NorthPoint - March, 2012

ADRA responds to flooding in northern NSW

days,” he says. “Moree Council and the various government and non-government organisations worked very effectively. We felt privileged to represent ADRA, and be part of such a close and friendly emergency response team.”

Pastor Kosmeier says that a lot of the flying was done in cloud and rain on the way out and back. “It made for very interesting flying,” he says. “There was water everywhere — the rivers were chock-a-block full, and wheat and cotton fields were flooded. Some of the airports were closed because you couldn’t access them.”

Pastor Kosmeier says the floods showed the value AAA has in being able to quickly and economically carry relief workers into remote or cut-off areas. “The disaster-affected people knew they weren’t forgotten, and help came quickly,” says Pastor Kosmeier.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia has responded to flooding in northern New South Wales (NNSW) in January and February. A persistent low-pressure trough brought a significant amount of rain to inland NSW.

A number of teams of ADRA volunteers were flown out to the region by the Adventist Aviation Association (AAA) to assist at the evacuation centre established at Moree. More than 800 people registered at the centre during the crisis, with ADRA volunteers coordinating accommodation for around 200 people.

Chris Olafson, ADRA Australia’s Director of Emergency Management, says, “Getting to the area by road was impossible, so the small Adventist Aviation plane was scrambled to get them to the hard-hit area. They worked to ensure any affected families had a dry and warm place to stay.”

Pastor John Kosmeier, President of AAA for NNSW, and Gary Fraser flew the teams up. The first team consisted of David Moran, Naomi Revelly and Pastor David Fletcher, who ministers to the Coonabarabran and Gunnedah Churches.

Pastor Fletcher says, “I was truly blessed to be part of ADRA’s response to the floods. To be able to minister to those who were truly in desperate need was indeed a privilege and a blessing. We received overwhelming support from the Moree Seventhday Adventist Church — some of whom suffered flooding of their own homes and properties. In the midst of this great personal toll, they banded together to support our work for ADRA.”

Terry and Stephen Heath, from Maitland Seventh-day Adventist Church, replaced the first team after they completed their three-day shift. Terry is the coordinator for ADRA’s disaster response in the Hunter region. “It was an interesting, yet exhausting, four

The floods around the area affected a number of church families, with some suffering damage to their homes or property. Many were isolated by the flooding. Others had communication and electricity cut off. The house Natalie Rawson, a member of Narrabri Seventh-day Adventist Church, and her family were living in near Rowena was flooded on the first Friday in February. The house is inside a levy, and they had hoped it would keep the water out, but it came over the banks.

The family had to be airlifted out. “Once we were up in the chopper, all we could see was a sea of water,” says Natalie. “Lots of things were under water on the property, although the water hadn’t gone over the level of the kitchen bench in the house. We had time to lift some things before we left.”

(Continued on page 3)

Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon medals

OUR CONFERENCE From the President: The power of God to save

At the very heart of why the Seventh-day Adventist Church exists is the Gospel. The word Gospel comes from a Greek word that simple means “good message.”

When Jesus began His public ministry, He proclaimed the Gospel (Mark 1:15). He also said that the Gospel must be preached as a witness to all nations before He would return (Matthew 24:14). The first angel of Revelation 14:6 has the eternal Gospel to proclaim to the world.

Why is the Gospel so central in Scripture?

Paul gives the answer in Romans 1:16, where he defines the Gospel as “ the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” The power of God to save! This message is never out-of-date and never irrelevant to sinful humanity. While so many are trying to find meaning in what they do, own or achieve, it is through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that people have their ultimate value.

I believe great power will come to the church when we place the good news of the Gospel at the centre of everything we do. Every sermon that is preached and every Bible study that is given should be built on the Gospel.

When the Australian community looks at the church, what do they see? Do they see the Good News? Do they understand that we are as broken by sin as they are, but have found grace and forgiveness through Jesus?

What a great challenge to truly live the Gospel. What a great opportunity to see the power of God return to the church when we place the Gospel at the centre of everything we do.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

“Around The Traps,” a weekly e-newsletter from the North New South Wales Conference President Pastor Justin Lawman, is available to subscribe to. If you would like to subscribe to this, please email northpoint@adventist.org.au with the words “E-newsletter subscription” in the subject line.

Meetings a blessing for conference’s pastoral leaders

The pastors and chaplains of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference met at their annual ministerial meetings from 13 to 16 February at Yarrahapinni. The theme for the meetings was “Revive us again, Lord!”

