketing plans that include social media ministry, search engine marketing and email marketing. The successful candidate will be passionate about serving the Church, have a thorough knowledge of social media and proven skills across a range of social media platforms, an understanding of digital technologies and social media research techniques and analytics, experience in email marketing and SEM, the ability to monitor the effectiveness of a multipronged campaign and the ability to write for and utilise SEO capabilities. If this sounds like you, please email <joycarey@ adventistmedia.org.au> for the full job description. The appointing body reserves the right to fill this position at its discretion and to close applications early. Only those who have a legal right to work in Australia may apply. Applications close October 28, 2019.

COST ACCOUNTANT ADVENTIST MEDIA - WARBURTON, VIC Adventist Media (AM) seeks a capable and committed individual to join our finance team to prepare management reports and accounts that provide accurate and timely financial and statistical information to our managers to enable them to make short and long-term decisions. The successful candidate will be working at AM’s Warburton campus. The candidate will be passionate about serving the Church, have at least five years commercial experience within the field, be a problem solver with great organisational skills, accurate and eye for detail, have proven critical and analytical thinking with strong reporting skills. If this sounds like you, please email <joycarey@ adventistmedia.org.au> for the full job description. The appointing body reserves the right to fill this position at its discretion and to close applications early. Only those who have a legal right to work in Australia may apply. Applications close October 28, 2019.

LECTURER/SENIOR LECTURER (EDUCATION) AVONDALE COLLEGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION - COORANBONG, NSW Recently awarded university college status, Avondale seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced academics for the position available in education. The appointee will be required to undertake teaching, research and consultancy in primary key learning areas. Applicants should have relevant tertiary education experience, hold a qualification in education to the level of a doctoral degree and have demonstrated experience in inspiring and motivating student engagement. For more information and full selection criteria please visit <avondale.edu.au/about/employment/>. Applications, with a statement addressing the selection criteria and with contact details of at least three referees, should be emailed to <employment@ avondale.edu.au>. Applications close October 31, 2019.

FOR MORE AVAILABLE POSITIONS VISIT:

ADVENTISTEMPLOYMENT.ORG.AU

/SDAJOBS

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.

October 19, 2019 | Adventist record

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