NorthPoint - June, 2012

God blesses at Grey Nomads Camp

With 580 registered campers from around Australia (along with some from New Zealand) in attendance, the 2012 Grey Nomads Camp, held from 4 to 12 May, was the biggest camp to date. Numbers swelled to more than 650 on each of the Sabbaths of the camp as the grey nomads worshipped together. The oldest attendees of this year’s camp were 91, 92 and 93 years old respectively.

The theme of this year’s Grey Nomads was “Nothing to Fear . . .” which was based on Ellen White’s comment of, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teachings in our past history,” in the 12 October, 1905 Review and Herald

Dr Roy Adams, former associate editor of Adventist Review and Adventist World, was the keynote speaker for the camp. Pastor Paul Geelan, General Secretary of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, says, “Dr Adams’s evening programs were both inspiring and challenging. His sermon on the final Sabbath of camp focused on Philippians 3:12, where it talks about pressing on, forgetting about what was in the past. He made an appeal for people who have children who aren’t in the church any more to come forward for special prayer. Around three quarters of the tent came forward. It was a real blessing for them to receive that prayer.”

Other guest speakers included Dr Allan Lindsay, who took the 7.30am daily devotionals and spoke about Adventist heritage, and Dr Don Hansen, who conducted morning Bible studies. The music, which was described as a “feast,” was organised by Allan Dalton and Murray Oliver. Manuel Escórcio performed a special concert on the first Sabbath night of the camp, which was loved by attendees.

During the week, afternoon workshops were held. These focused on things like photography, estate planning and computing. The final Sabbath of the camp featured an afternoon MV program run by Pastor Bob Possingham before a “Grey Nomads Got Talent!” concert. The concert was hosted by David Woolley, and was greatly appreciated for the enjoyable and fun display of talents it showcased.

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, says, “The camp’s growth figures are really telling. We started with 238 Grey Nomads in 2009, which grew to 380 in 2010 and 436 in 2011. It’s really exciting to see this, and many of this year’s attendees have gone to every camp so far. The wonderful sense of unity makes it an incredibly happy, stress-free camp. It provides a sense of community for people at that time of life while providing them with a spiritual shot in the arm.”

— Adele Nash

Professional development at CAPE/CASE 2012 — more on page 10

Photos courtesy of Don Roy, Allan Dalton and Paul Geelan (see more on page 3)

OUR CONFERENCE From the President: Becoming more Adventist

That’s right — more Adventist. Enough with hiding our name like we should be embarrassed! The principles of Adventism have made it one of the most dynamic church growth movements in history.

Becoming more Adventist does not mean eating haystacks for lunch or sharing your Nutmeat sandwiches, but allowing the fundamental principles of our movement have a greater part of our lives.

Jesus at the centre

We have been given a book called the Desire of Ages. This came about because the church had centered on doctrine at the expense of a loving relationship with Jesus. Adventists know how sad faith is when Jesus is not at the center. True Adventism has Jesus front and center of everything.

Bible based

Everything we teach is based on a solid understanding of the Bible. It is our sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine. It is God’s primary method of communication with His people. We are still the people of the Book. May this increase in our midst.

Gospel movement

The first angel of Revelation 14:6 has the everlasting Gospel to proclaim to the world. The good news of the Gospel brings the power of God into our lives (Romans 1:16), and therefore the church. Grace is where I get strength, and grace is what changes me into a better man.

The whole person

Praise God the Bible teaches me to care about my physical and emotional health, as well as the spiritual. I am healthier and happier as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian.

Urgency in mission

Jesus is coming again soon! This should give our mission of reaching others with the Good News a sense of urgency. God doesn’t want anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9) and it’s our job to help bring those who are to Him.

Now is not a time in the world’s history to be less Adventist, but a time when we should take these principles that have made our movement so strong and embrace them. It’s time to be more Adventist.

— 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 join the mailing list, please email northpoint@adventist.org.au with the words “E-newsletter subscription” in the subject line.

General Secretary’s report

The highest authority in the conference, and the body through which all local churches contribute to the major strategic decisions of the conference, is the Executive Committee. I wish to thank the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference Nominating Committee for selecting an excellent Executive Committee. Our discussions have been robust, with all members being very active contributors to those discussions. However, there is also a very strong unity of purpose. It has been a pleasure to work with each of them.

One of the things that has drawn us together as a team is sharing our personal testimonies with each other during the devotional time prior to each meeting. We have been transparent — and a little vulnerable — with each other, and it has been refreshing, affirming and collegial.

The members of the NNSW Executive Committee are Pastor Justin Lawman (chairman, conference President), Pastor Paul Geelan (secretary, conference General Secretary), Russell Halliday (conference Chief Financial Officer), Pastor Vadim Butov, Pastor David Price, Pastor Brett Townend, Tim Merritt, Lyn Carlson, Kerry Howard, Shirley Easthope, Angelo Rodriguez, Phil Hawkins, Wesley Dose, Lyn Blundell and David North.

