NorthPoint - September, 2012

for Life” at Indigenous Women’s Retreat

— some discussing her faith, others her healing, still others looking at the meaning of her illness to herself and society. This led to a few women sharing their testimonies. The second Sabbath morning meeting explored what the Bible really says about Spirit baptism, and the results of God pouring out His Spirit on groups and individuals. The women explored the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and friends after Jesus’ return to Heaven, as well as later in the early church.

Currawah Adventist Aboriginal College (CAAC) isn’t found on many maps, but it’s a place many people in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference have heard of and donated to. It played host to the first NNSW Indigenous Women’s Retreat, held from 6 to 8 July and organised by Lynelda Tippo, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) and Women’s Ministries for the NNSW Conference.

There were 32 people in attendance for the weekend, which came at the end of NAIDOC Week. Three younger girls were part of the group, along with some nonAdventist Christian women who enjoyed the program.

Julie Thompson, a member of the NNSW Women’s Ministries Advisory Committee, took part in the weekend and says, “Situated on the road from Nyngan to Brewarrina — about 100 kilometres east of Bourke — on the straight, endless roads of the flat red earth found out there, we found Currawah. It’s a lovely little boarding school on quite a few hectares that was established to teach Aboriginal children from the ages of 12 to 15. The children weren’t there as it was holiday time, but it was still a weekend of fun, learning and getting to know people I’d never met.

“The weather remained sunny and reasonably warm, the accommodation was comfortable, the food delicious, the company good and the speaker Julie Nagle was very good. It all added up to a great weekend.”

Julie Nagle comes from the Bundjalung Country in the north of New South Wales. She is a professional coach, mentor, trainer and facilitator, and has had many roles in the church over the years. These have included Prayer Ministry, Women’s Ministries, Personal Ministries and Pathfinders.

The theme for the weekend was “Power for Life.” Starting on the Friday night, the group looked at calling for God’s presence. They discovered many passages in the Bible that encouraged them to do just that and how. “It’s amazing when you start looking just how many there are, and we felt very encouraged that God has promised to be there in so many ways,” says Mrs Thompson.

The Sabbath morning program featured a discussion about the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Each attendee looked at a different aspect

Sabbath afternoon’s program looked at the role of the Holy Spirit and healing. The women also looked at how Satan wants people to remain infirm, mentally hurt and weakened in some way. The Holy Spirit can also use our weakened states to work on us so we can give our all to God. There are a number of ways in which the Holy Spirit and God speak to people — and a number of ways to listen for Them and obey, as Paul and the Apostles did in the New Testament.

Saturday night was a fun night and the women who attended the retreat had a great time with a concert — most people did something impromptu, such as singing, telling a story or sharing a few jokes. Liatta took the role of emcee, and did a great job. Everyone laughed so much they had hoarse throats the next day.

On the final day of the retreat, the women examined the role of forgiveness, allowing the Holy Spirit to work fully in people to forgive others who have hurt them in the past, meaning that moving on to a richer life is possible. Women also explored how imprints of abuse, addiction and other problems are passed down from generation to generation, and how to break these cycles with the help of God.

“In all, it was a great weekend,” says Mrs Thompson. “I’m thankful God led me out there, not just to see the school, but to experience His presence and nature among our Indigenous sisters. Many of those who attended are planning to come back next time and bring some friends along. We thank the staff at Currawah, who made it so comfortable and let us use their facilities. It’s an amazing place and the work those folk do is hard, but they’re seeing glimmers of hope among the students who attend there.”

— Julie Thompson

Page 2: From the President: Take your hands off Jesus

Page 3: Geraldine Doogue announced as compere of Hymns & Songs of Praise

Page 8: Macksville Adventist School’s Olympic Week of Worship Page 12: Lay-evangelist campaign leads to more than 2000 baptisms

“Power

OUR CONFERENCE

From the President: Take your hands off Jesus

As a leader, I regularly receive criticism and personal attacks. I have to say that this is often deserved. It can be very constructive in making me a better person, and I believe that God has spoken to me through this at different times. Even when I don’t deserve it, at least it keeps me humble. If you are going to be a leader, you can’t be precious and unwilling to take a few knocks for the team.

There are lines that you should never cross, though.

You should never attack your leader’s family. I will protect and defend my family with everything I have. And you should never attack the person of Jesus. While He is quite capable of defending Himself, I have a deep emotional attachment to Him. He is everything to me and I am sure I could not cope without Him. He saves me.