The main speaker was Pastor Anthony Kent, Associate Ministerial Secretary for the General Conference. He provided devotional messages and a session on expository preaching. Pastor Paul Geelan, General Secretary of the NNSW Conference, says, “Pastor Kent did an outstanding job of leading the ministerial team to the feet of Jesus.”

Johnny Wong, a leader at Gateway Church in Melbourne, spoke about leadership and managing “the most challenging enterprise in the world” — the local church. He also shared information about creating vision and values. “Our pastoral leaders were inspired by his passionate call for strong leadership and a personal vision of what God is calling them and this church to do,” says Pastor Geelan.

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, spoke about the structure and strategic direction for the conference, giving opportunity for the pastors to isolate the primary things that need to be considered going forward.

Pastors Daron Pratt and Peter Cousins presented on the Safe Churches Training Manual, making the pastors aware of the training requirements and providing safety information for their local churches.

One Accord provided the music for the meetings, and the final evening of the meetings saw the ministers and chaplains spend time together as a team sharing communion service.

Pastor Geelan notes, “The Spirit of God moved in powerful ways as the pastors, some of their spouses, chaplains and church leadership washed each others’ feet, prayed together, and shared bread and wine. All were drawn close to each other and were unified in a commitment to the vision of the church.”

Pastor Lawman says of the meetings, “There was a great spirit among the team. I really like the time we get to catch up with each other and be blessed spiritually.”

— Pastor Paul Geelan/Adele Nash

Justin Lawman | General Secretary:

(Continued from page 1)

Unfortunately, they were unable to have their two pet dogs airlifted out with them. “It was scary and we were sick to our stomachs leaving them behind,” she says. “We put out food and water for them before leaving. They were alone for five days, and were very happy to see us when we made it back to the property.”

The family has been staying with friends. “They’ve been looking after us very well,” says Natalie. “We’ve had as good an outcome as we could in this situation.”

Pastor Eteuati Feau, who ministers to the Moree and Narrabri Adventist Churches, was unable to attend ministerial meetings as he was staying back to act as a liaison for those still in emergency accommodation.

Kevin Munro, NSW Disaster Welfare Coordinator, organised ADRA’s major response in the Moree region, as well as concurrent small-scale responses to flooding in Kingscliff, Grafton and Kempsey.

ADRA Australia holds formal agreements to provide emergency accommodation during times of disaster in NSW, in addition to the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.

Nathan Hawkins, Director of ADRA Services for the NNSW Confernece, says, “At times of crisis, volunteers in the local church are always needed to help those affected find safe shelter. If anyone in NNSW is interested in volunteering during these emergencies, we would love to add them to our family of volunteers.”

For more information about the flood situation, visit www.adra.org.au.

— Braden Blyde/Adele Nash/Kevin Munro/Russell Schulz

Photos courtesy of Pastor John Kosmeier and ADRA Australia

To contact ADRA NNSW, please phone Nathan on (02) 4951 8088, or email nhawkins@adra.org.au.

Staff and student numbers grow at Currawah

At the beginning of the school year, Currawah Aboriginal Adventist College (CAAC) welcomed seven new staff and the majority of of their 40 students, 17 of who are returning to CAAC from their studies in 2011. The arrival of some of the students was delayed due to flooding in the areas they live in northern New South Wales.

Teaching commenced for the year on 13 February, although staff and students had been there for a week prior to that doing STORM Co type activities. George Spero, CAAC principal, says, “They also did activities like sport, swimming and art. We only had small numbers at the beginning, but they grew as we kept picking up and bringing back students to the school.”

There are now 15 employees at CAAC, which includes three new teachers, a business manager and the maintenance man and his wife. There are also two new buildings on the Currawah site, which will help to provide space for the growing number of staff and students at the school.

Marilyn Hansen, Associate Director of Adventist Education in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference; Angela Robertson, System Business Manager for Adventist Education in NNSW; and Pastor Paul Geelan, General Secretary of the NNSW Conference, attended the induction of the new staff members on 31 January.

The group from the Conference Office gave presentations to the staff on a number of subjects. Marilyn shared the Board of Studies requirements with them, particularly for compliance in relation to boarding schools. “There’s a lot in the manual about boarding schools,” says Marilyn. “We also make sure we have everything organised for child protection, emotional and physical wellbeing, student safety, and rights and responsibilities.”

The group also spoke about building culture, with the whole staff team working together. Marilyn notes that the area provides some challenges in its remote nature, which increases the importance of teamwork.