The first six months of a new quadrennium are very much about re-establishing various committees, boards and advisories, and settling into new roles.

Having said that, there have been a number of important decisions made by the Executive Committee that will make significant contributions to the mission of the church going forward. These decisions include:

1. Commencing a strategic-planning process that is to be completed by August 2012.

2. Approving the sale of four houses owned by the conference, with the proceeds being used to establish a church-planting fund

3. Approving loans for Avondale School and Central Coast Adventist School for their ongoing growth and development

4. Accepting a financial report for December 31, 2011 that recorded a surplus for the first time in four years.

5. Merging the Morisset Multicultural Company with the Wyee Church.

“The real character of the church is measured, not by the high profession she makes, not by the names enrolled upon the church book, but by what she is actually doing for the Master, by the number of her persevering, faithful workers” — Review and Herald, September 6, 1881.

May God bless your work for the Master.

— Pastor Paul Geelan

Grey Nomads give more than $20,000 for World Changers Bible Project

On the first Sabbath of the 2012 Grey Nomads Camp, attendees gave more than $20,000 for the World Changers Bible Project (WCBP), which is an initiative of the South Pacific Division’s (SPD) Youth Ministries Department that aims to see thousands of young people around the SPD equipped with a Bible.

Pastor Nick Kross, Director of Youth Ministries for the SPD, says, “I had an amazing experience at the Grey Nomads Camp. The Spirit was there totally in the lives of hundreds of our retired church members. I was given the opportunity to share a presentation in the first segment of the Sabbath School, and after the video and 10-minute promo, an offering was collected — $13,415 in notes alone! After I walked out, people came up to me in a line and handed me more pledges and cash.”

He adds, “Right through lunch, retired pastors and others from all over Australia came up to me with cheques, cash and pledges. The total amount raised was more than $20,000. Others told me they didn’t have their account details with them at the time, but would make a donation when they were able. There was so much excitement up there and I felt the unity of the church in a really amazing way. One retiree mentioned he had been saving for an item he was really keen to buy and had finally raised enough, but after the presentation, was convicted to give it all to WCBP.”

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference, says, “The Grey Nomads did us proud by donating so much to the project. We as a conference are behind this project 100 per cent, and thank the Grey Nomads for their generosity.”

In March at the Youth Rally held at Avondale College, young people from around North New South Wales gave $1905 for WCBP. Significant amounts were also collected for the project at last year’s Big Camp. “Churches in North New South Wales who have supported the project include Lismore, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Kyogle and Avondale College through the 7:28 Friday night offerings,” says Pastor Kross. “Jeff Parker and Rick Hergenhan in the Youth Department have also been very supportive, and are really behind the project, which we appreciate.”

The total raised division-wide for WCBP is now above $530,000.

— Adele Nash/Nick Kross

Find out more about WCBP @ http://worldchanger.me

OUR CONFERENCE

E-book to help fund restoration of Andrew Stewart

The launch of an e-book about a Seventh-day Adventist mission aeroplane will help raise money for its refurbishment and relocation for permanent display.

Balus Belong 7 Day, published by the Adventist Heritage Centre and launched at Avondale Library on 1 May, tells the story of the Andrew Stewart. The aeroplane was the first to be operated by any division of the Adventist Church.

Author Dr Lester Devine dedicated the book to retired ministers Pastors Len Barnard and Colin Winch, who received the first copies. The “father of Adventist mission aviation in the South Pacific” and the church’s former chief pilot were the first to fly the aeroplane. Dr Devine, director emeritus of the Ellen G White Seventh-day Adventist Research Centre, describes himself as an “aviation buff.” “That comes from Len,” he says. “He used to come from furlough into our community and regale me with stories of flying and missions.”

President of the South Pacific Divsion (SPD) Dr Barry Oliver also honours Pastors Barnard and Winch for their “vision and foresight to make a radical change in the way we operated. It took unflinching determination to enthuse those who hesitated and to gather the considerable financial resources needed to launch the aviation program,” he writes in the foreword of the book.

The SPD bought the Cessna 180-B four times and sold it three times. Dedicated at Bankstown Airport in Sydney in June 1964, the aeroplane — its initials are VH-SDA — honours pioneer missionary Pastor Andrew Stewart. It flew 5000 hours without a

single accident or insurance claim during its service, mostly in remote areas of Papua New Guinea.

The Adventist Aviation Association (AAA) began using the Andrew Stewart in 1973 for flights from Cooranbong to towns such as Mungindi, Walgett and Bourke in New South Wales. Pilots such as Pastor Barnard, who is now patron of AAA in northern New South Wales, served as ministers and evangelists. “The airport would be abuzz every Sunday with planes taking off to fly westward with the gospel,” said Pastor Barnard. “It was a thrilling time.” AAA now uses other forms of transport to continue its ministry.