I am more than a little disturbed by the attacks some Seventh-day Adventists in Australia are making on Jesus. While I am sure those involved are sincere and don’t view this as an attack on Him, it is my opinion it is just that. The anti-Trinitarian movement is one of these subtle, but direct, attacks upon who Jesus is. If He ever had a beginning or was created, we don’t have a substitute for our sins (John 8:24, Isaiah 43:10, 11). You can dredge up all sorts of history and quotes from the church fathers, but you can’t change the Bible. This is not the 1850s — God has led us to a mature and solid understanding of the Scripture. People need to take their hands off Jesus — and the Holy Spirit, for that matter. This quasi-form of historical interpretation has no place in our church. Sola scriptura — the Bible alone.

Then there’s the attack on a six-day creation, which again is an attack on Jesus. Some learned and sincere people want to take a literal passage of Scripture and make it symbolic so it better fits their Darwinian view of the world. It amazes me. The heart of Darwin’s argument has been torn out by the discovery of DNA, genes and inbuilt variation, yet people still want to drag the church down into the mutant swamp.

The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the creator of all things (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2). I believe that He could have done it in six minutes if He wanted, but the Bible repeatedly states He did it in six days. Read Exodus 20:11 and tell me how this is symbolic?

I could say more, but my appeal to you is to stick with Jesus. He is the heartbeat of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is the centre of all doctrine, the Head of the Church and the only hope of the world. Excuse me, but I think He is worth fighting for.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

Around The Traps, a weekly e-newsletter from the NNSW Conference President Pastor Justin Lawman, is now available. To subscribe, email northpoint@ adventist.org.au with the words “E-newsletter subscription” in the subject line.

From the General Secretary: Core business

The core business of an organisation is its raison d’etre — reason for existence. It defines it, gives it focus and differentiates it from others. If the organisation fails on core business, it will eventually be irrelevant and cease to exist.

Jesus defined His core business in a number of ways: “…to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), “… that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) and to “… preach the good news to the poor, heal the broken-hearted, set captives free, give sight to the blind” (Luke 4:18).

“The core business of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is ‘x.’”

If you were asked to complete that sentence, defining “x,” what would you say? It’s an important question.

It’s also important that we don’t confuse activities that may make contributions to core business with what core business is. The core business of the North New South Wales Conference is not collecting tithe, employing pastors, running Big Camp, growing schools or building aged care units — as vital and important as each of those activities are.

So what is our core business?

Well, it should probably include a few things:

Proclaiming the everlasting Gospel — It’s right there at the start of the Three Angels’ Messages, it’s the theme of the Bible and it’s the only hope for planet Earth. If we’re not doing it in the richness and fullness entrusted to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we will be irrelevant and may as well cease to exist.

Making disciples — It’s right there in the heart of the Great Commission. Making hope-deprived, lost, secular people into hope-filled, joy-filled, “heart and head” Seventh-day Adventist Christians is an enormous challenge. If we are not doing it effectively, we have to take a good hard look at ourselves and ask, “Why not?”

Service to others — Jesus failed in His goal of converting every person He met. But He succeeded in His goal of loving and serving every person He met. Matthew 25 mandates the church to be involved in selfless, disinterested service. A true understanding of the selflessness of Christ awakens the desire for it.

It’s hard to boil down the core business of the church to a word or a phrase. But I’d love to hear your thoughts — email me at paulgeelan@adventist.org.au.

There’s lot of stuff we do as a church. Let’s ensure that it’s all core business.

— Pastor Paul Geelan

Geraldine Doogue announced as compere of 3 November Hymns & Songs of Praise concert

Geraldine Doogue has been announced as the compere of the Hymns & Songs of Praise concert, a joint venture of the North New South Wales Conference and the South Pacific Division’s Institute of Worship (IOW), based at Avondale College. The concert will be held at 4.00pm on 3 November at the Panthers Club in Newcastle.

Valmai Hill, Assistant to the IOW Director, says, “The Hymns & Songs of Praise program includes grand hymns and contemporary songs, so there’s something for everybody. We’re very excited to have Geraldine as the host of this program. She’s a renowned Australian journalist and broadcaster.”

Geraldine has had a distinguished career in news and current affairs. She is presenter of the ABC Local Radio program Saturday Extra and ABC Television’s Compass. Prior to this, she was the presenter of the ABC Radio National’s Life Matters

The concert will feature congregational singing, the IOW 50-piece orchestra, Avondale Singers, Avondale Contemporary Choir, The Promise, Albert Mataafa, child instrumentalists and piano solos with orchestra backing. Inspiration for the concert’s style is drawn from the BBC Hymns of Praise program, broadcast on the ABC on Sundays. The concert is not just for Adventists, but is open to anyone from the community. Valmai says, “This is a great opportunity to invite your neighbours and friends to a wonderful event.”