Pastor Geelan spoke on a number of management topics, and also spoke with business manager Glenn Grey and George about strategic plans for the year.

“It will be a real benefit to have Glenn there to support the operations of the school,” says Marilyn. “He’ll help to take care of finance, ancillary staff, development and the everyday operations of the school, as well as liaising with employees.”

Pastor Geelan says, “The staff and student numbers have both grown significantly this year, and it was very important to put effective structures in place to unify the team and make its mission more effective. I was excited by the wonderful spirit that pervades the place, and the excellent team that was already in place has just been strengthened and built on with the new appointments. This is going to be an exciting year in fulfilling this conference’s vision for Aboriginal education ministry.”

Lynelda Tippo, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries for the NNSW Conference, says, “Parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts in the communities where the children come from are noticing the difference and change in the lives of their children, and that is the purpose of Currawah to do just that. We have been blessed with great people who staff the college; people who are committed and dedicated to the Lord’s work in this part of His vineyard.”

— Adele Nash

TEEN CAMPS

With the theme of “Identity,” this year’s teen summer camps provided an opportunity for guest speakers Andre Afamasaga and Tim Whale to challenge campers to step up and receive God into their lives.

A combined total of 157 teens attended Teen Camp 1 (16–22 January) and Teen Camp 2 (23–29 January). Out of this number, 12 indicated they would like to find a Pathfinder club, 107 wanted to give their heart to Jesus, 64 desired baptism and Bible studies, and 38 indicated that they wanted to grow more in their faith even though they were already baptised. The Youth Ministries Department sent out the contact details for the young people to local church pastors and school chaplains to follow up in the weeks after the camps. Youth Ministries Director Pastor Jeff Parker says, “We consider these decisions to be like gold.”

This year’s camps were the first ones for new Associate Youth Ministries Director Rick Hergenhan. He says, “One of the things that impressed me most about teen camps is the way the campers enjoyed the activities no matter what the weather was like. It was also great to see the staff, all of them our young people, stepping up to run the camp. They were more than capable and it was excellent to see them living a Christ like life as an example to the campers.

“The worship time of an evening was really special. It was exciting to see so many young people touched by Jesus and making life-long commitments to Him.”

— Adele Nash

Record number enjoy spectacular first Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon 2012 event at Woy Woy

More than 900 Aussie kids completed the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon course on Sunday, 22 January, held at Woy Woy on the New South Wales Central Coast. The record number of registrations for this event was a great way to kick off Australia’s 2012 series. The Sanitarium and community HELP TEAM volunteers were there with a crowd of approximately 3000 supporters to make sure the kids had a safe and enjoyable TRYathlon experience!

Ambassadors from the Central Coast Mariners were joined by sporting champions from the local area — Kurt Gidley (Knights), Adam Ashley Cooper (Wallabies), Nicole Hackett (triathlete), Benn Harradine (world champion — discus), Kristina Hagberg (BMX champ) were there to hand all the little champions their medals.

The kids also had their photos taken with their sporting heroes in the new Weet-Bix Kids Champion Zone. The Central Coast event was the first Australian event of the 2012 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Series, and participants were blessed with a perfect summer day and fine weather.

The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is a fun event for kids aged 7 to 15 where everyone is a winner and every child receives a medal from a sporting hero as they cross the finish line. The specially-designed swim, bike and run Kids TRYathlon course is developed for kids of all fitness levels and abilities. Distances vary depending on age and no placings or times are kept.

According to the Regional event Ambassador, Newcastle Knights 2011 Player of the Year Kurt Gidley, the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon helps with obesity and mental health, which are two of the major problems facing our children today.

“For more than 13 years now, parents have highlighted to Sanitarium the major boost to their kids self esteem that comes from TRYathlon’s unique ‘everyone’s a winner’ format. Kids are then more likely to want to continue playing sport and being active” said Kurt. “The event is based on the philosophy ‘Have a TRY, be a Champion’ where the emphasis is on enjoying the experience as part of an active lifestyle and on completion rather than competition.”

Whilst the event aims to foster improved fitness and better nutrition habits in children and families, it is also a fun way for kids to experience the benefits of exercise and “have a go.” Now in its fourteenth year, the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon features 10 events around Australia from January to May, including a new event in Bendigo. The series starts at the Central Coast before travelling to Sydney, Canberra, Bendigo, Geelong, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and concluding in Townsville.

Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Regional Event Ambassador Kurt Gidley joins a long list of high profile sporting ambassadors supporting the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, including Australian cricketer and Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon patron Brett Lee, Rugby League star Terry Campese, dual sporting sensation Ellyse Perry Cricketing, Olympic swimmers

Matt Welsh and Leisel Jones, Olympic pole vaulter Steve Hooker, Australian Netball captain Natalie Von Ber Touch, former Iron Man great Guy Leech, Commonwealth Games bronze medal winner triathlete Peter Robertson and a host of AFL, NRL, Rugby Union, Netball and Soccer stars.

For more information, visit www.weet-bix.com.au.

— Sharyn Brady

OUR TRY-ATHLETES

Photos by Andy Hatton, courtesy of the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon

OUR CHURCHES

Bourke Church connects with community through concert, children’s church

Morisset Multicultural Group combines with Wyee Church

Sabbath, 18 February marked the first time Morisset Multicultural Group members combined to worship with members of Wyee Seventh-day Adventist Church. The move to join the churches was made in January.

Pastor Peter Cousins, who ministers to the Wyee Church, says of the first Sabbath of combined worship, “We had an energising Sabbath at Wyee. The former members of the Morisset Multicultural Group were warmly welcomed by former church pastor Alan Saunders. The Morisset members presented two musical items that were warmly received. The combined churches enjoy a wonderful Celtic ‘The Blessing’ item sung by 10-year-old Dominique McMahon.

On Sabbath, 5 December, Bourke Seventh-day Adventist Church was filled with students and staff from Currawah Aboriginal Adventist College (CAAC), and 18 students from Avondale College. Keith Stockwell, who ministers to Bourke Church, says there was “a real buzz in the air” as the Currawah students connected with the Avondale students who had conducted various programs throughout the week at CAAC.

“The Avondale students were very tired, but kept on giving and giving, and sharing Jesus’ love with the students, who were full of energy,” says Keith. “The Sabbath morning program, led by the Avondale students, was filled with wonderful music and good spiritual ‘food.’”

In the evening, the group had a BBQ tea and gospel concert. “What a highlight that was,” says Keith. “Almost everyone who came performed in some way at the concert, and the Avondale students led out.”

During the week leading up to that, Keith and his wife Danuta had visited some of the local people in the community who they have connected with over the past few months, and invited them to the concert.

Lyiata Ballangarry from Moree Church also visited some people with them, as she was in Bourke at the time.

Some of the Avondale students assisted in picking people up from their homes using the Avondale bus. “Praise God nine children and five adults from the community came to the BBQ and concert,” says Keith. “We were all very blessed and really enjoyed the night, and formed deeper friendships with one another.”

The children and adults who attended the concert from the community were invited back for the following Sabbath. Keith says they felt impressed to start a children’s church on a regular basis. “We’ve asked parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to come and assist us. We told them, ‘We need your help as there are only two of us.’ Praise God, they all came.”

Sabbath, 12 December saw the first children’s church conducted. Eight children and three adults attended and expressed a desire to continue to attend. Activities for children’s church include singing, doing Bible puzzles and other Bible activities, and helping to decorate the Sabbath school room. By the following Sabbath, the children were already requesting their favourite songs from the previous week and had started to memorise John 3:16.

“Both Sabbath programs concluded with a lunch together provided by us,” says Keith. “The children have already started inviting their friends to church too.”

— Keith Stockwell/Adele Nash

“In all, Wyee had about 25 visitors, most of whom were from the Morisset Group. Many members and visitors stayed for the fellowship lunch which was enjoyed in Wyee’s beautiful garden and surrounds. Members of Wyee enjoyed the warmth and energy that was generated on this unique day in the history of their church. Much work remains to be done in settling these two groups into one. We look forward to God’s continued leading and believe that the future is bright.”

Pastor Cousins was appointed as minister to the Morisset Multicultural Group and Wyee Church for 2012. He says, “In January this year, the group looked at its identity, its mission, its achievements and future direction. More and more of the work leading out fell to a shrinking number of people. Theology students and their families were also increasingly taking on the day-to-day running of the group.”

When these matters were considered at a meeting of leaders of the Morisset Multicultural Group on 17 January, it was decided to recommend to the members that they amalgamate with the Wyee Church, which is eight kilometres away.

On Sabbath, 28 January, Pastor Cousins explained the recommendation to the gathered group of members. After some explanation, discussion and questions, it was moved and voted through unanimously to join with Wyee. The final meeting in Morisset was held on Sabbath, 11 February.