Pastor John Kosmeier, AAA President for North New South Wales (NNSW), says, “Pastor Barnard flew more than 4000 hours and Pastor Winch more than 1000 hours in that plane in PNG. In 1972, it was bought by AAA in NNSW, and flown for outback outreach and aerial evangelism. When its flying work was done, it was placed on display at the South Seas Museum, next to Sunnyside. Because of airframe deterioration, it was dismantled and is now being restored by Rose-lee Power, some AAA volunteers and a group of Avondale High School students. When the building is finished and the plane restoration complete, it is proposed that the Andrew Stewart will be the central feature in the heritage centre. It will be gorgeous — what a delight.”

The Andrew Stewart became a static display in November 1987, mounted on a pedestal at the South Sea Islands Museum in Cooranbong.

The Adventist Heritage Centre brought the aeroplane down from its pedestal in July 2008 to begin restoration. “Every cent raised [by the sale of the book] will go towards restoration,” says curator Rose-lee Power. “Any extra money will go towards funding a hangar.” The Adventist Heritage Centre hopes to complete the $60,000 project by June 2014, the 50th anniversary of the Andrew Stewart’s first flight. Balus Belong 7 Day is available from Amazon.com, the iTunes Store and other online booksellers.

— Linden Chuang with Brenton Stacey

Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Betts

Legacy lives: Concert raises $4000 for children in India

Avondale College student mission club COSMOS called its fundraising concert “Change Is Coming.” The generous response means change is a little bit closer for the girls boarding at Tonea School in India.

The concert, held in Avondale College Church on Saturday, 12 May raised almost $4000. The money will help build a new girls’ dormitory. International poverty and development studies major Karli Borresen knows the difference it will make. “I visited Tonea last year and saw girls sleeping on the floor or sharing a bed with three others.”

Fourteen artists, including Francine Bell, the college’s Contemporary Choir, Melissa Otto, The Promise and Victory Street Gospel Choir, performed. The bill made it one of the biggest events COSMOS has organised, reports leader Krissie Hopkins. COSMOS dedicated the concert to its longtime supporter, the late Charles Pointon. A newly framed painting of Charles will be displayed at Avondale in memory of his service to the college and the community. Asian Aid Australia, which partners with Tonea, thanks COSMOS for giving hope to the children at Tonea. “Charles would have been proud of not only the money raised but also of the dedication and passion of young adults with a heart for mission and service,” says chief executive officer Richard Greenwell. “It’s good to see Charles’ legacy — of being a friend of children — lives on.”

— Josh Dye

Photo courtesy of Kimberley Hodgkin

which

The Contemporary Choir closed the Change Is Coming concert,

COSMOS dedicated to longtime supporter Charles Pointon.

South Kempsey hosts “Go and Tell”

ATSIM regional

On Sabbath, 28 April, the South Kempsey Aboriginal Church hosted the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) regional. The little church was packed, and according to South Kempsey Church pastor Michael Chapman, there were around 100 people in attendance. People came from Mount Druitt and Ryde in Sydney, Newcastle, Bellbrooke and the South Queensland Conference’s “One God, One Tribe” Adventist Murri Church.

Pastor David Garrard, pastor of the “One God, One Tribe” Church, was the guest speaker for the day. With the theme of “Go and Tell,” Pastor Garrard (pictured below, right) spoke about “Restoring the family,” and gave people much to consider in the area of change in the home and community.

Lynelda Tippo, ATSIM Director for the NNSW Conference, says, “He talked about changes that would make a difference in the lives of parents and their children — changes for the better. He challenged people to think about Martin Luther King Junior’s words — ‘I have a dream . . .’ — adding these sobering questions: ‘Do you have a dream for your mob, your family?’ ‘Is your family worth fighting for or have you given up?’ I believe this is a timely message for our Indigenous people as the coming of Jesus draws near.” Lynelda adds that adults and young people alike made the commitment to show God’s love in their family and community relationships.

There was a great luncheon provided by the church, which provided an opportunity for people to spend time talking and mingling. In the evening, there was a concert, which Lynelda says was one of the best she’s been to in a long time. “There were so many people with wonderful talents. Well done, Kempsey Church!”

An ATSIM Advisory meeting was held on 29 April and many exciting things were discussed for 2012 and 2013 in the area of evangelism. In June this year, the first Indigenous women’s retreat will be held at Currawah, and interest is already being expressed by women in the area. Lynelda says, “I thank God for the faithful women who are working amongst the people in their regions.”