Hymns & Songs is thoroughly ecumenical in operation and purpose. Past events have included two collaborations with Graeme Press and the Sydney Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army, and others with the Sydney Male Choir and the Lake Macquarie Ladies Choir. Recent concerts include performances in Perth and Melbourne. The IOW orchestra hosted the music at a youth service in St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne for the athletes at the Commonwealth Games in 2006. Dr Lyell Heise, Director of IOW, says, “The aim of these concerts is to celebrate and share both the great hymns of the Christian faith, and the emerging contemporary hymns and songs that characterise much of the worship of Christian denominations in Australia.”

Hymns & Songs has an eight-year history at Avondale College, with a two-hour format that allows plenty of time for a variety of praise music. Dr Heise says, “I’ve watched Hymns & Songs of Praise morph over the years from just fun for musicians to something that really engages the congregation. It’s gone from a hobby for musos to something that connects with church members and into the wider community. We knew we could do this with excellence, and Adventist musicians have flocked to be part of it. This is the kind of music that professional orchestras love, and to be able to utilise Adventist musicians in this way is very special. It’s something that is inspirational for church members, and grabs the attention of the community, enabling them to identify the Adventist Church with excellence.”

Tickets for the 3 November Hymns & Songs of Praise concert are essential and are available from the Adventist Book Centre website <www.nnswabc.com> or by calling 1800 231 061. List the date in your calendar and book early for yourself and your friends. Posters and flyers will be arriving in Hunter and Central Coast churches soon.

— Adele Nash

OUR CONFERENCE

OUR CONFERENCE

Women’s Ministries: They received and they gave

Women’s Ministries has challenged the women in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference to put their God-given gifts and talents into service for Him.

In response to the needs of the Warlga Ngurra Women’s and Children’s Refuge, women from various churches around the conference have done just that. Women’s Ministries NNSW would like to thank Toronto, Newcastle Multicultural, Moree, Raymond Terrace, Erina/Gosford, Grafton, Wyee and Dungog churches — to name but a few — for heeding the call to serve God in this way.

Earlier this year, Women’s Ministries leaders in churches around NNSW were sent a letter explaining the care package concept to them. It began as an agenda item for the Women’s Ministries Advisory Committee after Lynelda Tippo, Director of Women’s Ministries for the NNSW Conference, had the opportunity to talk with a worker in a refuge, which is in the vicinity of the conference office.

Lynelda says, “I asked her if we could help them in any way. She was so impressed that we as a church wanted to help, and said, ‘Someone has sent you to us.’ She told me that they have women and children coming to the refuge from as far away as Tasmania. So right here in our midst is a mission field; people in need of love and care.”

Lynelda adds, “I’m calling on women who are gifted with skills to create beautiful things for women and children in crisis. In this world of uncertainty, children are the ones who suffer; they become victims. Because of domestic violence in the homes, they become displaced not because of anything they have done. Women and children who are in domestic violence situations are swiftly moved out of harm’s way, leaving behind ‘essentials’ that we all take for granted.”

The advisory committee requested two things of the women in churches. One was to donate essentials for women in refuges. This includes things like shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and underwear. The second was for those who had creative gifts to donate their time and talent to help make “Bags of Love.” Lynelda got the idea from a project she saw on 3ABN a number of years ago. The bags are for the children.

“The women have come through with flying colours, as we have received wonderful shower bags filled with essentials and ‘Bags of Love’ for the children,” says Lynelda. “I’m so overwhelmed with the enthusiasm these women have expressed in their desire to give to others. I want to acknowledge their hard work and willingness, and pray that many needy people in our communities will be recipients of the care and kindness shown by the women in the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in this conference.”

Henny Kiruwi, the Women’s Ministries leader in the Newcastle Multicultural Church, and her team of women have taken on the big task of organising and packaging the “gifts” to be distributed. They have already presented some of the shower bags to the refuge, which were received with much appreciation.

— NorthPoint/Lynelda Tippo

Tithe posters now in churches

Tithe posters charting the progress of the tithe of individual churches in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference were sent to churches in August.