When Pastor Cousins explained what had been decided to the Wyee members on his first visit to the church as pastor there, he reports that there was “visible excitement and enthusiasm” for the move. “The Wyee Church voted to welcome all those who chose to visit or make Wyee their new spiritual home,” he says. “At the close of the Wee meeting, members requested that the doxology be sung in gratitude for God’s goodness, grace and care.”

The Morisset Multicultural Group was established about five years ago by two Samoan theology students. Pastor Cousins says, “Their vision was to engage former Adventists and people from the Morisset community in a relaxed, friendly worship venue. The group did reasonably well for a few years, but over time, as people who were instrumental in establishing the group moved away, numbers began to dwindle.”

Pastor Cousins notes that it is important now to focus on nurturing each member of the Morisset group to ensure that none will be without a spiritual home or pastoral care.

— Adele Nash/Peter Cousins

African journey stories shared with Narrabri Church

Sabbath, 11 February saw North New South Wales’ Adventist Aviation Association (AAA) fly Barbara Parkins out to Narrabri Seventh-day Adventist Church to preach and share stories from her recent travels in Africa and Papua New Guinea with the church’s members.

In place of the usual mission story segment in Sabbath school, Barbara shared stories from her four-month visit to Africa, where she spent time visiting with a group from the Massai tribe, as well as visiting orphanages and helping in other areas in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Barbara shared examples of the poverty and primitive conditions in which many people live there, including a story about meeting a girl who was raised by baboons until she was around six years old.

A special prayer of thanks was also given during Sabbath school for one of the church’s families, whose house at Rowena had been flooded.

In the church service time, the children’s story featured a story about Barbara’s stay with the Massai and meeting a man named Julius who runs a school for poor children who couldn’t afford to attend otherwise.

Barbara’s sermon was titled “Out of Africa — what is ‘true religion’?” She explored the verse Micah 6:8 and its relation to the ministry of Christ as He showed obedience, justice and mercy. “Anyone whose life needed touching, Christ touched while sharing the Word,” said Barbara.

Church members appreciated the visit by Barbara and AAA. Barbara works for the Nambucca Shire Council and has been involved with the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference’s Women’s Ministries team since its inception in 1998. She often visits churches in remote parts of the conference with the assistance of AAA.

Pastor John Kosmeier, president of AAA NNSW, says, “The role of AAA is to provide speedy transport for people from the coastal centres to lead out or assist in soul-winning ventures in the western areas of our conference. The aim of AAA is to win souls for Christ and prepare people for the coming of Jesus.”

AAA works with churches, families and individuals who live “out west” and are working to share Jesus with people. So far this year, AAA has made trips to Quirindi, Moree, Narrabri, Coonamble and Coonabarabran churches, as well as flown Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia volunteers to Moree following flooding in the area.

Pastor Kosmeier says, “People who are brought in by AAA are pastors, teachers and health workers who are specialists in their field. They bring expertise that helps the local people with ideas and work skills for effective outreach. During the Avondale College academic year, students are brought out to bring talent, vision and enthusiasm. The students catch a glimpse of outback soul-winning in a world quite often very different to what they are accustomed to.”

— Adele Nash

OUR CHURCHES

Heart Healthy recipe class success at Tumbulgum Church

On Sunday, 4 December 2011, Tumbulgum Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a Heart Healthy recipe class at their church hall for the local people in their community. God richly blessed the program with 45 participants — 35 of whom were from the community.

The attendees thoroughly enjoyed the program, which included special guest speakers, food tasting and demonstrations. Nutritionist Melissa Leistra spoke about grains and seeds; naturopath Tony Boutros talked about minerals and water; and health psychologist Jenifer Skues focused on the subject of food and the mind.

Tumbulgum Church’s minister, Pastor Don Sforcina, introduced the attendees to 10 steps to living a balanced lifestyle, and concluded the program with his “We are designed for health” presentation.

Recipes were also demonstrated and food tastings provided, which the audience enjoyed. They also appreciated the highly-interactive nature of the presentations and appreciated everyone’s input. They also provided plenty of positive feedback.

Jenifer reported that one lady stopped to chat to her at the door and said she “could have sat there for a few more hours listening to the program,” as she had enjoyed it so much.

Many participants also commented on how informative and well-organised the event was, with encouraging responses in favour of future programs. New friendships were also formed on the day.