— Adele Nash/Lynelda Tippo

OUR CONFERENCE

NNSW Conference’s Church Treasurer’s Manual now online

The most recent version of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference’s Church Treasurer’s Manual is now available online. The manual can be accessed via http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/ treasury-manual, and is available both online or to download as a complete document.

Russell Halliday, Chief Financial Officer for the NNSW Conference, says, “The purpose of the manual is basically to encourage good governance practices. It’s a very necessary resource for all church treasurers. We want to safeguard church treasurers and members of church boards.”

The manual provides handy reference guides and helpful tips for new treasurers. “It’s also a one-stop shop for frequently-used forms, and provides information about technical support,” says Russell. He recommends that all church treasurers and their assistants, as well as church pastors and others involved in the finances of their local churches, use a copy of the manual.

According to Russell, pastors and others who attended the finance seminars conducted last year uncovered a lot of best-practice ways to do things. “It’s about protecting church officers,” says Russell. “Without a manual, people can start a role and only be handed information by the previous person to fill that role. This may or may not be ideal, as the person leaving the role can only pass on the information they know. The manual provides resources to help build a better system of accountability, and gives people confidence about giving their money to the church.”

“We developed the manual from scratch because there has been nothing like it previously,” Russell adds. “Other conferences around Australia are now starting to use our manual as a template to develop their own.”

Content was provided by the NNSW Treasury Department, and feedback about the manual was obtained from church treasurers. Bob Stratford provided support through his work in editing a significant amount of the manual’s content. Alicia Cooke produced the template and worked on design for the manual.

“We update and revise the manual regularly,” says Russell. “So if there are treasurers looking for extra content or information that isn’t currently included, we are always happy to take user’s feedback.”

Treasurers can still request printed versions of the Church Treasurer’s Manual, which will be sent out from the conference office.

The Church Treasurer’s Manual has six sections, which cover the role of the church treasurer, transaction processing, risk management and compliance, budgeting and reporting, church growth — grants and loans, and tithes and offerings online. Each section has appendices that contain forms and further information.

— Adele Nash

To order a print copy of the Church Treasurer’s Manual or for treasury support services, please contact Sherrylee Kilgour on (02) 4951 8088 or via sherryleekilgour@adventist.org.au.

OUR CONFERENCE

Kressville Stage 1 about to commence

Residents of the Avondale Retirement Village in Cooranbong will soon benefit from a new activity centre, with the successful tenderer GRAPH Building about to commence work.

In addition to this, a further 10 villas will be constructed in this first stage that will continue the replacement program started in 2008.

“We are excited to have reached another redevelopment milestone,” says David Knight, Managing Director of the Seventh-day Adventist Aged Care, North New South Wales.

“These new facilities for the residents and their families continue the ongoing renewal of a village that has been serving the community since the 1960s.” The activity centre will provide flexible meeting spaces for church services, craft and social activities, and a new hub for the village’s in-house television channel.

Residents will use the centre for celebrating things like birthday parties, weddings and anniversary celebrations, while people from the extended community will have the opportunity to attend information days and other events there.

The new independent living units will replace a number of one-bedroom units that date back to the 1960s with more spacious, contemporary-style accommodation.

“Quality care needs to be delivered in quality facilities. And we are committed to continue to provide both,” says David.

— David Knight

For more information about the developments at the Adventist Retirement Village, or other enquiries regarding Adventist Aged Care, please contact David Knight at davidknight@aacnnsw.com.au.

Visit nnsw.adventist.org.au/aged-care to find out more about the Adventist Aged Care system within the North New South Wales Conference.

STORM Co training day success

On Sabbath, 11 May, around 30 people attended STORM Co training at the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference Office. Almost every STORM Co team from around the conference was represented. The conference provides funding for teams who send key leaders to the training event, as the training helps them to stay abreast of new information and any changes. This year, the STORM Co manual has been updated, with a new format that makes it simpler for new teams to use.

Presenters included Pastor Jeff Parker, Youth Ministries Director for NNSW; Rick Hergenhan, Associate Youth Ministries Director for NNSW; Dr Mel Lemke, chaplain at Avondale Schools; and Graeme Frauenfelder. Mel spoke about the five pillars of STORM Co. Rick says, “Mel fleshed them out powerfully and it helped to explain why we do what we do. He highlighted how STORM Co sparks people’s connection with Christianity. A number of people have become Adventists through involvement with STORM Co.” Graeme gave presentations on creativity and love language, and got attendees involved with activities. “He got us into pairs and one had to come up with an idea, while the other had to say ‘No’ to it. This was then changed to a ‘Yes, but...’ response, and then ‘Yes, and...” says Rick. “The aim of this was to build creativity.”