Russell Halliday, Chief Financial Officer of the NNSW Conference, says, “We encourage churches to display the posters. They assist in the effort of helping churches track their tithing income, and track data from 2004 to 2011. We’ve produced a tithe-tracking poster for each church in the conference with the most up-to-date information.” He adds, “Last year many churches displayed the A3-size posters in foyers and other prominent spaces. We trust that you’ll be able to use the posters this year.“

If churches need more copies of their tithe posters or are interested in obtaining the DVD of the Kingscliff Church’s tithing journey story, please contact Adele Nash at adelenash@adventist.org.au or (02) 4951 8088.

— Adele Nash

OUR CHURCHES

Pyramids, the Sphinx, sun, sand and mystery at Port Macquarie

From 2 to 7 July, 150 children took a journey to Egypt in the Port Macquarie Answers in Genesis Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, held during the school holidays.

With the theme of “The Egypt File: Decoding the Mystery of Life,” the fun-filled adventure began the moment the children walked through the door each day to attend the Museum Opening Assembly. The discovered eternal truths at the Dig Site, checked out the potter and other artisans at the Craft Market, enjoyed a taste of Egypt at the Snack Oasis, experienced snake pits and Nile crocodiles, and enjoyed the Sunsational Games — all before they gathered for the Museum Closing Ceremony.

What made this Answers in Genesis VBS program different to other VBS programs?

According to Margaret McKay, Director of Children’s Ministries for the Port Macquarie Adventist Church, it’s two words: real life. “In this day and age , it’s vital that we teach our children that the Bible is more than a book of stories,” she says. “We need to show them that God’s Word connects to every area of our lives and it is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. They need to know its amazing message of salvation is true. With the Egypt File VBS, children learn where they came from, who they are, how they can spend eternity with our Creator — Jesus — and how they should live.”

She adds, “The children learn to connect the Bible to the real world and learn that it is 100 per cent true from the very beginning to the end! They also learn how to defend the Bible in this evolutionised world. This VBS is designed to provide solid Bible-based teaching, delivered in a fun and entertaining way, that counters the misinformation about the Bible and science that children encounter daily.

“It is professionally put together in the United States of America and everyone just loved everything about it. We had children travel from far and wide to attend — many nonAdventists and many without any Christian background at all. They are all booked in to attend next year’s program, ‘The Gold Rushes.’ It was a huge amount of work for all concerned, but we are sure it will have eternal consequences for so many who came.”

— NorthPoint/Margaret McKay

Friends baptised at Lismore

Sabbath, 14 April was a very special day for Kandace Latimer and Courtney Hillery. They were baptised by Pastor Paul Geelan in the Lismore Adventist Church. This special event was brought about by the influence of a variety of people. Weekly Bible studies were led by church elder Lynde Waldron. Their parents, Sabbath school leaders and teachers, and Pathfinder personnel encouraged the two in their preparation, and a group of teenage girls provided the friendship base.

The group of girls presented the song “Soon,” which was much appreciated by the congregation. Following the baptisms, Pastor Keith Jackson invited all who had shared in preparing the girls for this moment to come forward and surround them while prayer was offered. Unfortunately, the weather was not conducive for the picnic lunch that had been planned, but nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of Kandace and Courtney.

— Valerie Dunstan

“Kidz Church” shares parable of the marriage feast

It was a heart-touching moment on Sabbath, 28 July for all the attendees of the Dorrigo Adventist Church when children re-enacted the parable of the marriage feast recorded in Matthew 22:1–14 and Luke 14:16–23.

Taking the worship service for the monthly “Kidz Church,” four children — Solomon, Jude, Levi, and Asher Court — brilliantly performed their parts to the narration of the parable. Church attendees of all ages were delighted to receive a “wedding garment,” symbolising their acceptance of Christ’s righteousness (pictured below).

— Pastor Bob Manners

OUR CHURCHES

Lismore Church and community mourn passing of Darcy Goodwin

Lismore Adventist Church and the Lismore community mourned the passing of Darcy Goodwin at the beginning of August. Darcy was a church member who had committed more than 25 years to his mission of the “Five Loaves” food van. Tribute was paid to Darcy and his work in The Northern Star with a front-page article, along with tributes on the local ABC Radio, Facebook and other places.

Darcy started his particular outreach at Nimbin, an alternative community. Musical evenings with guest artists were presented in the local hall on some Saturday nights and free food was available.

About 18 years ago, Lismore City Council offered him a van (the ministry now has two vans) and members of the public also have donated generously to keep them on the road. The ministry that Darcy founded will continue with the assistance of volunteers who had worked with him.

Darcy lived most of his life in the Lismore area and knew that there were needy people finding it hard to “make ends meet.” Various shops heard of his generosity and offered produce, which would otherwise go to waste. Six days a week, donated furniture is given where it is needed and six nights a week food is distributed — three nights in Lismore, two nights in Casino and one night in Nimbin.