— Elva Schofield

Back-to-school dedication at Maitland

Maitland Seventh-day Adventist Church’s children’s ministries team organised the church’s traditional back-to-school dedication day for the church on 11 February. Maitland is a church that has a strong focus on family, and children are always included in the worship program.

The back-to-school Sabbath involved children and teens taking the welcome, leading the praise service, presenting a readers’ theatre and sharing a worship drama. As children’s ministries leader Nikki Court said, “This IS our church.”

More than 50 young members of the church are back at school this year in years from Kindergarten to Year 12, and when they were called to the front for a prayer of dedication, the pews were practically emptied.

— Russell Schulz

OUR CHURCHES

Wallsend Church helps set “Hope in Motion” with Big Day In experience

Setting “Hope in Motion” was the aim of the 2011 Big Day In weekend at Wallsend Seventh-day Adventist Church. Big Day In was held on 25 and 26 November 2011, and saw hundreds of people inspired to make poverty history, raise more than $35,7000 for Asian Aid’s Nepal Women’s Health Project and the Kollegal School, and sponsor five children. The Big Day In group sponsors seven other children and has done so for a number of years.

Big Day In aims to engage a new generation to stand up against social injustices. Jerry Unser was the main speaker for the event, and he encouraged the young people who attended to be “their brother’s keeper” during the Friday night program.

The program also featured a “children’s story with a twist,” which illustrated the 20/80 challenge. Two out of 10 children “rested” comfortably on chairs up the front, while eight other children didn’t fit into the one uncomfortable chair. This provided a great visual representation for attendees about the way in which 80 per cent of the world’s population have access to only a small percentage of the world’s wealth and resources.

The Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) band led out in the praise time during the Friday night program. Students from Macquarie College, Avondale High School and CCAS also participated in awareness-raising activities at the Friday night event, and attendees were encouraged to commit publically to addressing social injustice issues at the end of the night.

The Sabbath morning saw Wallsend Church packed with church members and visitors.

Jo Darby, one of the many organisers of the Big Day In weekend, prayed for a spirit of generosity and conviction for attendees, and for them to “make noise” for God at the end of the Sabbath service and before the collection of the offering for Asian Aid’s projects.

Jerry Unser also had a creative illustration involving power tools to challenge attendees to “make noise” for God and the less fortunate in the Sabbath morning program.

Big Day In is a movement of people who believe that God’s name is Justice, and who are determined to declare that name to the world through action. Big Day in has partnered with Asian Aid for 13 years to give hope to some of the most disadvantaged people in Asia. The group also sponsors six children in India and one in Nepal, providing them with the means to gain an education.

You can join the Big Day In-Hope in Motion community on Facebook — http://www. facebook.com/BDI.HopeInMotion?sk=wall

— Bruna Tawake

Photos courtesy of Ann Stafford

Kingscliff member raises funds for Movember through “mo” shave

Some of us have a defining physical feature — that signature attribute instantly recognisable to our friends and family. For Bob Clare, a member of Kingscliff Seventh-day Adventist Church, it was a long moustache and ponytail (politely described as silver rather than grey)!

Bob grew his moustache 45 years ago and hadn’t shaved it off since. His wife of 42 years, Margie, had never seen her husband without facial hair. That was until November 24 last year, when Bob put his beloved locks on the line, all in the name of charity.

A Movember fundraising night was held, and being in possession of the most distinct “mo” at Kingscliff Church, Bob was approached to shave it off, as many people were curious to see him clean-shaven and were willing to dig-deep for the cause. Bob agreed immediately, saying, “It’s for a worthy cause, so it would be selfish of me not to do something like this.”

There were 150 church members in attendance at the social, and several wielded the scissors and razor. While there was a little bloodshed, fortunately Bob suffered only minor wounds!

A cake auction was also held on the night, with the event raising more than $6000 for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia’s East Africa Drought Appeal. However, that amount was doubled, thanks to the Federal Government matching the money dollar for dollar.

Bob is still getting used to his new look, while Margie is still getting accustomed to her “new husband,” who hasn’t ruled out growing the “mo” back again.

— Summer Lockley

Alstonville Church’s community outreach

On 5 February, an all-day workshop was held for the community and church members in the Alstonville Seventh-day Adventist Church hall on “Natural body care products and the wonders of water hydrotherapy in the home.” The guest speaker was Jana Meldt, who trained at Uchee Pines Lifestyle Centre in the United States as a lifestyle counsellor. Her husband Benjamin assisted her.

