The God Puzzle Celebrating 140 years of Hope
In this issue March 2026
WHAT IN THE WORLD 04 A GLIMPSE OF DELIGHT 06 How a piano instilled unexpected joy in me.
TESTING THE WATERS 12 Water: you need it!
WHEN ALL THAT’S LEFT TO DO IS PRAY 18 My wife and I had almost given up.
TURNING PRAYER INTO A CONVERSATION WITH GOD 24 Want to pray, but have no idea where to start? Begin here!
THE GOD PUZZLE I figured I had nothing left to lose.
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REWIRING THE CYNICAL MIND 30 Why being pessimistic about the world doesn’t necessarily make you better—or happier.
MAKE SURE YOUR KID KNOWS THESE CODE WORDS 38 Give them this lifeline.
IQBAL MASIH: THE CHILD WHO FOUGHT TO END CHILD SLAVERY 40 How a little boy made an inordinate difference.
WHEN TWO HEARTBEATS CHANGED EVERYTHING 46 A double blessing that changed our whole world.
HAS PETER THIEL UNMASKED THE ANTICHRIST? Why this tech billionaire is suddenly obsessed.
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FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 2
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FOUR TIPS FOR GETTING BETTER SLEEP, NATURALLY 60 Don’t rely on medication.
SUDOKU AND CROSSWORD PUZZLE 62
@SIGNSMAG
Making a difference My family and I are moving to a new role in another country. As I reflect on my time as editor of Signs of the Times, I’ve been most inspired by the fact that this small magazine is still sharing articles that can make a real-world difference. One of those stories was Greg Fernance. An aspiring BMX star with a troubled upbringing, significant brain injuries derailed Greg’s dreams and set him on a path of self-destruction. After being miraculously healed, Greg is now a pastor in the NSW regional town of Grafton. When Signs ran his story, Greg shared the magazine all around town, including at the local skate park. As a result, the church now runs skate competitions for the kids every school holidays, influencing a generation and making an impact on the town’s culture. “The community has also grown to love and respect our church, and the skate park now has a much better reputation,” says Greg. “If it hadn’t been for the involvement of Signs at the beginning, this may not have had such an impact—or even gotten off the ground.” Signs made an impact. And while my contribution to Signs was only for a small part of its 140 years, the mission has always been the same—to share the hope of Jesus and to see the world changed for the better. You can be a change maker. In your everyday life, you can influence and impact people positively. Your presence can light up a room. You can care for people in need. You can serve your community. You can share a magazine that changes a life. You can make an eternal difference. Thank you for reading and for your support. Just like this small magazine, you can make a big difference.
JARROD STACKELROTH Editor
VOL 140 NO 2
ISSN 1038-9733 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Brad Kemp EDITOR Jarrod Stackelroth ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesse Herford ASSISTANT EDITOR Zanita Fletcher COPYEDITORS Melody Tan Tracey Bridcutt GRAPHIC DESIGN Theodora Pau’u Talia Valderrama PHONE +61 2 9847 2222 EMAIL info@signsmag.com WEBSITE signsmag.com ADDRESS Adventist Media PO Box 1115, Wahroonga New South Wales 2076 SUBSCRIPTIONS Kelli Geelan PHONE +61 3 5965 6300 Australia/New Zealand, $A28/$NZ30; South Pacific countries, $A41; Other countries $A51 Published since 1886, Signs of the Times is printed 11 times a year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is registered as a periodical. Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ABN 59 093 117 689 NOTE The inclusion of a person or their image within does not imply their endorsement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or its beliefs. Unless otherwise stated, Bible verses are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Anglicised. Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton. All rights reserved worldwide. COVER IMAGE: Supplied Image
WHAT IN THE WORLD Mission over money The Bible App YouVersion recently surpassed one billion downloads. Despite its multibillion-dollar value, the founder refuses to sell or commercialise it. Launched in 2007 as a free Bible website, it became one of the first 200 free apps on the Apple App Store in 2008, sparking rapid growth. True to its mission to keep Scripture free and accessible, it rejects monetisation through ads, subscriptions or premium tiers. Instead, it’s funded by donations and supported by a church in Oklahoma. Today, the app offers more than 2400 Scripture versions in more than 1600 languages.—Relevant Magazine
China’s dating dilemma CHINA
Finding love has become difficult for many, but in China, the challenge is particularly pressing. Decades of the one-child policy and a cultural preference for sons has left the country with 30 million more men than women. With prospects dwindling, virtual partners and long-term singleness are rising. In response, dating programs and boot camps are emerging to help men build confidence and develop relationship skills.—The New York Times 4
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PRISCUKKA DU PREEZ, HAO PAN, DUANE MENDES—UNSPLASH.COM, JHON MACIAS, OPEN BORDER—PEXELS.COM
UNITED STATES
Prisoner suing for Vegemite AUSTRALIA
An Australian man facing life behind bars is challenging a long-standing ban on prisoners consuming the nations’ beloved spread, Vegemite. The 2006 ban aimed to stop inmates using the strong-smelling condiment to hide contraband substances or brew alcohol. Offender Andre McKechnie argues the rule denies him the right to “enjoy his culture as an Australian”. The case will go to trial later this year.—The Daily News
The milk bank NEW ZEALAND
Northland has opened its first human milk bank at Whangārei Hospital, giving hundreds of premature and unwell babies a healthier start each year. Donors are screened and milk is pasteurised and frozen until needed. The community raised $NZ33,000, proving it truly takes a village to raise a child.—Radio NZ
Surf breaks with a price tag FIJI
Surfers wanting to catch a worldclass wave in Fiji may soon have to pay for the privilege. Foreign-owned resorts once had access rights to famous waves like Cloudbreak, but a 2010 law opened breaks to all. Now the government plans to repeal it, reintroducing fees to surfers. The bill is sparking backlash, though not all oppose it. Fiji surfing pioneer Ian Ravouvou Muller says surfers “chase away the fish” and damage the reef. Small fees would fund lifeguards, village security and reef protection— making sure both the ocean and the people are looked after.—BBC MARCH 2026 • SIGNSMAG.COM
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COTTONBRO—PEXELS.COM
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A limpse of delight Watching The Piano showed me that amid our flaws and struggles, God delights in the beauty of each life. JESSICA BISHOP
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