Three STORM Co teams have already gone out to towns this year. Cherryl Stidolph of Tenterfield Church says, “On 6 April, STORM Co arrived in Tenterfield, as they have done for the past six years. The people of Tenterfield — both young and old — look forward to the STORM Co team’s visit every year. They bring fun to the town, as well as God’s truth. On 14 April, the group took the whole of the divine service, and we had a real blessing from them.”

Rick says, “We’ve got great leaders this year — quality, strong, level-headed leaders. It’s very encouraging, and it’s great to see people get involved in ministry no matter what their talents are.”

This year marks the 20th year of STORM Co, and this year’s STORM Co T-shirts feature the Currawah Aboriginal Adventist College logo. The NNSW Conference Youth Ministries Department is working on building a collection of T-shirts from the 20 years of STORM Co and are looking for ones from the 1990s and early 2000s. “If you have one you want to donate for display at the conference office, please contact us on (02) 4951 8088,” says Rick.

— Adele Nash (with comment from Cherryl Stidolph)

Artist’s impression of the new activity centre at the Adventist Retirement Village in Cooranbong. The activity centre will provide a flexible environment for residents to use for meetings, social activities and a variety of other purposes.

15-year-old Ruth takes Tamworth sermon

On Sabbath, 14 April, 15-year-old Ruth Makwara took the main church sermon at Tamworth Church. Ruth was baptised on 19 November, 2011 by Pastor James Venegas, the former Tamworth minister. Ruth says that in January this year, local leading elder Laurie Tiller requested she consider taking a church service, as he had heard her take a mini-sermonette at a Pathfinder day program in 2010 and 2011.

Ruth was unsure about the whole thing, as she was used to only taking five-minute sermons, but with the encouragement of Laurie and fellow church members, she accepted the task.

Ruth preached on “God’s plan for us,” based on the story of Jonah, with the main focus verse being Jeremiah 29:11. People were impressed with the message’s spiritual maturity, insight and perspective.

Tamworth youth member Jessica Read (18) sang and Logan Wiltshire (17) skillfully accompanied her on guitar as they performed two Gospel-centred songs just prior to Ruth taking the sermon. It was brilliant to see the young people take charge in the service.

OUR CHURCHES

Easter reunion for refugee family

The reunion of an Adventist refugee family made the front page of The Coffs Coast Advocate on 11 April this year. Julienne Miburo and her husband Luca Nyonzima were reunited on the Coffs Coast after being apart for five years.

The newspaper reported that Luca was overjoyed by the occasion, hugging and kissing his wife and three children — Janvier, Francoise and Jennifer — for the first time since they were separated at a refugee camp in Tanzania. He was also introduced to his new daughter-inlaw Jenny and new grandson King Diamond.

Luca arrived from the United States and was reunited with his family through the support and hard work of a number of Coffs Coast residents. Ross Willis from the Coffs Harbour Church says, “The reunion was a remarkable occasion, which brought tears to the eyes of many. We, as a congregation, have anxiously waited for the day when we could witness the reunion of the separated refugee family. We raised funds to pay for Luca’s airfare from the USA to Coffs Harbour — about $1400. Many prayers were answered in seeing the end of the four-year tussle with immigration and the embassies. “ Ross contacted Pastor Will James of the Paradise Valley Adventist Church in California, and he played a major role in assisting the immigration process in the USA.

Julienne bought gifts for everyone who helped to get Luca to Australia. She obtained her driver’s licence in the same week as Luca arrived, and Ross says, “They’re now mobile and united.”

— Coffs Coast Advocate/Ross Willis

Children take part in Tenterfield Sabbath School

Members of Tenterfield Church were overjoyed to see children taking part in their Sabbath School on 13 March. That day saw 14 little children present — some who were too young to take part.

This is the first time in many years that Tenterfield Church has had a children’s Sabbath School. It was also the first time the children have been up the front and they did an excellent job. The two oldest boys took up the offering, and this was an excellent encouragement for them.

Nicky Whitby, who moved to the area from Armidale last year, brings her grandchildren along. Some of them live with her on a permanent basis, and others visit her. Cushla Jones is the Sabbath School teacher for the children.

— Cherryl Stidolph

Wauchope Church hosts “aprons and tea cups” morning tea

In April, Michelle Higgins at Wauchope Church hosted a Women’s Ministries morning tea. Kerryn Patrick, Women’s Ministries Director for Wauchope Church, says, “It’s been a long time since I have seen so much ‘fine china.’ We were treated like princesses. There were so many stories of what our favourite apron or tea cup meant to us.”

Most of the stories were connected to special relationships in the lives of attendees, and the apron or tea cup was a reminder of someone special. Perhaps the tea set was an engagement present from a much-loved grandmother, or the apron was made devoted dad or special friend. “Our little treasures about our homes are constant reminders that we’re loved by special people,” says Kerryn. “God has also given us lots of treasures that remind us of His love — ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork’ (Psalm 19:1). In my job at Asian Aid, I often hear stories of people whose circumstances are less than appealing. One group of the young ladies whose lives have been ripped apart by being sold into prostitution, often by someone they trusted. Asian Aid supports a safe haven in Nepal for girls who have been rescued.”