The workshop was a great success, and the audience of 50 people was tantalised by the aromas of essential oils in the natural soaps Jana demonstrated. Her “recipes” were enthusiastically received by participants. Following a healthy lunch, a hydrotherapy demonstration was provided, with one procedure having all participants working hands-on.

Those who attended are already trying out Jana’s natural “recipes” with great success and are eager for another workshop in the near future. This has already been arranged, and the workshop will explore “the natural first-aid kit in the kitchen cupboard.”

— Jeanette Kavur

OUR CHURCHES

Maitland’s first-ever leaders’ retreat a “great success”

Pastor Esava Koro, who ministers to the Maitland Seventh-day Adventist Church, wants 2012 to be a year focused on the mission of the church. His gathering of leaders of the various departments and ministries of the church at the very beginning of this year has proved to be inspirational.

A leaders’ retreat was organised at the Crosslands Convention Centre in Glaston, and most leaders were able to attend. Special guest Dr Doug Robertson from Avondale College was the keynote speaker. He covered a broad range of topics, including “A visionary church,” “Spheres of influence,” “Models of leadership” and “Empowerment.”

A lot of time was allowed for discussion and a “roadmap” for 2012 began to take shape. Pastor Koro included a variety of prayer sessions, and fellowship and friendship were emphasised.

Dr Robertson was very impressed with the commitment of the leaders of Maitland Church, and commended their enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel, their innovative ideas and their interdependence.

“Maitland Church is very lucky to have leaders well-equipped to take its ministries into the new year with freshness and excitement,” he said.

Although everyone worked hard over the weekend (or because of they did) the retreat will be remembered as a good time spent with good friends.

— Russell Schulz

Photo courtesy of Cayla Court

Baptism at Coonabarabran

Sabbath, 17 December 2011 was the day chosen by Jesse Revelly to be his special day to follow Jesus’ example and commit his life fully to God by being baptised.

Pastor Lorenzo Berry travelled from Hervey Bay to officiate in the baptism and was ably assisted by local minister, Pastor David Fletcher. The Coonabarabran

Seventh-day Adventist Church was overflowing with friends and relatives, all rejoicing for Jesse on this day.

Jesse believes God has a special plan for his life, so he took Jeremiah 29:11 as his favourite Bible verse — “For I know the plans I have for you Jesse, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jesse is wished God’s richest blessings as he continues to serve Him, at present in the capacity of deacon in the church.

— Barb Watson

OUR SCHOOLS

Blue Hills College schoolies choose to serve

Late last year (14–29 November 2011), five Blue Hills College students — Kirsten Finey, Sophie Watts, Charlotte O’Neill, Ezekiel Kingston, Brendon Hopkins — and teachers Bronwyn Tually, Jeanine Bougaardt, and Anthony Coombs ventured to India and Nepal, choosing to serve at some of Asian Aid’s schools and projects instead of joining in the usual end-of-year schoolies festivities.

Kristen Finey, one of the students, shares her experience:

“Traveling to India, one of the most over-populated and poor nations in the world, truly opened my eyes to how little and insignificant we are in the ‘rat race’ of life. Visiting the schools and orphanages showed me the power of a HUGE God who loves and cares for His every child.

“Making balloons for children in slum schools, singing with the children saved from human trafficking in a church we helped paint in Nepal, visiting the new foundations of an orphanage, all proved the power of the Lord Almighty and the hope He brings.

“Asian Aid is an example of the Lord’s Spirit working and living, transforming the lives of those who were powerless and weak. Seeing the love from the teachers, staff and students at Bobbili Blind School was a blessing.

“I was truly moved by the home groups in Pokhara, Nepal, which were havens for the children who would have been trafficked into India to become prostitutes or have their organs illegally sold. The dedication and sacrifice by the teachers and home parents was inspirational. What a blessing it was to see it first hand.”

Students and staff fundraised before the trip by selling Indian food at school on Fridays and by organising a high tea. “The students really embraced the experience and the people in every way,” says Bronwyn, one of the teachers who joined the students on this trip. “Meeting people that do God’s work in other countries, and being made aware of the conditions that they do that in, is a real humbling experience. To experience first-hand people being the hands and feet of God is a real inspiration and makes you re-evaluate your own life and experiences. It also empowers you to make the extra effort to make more of an impact in the lives of others — both overseas and in your own hometown.”