The ladies at the morning tea showed their concern for the plight of these girls and gave a very generous offering of $746.90 toward the “Safe Haven” project.

— Kerryn Patrick

— Laurie Tiller

OUR CHURCHES

Bray Park Craft Group creates gifts for medical team trip

The Bray Park Community Craft Group meets each Tuesday morning at the Bray Park Adventist Church, and have been busy learning to make cards and floral arrangements, and some of the ladies do their own thing such as knitting, crochet, embroidery, tapestry and so on.

There is an average of 20 to 30 non-Adventists attending each week, and they love the fellowship with one another, as many live on their own and it is their only outlet. At 9.30am each Tuesday, the group pauses for a worship time of 10 minutes and attendees enjoy the story or talk that is presented. They will often ask if the worship leaders could pray for family or friends that are sick or have other problems.

Each year the Sydney Adventist Hospital sends a medical team to go to Fiji and other places to do open heart surgery on those less fortunate, and so some of the craft group have been making trauma teddies, rugs, beanies, socks, pillows and jumpers to send to Fiji to give to the patients.

The response this project has had in the community is amazing, as there are people making things who don’t even come to the craft group, but know someone who does. The church and craft group are very grateful for their commitment.

— Lois Chilton

If you would like to join the group or find out more about it, contact Lois on (02) 6672 8068.

Natural remedies workshop held at Alstonville Church

Alstonville’s wet wintry weather on 29 April couldn’t keep the eager crowds away — church members and community friends — who were looking forward to the second all-day workshop run by Adventist lifestyle counsellor Jana Meldt.

Jana, who trained at the Uchee Pines Lifestyle Centre in the United States, was ably assisted by her husband Ben. Jana reported that people are becoming more aware of natural therapies from which they can receive many benefits, and everybody in the family should be empowered about their personal health.

There were fun times when the audience participated in “hands-on” learning with cooking ingredients. One might have thought that with sliced onions and cabbage leaves in abundance that it was time to cook a stir-fry, but the group learnt the healing uses of these two vegetables when each was made into a simple poultice.

It was fascinating to learn of several ways in which the garden plant aloe vera can be utilised in quick healing of burns, blisters and bites, and there is also benefit when the gel of this plant is used as a poultice. Ben said that it seems results from some natural therapies can’t be explained — they are simply miracles of nature.

Armed with copious notes, the information imparted by Jana and Ben and the group’s “hands on” work, hopefully people went home feeling confident in using some of the simple natural therapies. The group looks forward to their third workshop later in the year.

The first workshop was held on 5 February, and focused on natural body-care products and home hydrotherapy. Attendees of that workshop learned how to make their own healthy natural soaps. You can read more about the workshop in the March 2012 issue of NorthPoint

— Jeanette Kavur

“Kwilts, klocks and kayaks” at Dora Creek

The Morisset Quilters and Craft Group put on an exhibition at Dora Creek Church hall as a fundraiser for the renovations of the hall. This was in appreciation for their use of the hall over the past three years.

On display were 70 quilts made using many different techniques. The “winning” quilt by viewer’s choice was made by Freda Fox (pictured, left).

The exhibition had something for everyone. There were six clocks and many toys all made entirely of wood by Adrian Iredale. There was also a beautiful handmade mandolin and kayaks by Don Were (pictured, right).

More than $1000 was raised for the upgrading of the church hall. The church would like to thank all those involved for their time and effort in making this exhibition a great success.

— Gordon Howard

OUR SCHOOLS

TVAC Year 10 trip builds “Resilience”

and they knew that in order to participate in the different challenges and be successful in that, they had to really pull together as a group,” she says.

Student Madison Penman agrees. “We definitely got to grow closer friendships and I’ve also learned how to achieve more things. It was very challenging though, especially the walking,” she says.

The spiritual focus was the book Steps to Christ, with each student and staff member receiving a copy of the Ellen White devotional. TVAC chaplain Marty Benard attended and was actually the driving force behind the camp — he spent six months planning, sorting logistics, and putting together the powerful and challenging program that the students participated in.

A group of Year 10 students from Tweed Valley Adventist College (TVAC) recently traded the comforts of home for eight days in far more primitive surrounds, camping on Fraser Island in Queensland.

“Resilience” was the theme of the trip, and the 14 students needed plenty of it when they were met with 120 millimetres of rain during the first day on the island! However their spirits weren’t dampened and the camp continued as planned.

The group spent many hours bushwalking, and accomplished much of the “Great Walk,” a 90-kilometre track that winds between Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Along the way, they learned about the dense tropical rainforest and freshwater lakes, while marvelling at their beauty. Although some found the walking exhausting, the presence of leeches ensured everyone kept a brisk pace (despite the odd blister).

TVAC principal Paul Fua says the objectives of the camp were certainly achieved. “The mission was for the students to develop resilience, to strengthen friendships with their classmates, to establish a deeper relationship with Jesus, and to have fun amidst a backdrop of sand and sea, that will etch these experiences into their memories for a lifetime,” he says.

Six days’ worth of difficult team challenges was organised. Activities included swimming, beach-worming, shelter building, photography and even an “Amazing Race” with cryptic clues. Members of the winning team were stunned — and thrilled — to discover that their prize was a joy-flight over the island!

Teacher Katie Bonello was one of seven staff members who went on the camp. She says she was encouraged by how much the students developed both personally and collectively during their time away.

“I think that many barriers were broken down between the students. New relationships were formed that otherwise wouldn’t have happened. It just allowed students to become vulnerable because they were in a situation they weren’t comfortable with,

The group was also blessed with the presence of three wonderful volunteers — Ross and Linley Benard, and Phil Grolimund. Not only did they donate their time and energy, but also their 4WDs. In another amazing act of generosity, school parent Kevin Johnson made his Landcruiser available and fortunately it was returned in one piece, albeit a little sandy!

While the students were openly appreciative of all those who made the trip possible, it was Lee-Anne Dobson who quickly became the most popular person on camp, thanks to the delicious cuisine she served-up. The long walks and challenging activities did wonders for the appetite.

Reflecting on the journey enjoyed by all, Paul quoted Romans 12:10,16 to best summarise the experience — “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; . . . Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

— Summer Lockley

Students take top prizes at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show

A number of students from Central Coast Adventist School entered into the Arts and Crafts Competition (student section) at the 2012 Sydney Royal Easter Show. The categories entered were painting, photography and woodwork.

The level of competition was extremely high this year. The following students submitted entries for judging: Elizabeth Wylie and Ashlee Bennetts (painting), Esther Bell, Maia Grange, Alivia Angus and Caden Pengelly (photography) and Madelyne Rae and Mitchell Hutton (woodwork, pictured left).

The awards achieved for woodwork were outstanding with Madelyne being awarded first

prize and Mitchell taking second prize for their ukulele wood projects that were created at school.

“I was really excited to find out that Madelyne and Mitchell had taken out first and second place in their category. They both did an awesome job on their ukelele’s and I’m really proud of them. They were in the second class to do this project, and they just get better and better,” said Industrial Technology teacher, Ashley Slade.

— Jenny Davey and Brenton Luchow

Find out more about CCAS @ www.ccas.nsw.edu.au

OUR SCHOOLS

Educators challenged to serve at CAPE/CASE meetings

“If you can, then you must,” was the challenge presented by Max Walker, wellknown sporting prodigy, at the New South Wales (NSW) CAPE/CASE (Curriculum for Adventist Primary/Secondary Education) meetings, held at Avondale School in April. “Service” was the theme for the two-day conference that more than 500 staff from Adventist schools around NSW attended. NSW CAPE/CASE is the annual professional development conference for staff working in Adventist schools across NSW and the Australian Capital Territory.

Each year, the CAPE/CASE conference offers professional development sessions that assist in improving quality in teaching in each key learning area. This year, training in up-to-date research and initiatives in education included the new Bible syllabus, brain learning and effective teaching, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom, and instruction in Vocational Education Training (VET). Lectures, practical workshops and excursions provided variety and inspiration for all participants. Keynote presenters shared insights, gave encouragement and challenged participants to pursue excellence, value service and continue to look for effective ways of engaging students in the learning process.

Both days commenced with worship taken by Dr Peter Beamish, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Science at Avondale College. Participants were reminded of Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Service gives meaning to our lives and being a part of something bigger than ourselves provides a purpose. “Whatever service you are in, being connected to Jesus puts us in the best position to make a difference,” he said.

Increasingly, student-orientated community service programs are being incorporated into the broad curriculum of Australian high schools. It is understood that such programs have tangible benefits for students, communities and the schools themselves. Because Adventist schools operate from a Christian paradigm, they have an additional incentive of assisting students to give personal expression to spiritual commitment, through service to others.

Max provided an interesting and entertaining presentation where he talked about his involvement in service and sport. Max, who was named a member of the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his service, shared his philosophy of “If you can, you must” — a code he lives by.

Max’s involvement in Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) has provided him the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of many children. He told stories of children from developing countries who have received life-saving and dignityrestoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country, and the difference it has made in their lives. “If you take nothing else away today,” he said, “trust yourself to test your limits. We can make an impact: go to it and make it happen!”