— Sonja Larsen

TVAC students, staff and parents attend Sydney AYC

A number of students signed up, but over the holidays the interest grew to the point where both TVAC buses were needed to transport the students attending to the conference. Partnering with Kingscliff Adventist Church, many students, a few parents, and teachers met at Kingscliff Church on the Thursday morning at the unfriendly time of 4:15am to commence what would become an amazing spiritual journey.

They arrived safely at Sydney in time to hear the opening address from the South Pacific Division President Dr Barry Oliver. The program was very full and the TVAC students stood high with another busload of students from Kempsey Adventist School as wonderful representatives of Adventist Education.

Each day began with a morning devotion at 7:00am and went right through till 9:30 each night. On Saturday afternoon, all of the participants went door knocking to share the good news of the Gospel. That afternoon, 75 families committed to Bible studies and hundreds more requested DVDs and study materials.

At the end of 2011, Tareene Greenwood and Jonathan Nilon ran a promotion inviting students of Tweed Valley Adventist College (TVAC) to attend the Adventist Youth for Christ (AYC) in Sydney. AYC was run from Thursday, 2 February to Sunday, 5 February.

The school thanks Yong Shin Chee and Tarenne for their hard work and organisation to help the 36 TVAC students, staff and parents attend.

— Lee-anne Dobson/TVAC newsletter

FEATURES

Validation at the village — ARV staff recognised for

educational achievements

Recognition of educational achievement is a validating experience, especially for the Avondale Retirement Village staff during their annual Education Awards Ceremony. Held on 31 January this year, the presentations acknowledge those who undertake further study while on the job.

In the latter part of 2011, staff training co-ordinator, Lynaire Waters, realised that more than half of our staff were engaged in a training course of some kind. This is underlines the importance that the organisation places on staff development. At the awards ceremony eight staff members were recognised for attending more than 10 internal education opportunities in 2011. An Encouragement Award of Lynaire’s namesake recognises the pursuit of self-improvement through education. This year, it was presented to Lea White (pictured below with Lynaire and David Knight, managing director of ARV) and Debra Ormiston.

Initially employed as a cleaner, Lea completed a traineeship, including two certificate courses in 2011, to become an Assistant in Nursing. After juggling family life and study, her qualifications have opened up windows of opportunity she says are “limitless.”

“It’s something I’d definitely recommend,” says Debra, whose major case study for her Advanced Diploma in Nursing was a resident who had been her Grade 2 teacher. Keeping up with best practice is part and parcel of nursing. She says, “Our residents deserve the best.”

Darlene Turner, who completed her Certificate IV in Health and Leisure, praises the supportive team spirit among those who undertook study in the past year. The impact of her study on her current practice has made it worthwhile. “I feel wiser now, able to see things in a different way, especially when caring for residents with Dementia,” says the lifestyle staff member.

Other staff recognised for their achievements include Judy Beckford, Amanda Wishart, Noni Grocott, Karyn Norris, Karin Wood and Daniel Southern (pictured below). The organisation offered courses in 2011 covering 45 different topics. Importantly these courses were available to all staff and covered items dealing with clinical practice to business administration. This reinforces the organisations desire to be a learning organisation always seeking to improve the way they do things.

— Kayla Young

Look beyond the symbol this Easter

Signs of the Times has produced a flyer in time for churches and church members to share with friends and the community this Easter.

“While we might not officially endorse Easter as a faith, it is a time when people’s minds are open to spiritual things and we can capitalise on that,” says Lee Dunstan, editor of Signs of the Times

The flyer, called “More than a Symbol,” gives the meaning of the Cross in the context of the great controversy.

“The flyer is perfect for those who are either just starting out in their Christian walk, or for those interested in finding out more about Christianity,” says Lee.

“More than a Symbol” features an article extracted from the April 2012 issue of Signs of the Times, and explains the importance of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, emphasising the need for people to have a personal relationship with Him.

“A few months ago, some church members connected with a man through one of Signs Ministry’s flyers and he is now having Bible studies,” says Lee. “We pray that ‘More than a Symbol’ will do the same and encourage people to accept the wonderful gift Jesus has offered them when he died on the cross.”

Due to the overwhelming popularity of previous flyers, Signs Ministry has reprinted them and they are also available for purchase. “Thoughts on Easter” summarises the most important aspect of salvation — Jesus’ resurrection; and “Money Meltdown” gives Revelation 18’s biblical perspective on what is happening in the world of finance, and what we can expect in the future.

— Melody Tan

Find out more about “More than a Symbol” at www.signsofthetimes.org.au/symbol