On the second morning, the award-winning journalist Ray Martin spoke with passion about his work with Indigenous people. In 2010, Ray was named a member in the

General Division of the Order of Australia in recognition for service to the community through various voluntary roles with charitable, Indigenous, health and sporting organisations. It was apparent that Ray has a heart for Aboriginal people with his tireless work that aims at closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. “To visualise where we are going, we must have a view in the rear-view mirror,” he said. “If we wish to service the Aboriginal children, we need to understand where they are coming from.” Ray’s sobering stories — such as seeing Aboriginal children hosed down before they were allowed to enter public swimming pools — were an example of the history that must be understood. The fact that Aboriginals experience a reduced life expectancy of twenty years, are 40 times more likely to get diabetes, and that Aboriginal women are 10 times more likely to be victims of domestic violence must be understood in the context of change and service.

“Education is the ‘silver bullet’ to closing the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Australians,” Ray said. “If the quality of change does not happen in schools, it won’t happen elsewhere.”

“There is a growing trend in education where schools are actively empowering their students to build better lives, better communities and a better world through service-learning,” said Marilyn Hansen, Associate Education Director of Adventist Schools (North NSW) and convenor of the conference. Both keynote speakers for the conference inspired staff to continue their work of serving others. “Making a difference isn’t going to be easy,” Ray said. “If it was easy, things would have been fixed years ago. But it is worth it! The alternative is to do nothing, and that is not an alternative.”

During question time when challenged by a staff member, Ray committed to personally visiting Macarthur Christian College. His love of people and his genuine desire to make a difference was evident in both his words and actions.

Professionals from both the education and business sector delivered a variety of relevant workshops and presentations over the two-day conference. Notable presenters included Dr Lee Sturgeon, Clinical and Developmental Psychologist from the Newcastle region, who talked with staff about recognising and working with autistic children, and Dr Phil Fitzsimmons, senior lecturer from Avondale College, who conducted a valuable workshop with the marketing staff on the analysis of qualitative data.

“This was my first CAPE conference in NSW,” said Tanya Wells, Year 3-6 teacher at Canberra Christian School. “I really enjoyed the high profile keynote speakers. They were both interesting and motivating. Another highlight was networking and catching up with other teachers and friends who I had not seen for several years. At times, you can feel a little isolated when working in a small school. It was great to see that we are part of a supportive network; we just need to ask if there is anything we need. I left the conference inspired about the difference I can make in the lives of my students.”

— Linda Stuart

Photos courtesy of Ann Stafford

OUR FEATURES

ADRA: The outcomes of our choices

Climate change has always seemed a little cerebral — a theory of potentially catastrophic changes that, in our day-to-day lives, have little impact beyond black ink in the weekend paper.

But as I spoke with families in eastern Kenya, the stark, deadly reality hit me. For these people the impact of climate change stretched far beyond the politics of media headlines — its impact was life and death.

Ruth,* a middle aged mother, told me without a hint of exaggeration, that she had not been able to harvest a single head of maize for 20 years; others explained how in their lifetime they had witnessed their surroundings change and weather patterns intensify; still others spoke how they now had to walk 20 kilometres each day simply because their nearest water source had dried up.

As I sat with these families, walked through their communities and drove across the parched landscape, I couldn’t help but wonder how my choices have and are impacting people here. Away from the protection of a developed economy and globalised access to food and resources, I was no longer sheltered from the outcome of my choices.

Normal life resumed when I returned to Australia — but the thought remained. And as I unpacked it further, I was struck by the realisation that climate change is really not the issue — not everyone is a believer in the current theories after all.

The real issue was this: how much I spend and what I spend it on effects more than my bank balance. It may be the climate in Kenya, the vulnerability of a child in Thailand or the ability of a family in Papua New Guinea to access health-care; but my ability to help (or not) is simply a matter of choice.

As Christians we are called to be good stewards of our gifts, our money and the world around us. And in the eyes and words of Ruth and others like her, I realised stewardship is as much about compassion as it is good management. Stewardship is about care after all. Our ability and willingness to make a difference in the lives of those around us is dictated by one simple thing — a matter of choice.

ADRA Australia has launched a special Food and Futures Appeal in order to raise the $840,000 it needs to support an additional 21,000 people suffering from hunger around the world. Just $40 before June 30 can help save a life.

— Braden Blyde

*To read more about Ruth’s story visit www.adra.org.au/ foodandfuturesappeal today. Name changed to protect privacy.

Plan ahead for the 2013 Best of Europe Tour with Pastor Harold Harker. Leaving mid-May, the two-week tour of Switzerland, Austria and the Dolomites of Italy concludes in Vienna. Optional extra seven-day cruise from Venice to Greek Islands and return to Venice.

This will be a holiday you will never forget! For more information, contact Pastor Harold Harker on (02) 4385 8282 or email harold.harker@gmail.com.

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