Darcy said that by setting up in the afternoon, he reached “the needy, not the greedy.” Over the years, the tables were set up more than 7000 times. While supplying people’s

physical needs, Darcy helped to provide food for their souls.

The “Five Loaves” van used to be in a park beside the Southern Cross University one day a week and those availing themselves of the food often included overseas students. The Student Welfare Officer organised for the van to be allowed into the University. Salad items, soup, boiled eggs, bread and boiled potatoes are among the foods on offer.

In his life, Darcy received several community awards, including the Tweed–Byron Credit Union Award (1997), Australia Day Award for community service (1998), Australia Day Award for Citizen of the Year (2001), was nominated as a Lismore Living Legend (2002) and received the Centenary Medal (2003) for his contribution to the local community.

In 2008, Darcy received an impressive award called the “Shining World Compassion Award.” This came with a glowing testimonial to the years of selfless service to the needy in the community.

Some of those Darcy helped have become volunteers to spread the work and share the load. Two of these people are Arthur and Kara McCann. As Darcy would say of helping people, “The work never ceases and the pleasure never ends.”

— Valerie Dunstan

Korean Church group hand-writes Bible

The Korean Adventist Church group have completed their project of hand-writing the Bible. The project commenced in March 2011, following the conclusion of a Bible seminar.

A retired Korean pastor from the United States of America encouraged the group to engage more with the Bible and their study of it. He usually reads the Bible 12 times per year (once per month).

Matthew Lee, a member of the group, says, “It was a great challenge to us, so I suggested that church members write a Bible so that they read it more slowly and with more understanding. The New Testament was finished last year, but some books from the Old Testament took a little bit longer, meaning the project took a year and a half.”

Around 20 people, aged between 11 and 77, were involved in the project, writing in Korean and English. Matthew says the church group isn’t sure what it will do with the hand-written Bible. “We don’t have our own church to display it in, but we hope to make a cover with leather and keep it for our future,” he says.

The Korean Church currently has around 30 people attending every week. It is held at the Avondale College Library from 10.00am to 12.30pm on Sabbaths, with an English service provided as well. Matthew says, “We’re very focussed on mission work — especially overseas, as we do not have many Koreans around here. Since January 2010, we have worshipped together and more than $10,000 in donations has been made to overseas mission work.”

— Adele Nash/Matthew Lee

Blessings at Coonamble Church

According to Pastor David Fletcher, May was a blessed month for Coonamble Adventist Church.

A team of four people from Eastward Missionary College joined church members at the regional show. Pastor Fletcher says, “They were well received and performed magnificently.”

On Sabbath, 26 May, church member Kim’s husband David came to Coonamble Church for the first time. An elderly local man named Neville was also there for the first time. The church group met him at the show, and he said he would come to the church.

Pastor Fletcher also conducted studies of the Prophetic Code with two Anglican Church members at Baradine.

The blessings extended into July, as a STORM Co team from Sydney visited the town during the school holidays (1 to 7 July). They helped out with community service projects and ran a Kids’ Club from the State High School Multipurpose Hall. “This was a great way to connect with the family of Currawah Adventist Aboriginal College students, and perhaps encouraging them to be part of our monthly church gatherings,” says Pastor Fletcher.

— NorthPoint/Pastor David Fletcher

2012 CHEP training completed

On the last weekend in July, the North New South Wales (NNSW) Health Ministries Department wrapped up its 2012 Community Health Education Presenters (CHEP) training course. Six students from churches around the conference met at the conference office to complete their final training in the Certificate IV CHEP course.

Students travelled from as far away as Bourke. There have been four CHEP training weekends held since January. Three trainers worked with the students over the weekend, with supervision provided by Nathan Hawkins, Director of Health Ministries for the NNSW Conference. Participants were marked on a cooking demonstration, had to present a 10-minute nutrition talk and sat their final exam.

The CHEP course involves four training weekends and personal study time. It is a nationally-accredited course, which means the certificate is recognised around Australia. It covers safe food handling, cooking presentation skills and nutritional information.

— Adele Nash/Nathan Hawkins

OUR CHURCHES

Kanwal Adventist Church launches Cornerstone Community Centre

Kanwal Adventist Church is always looking for new ways to reach out to the community. On 25 July, a community centre was launched at the church. Open to the public each Wednesday, local businesses give great support with many donating fresh produce and other grocery products, which are used to offer the patrons an appetising menu to choose from.

“Our opening was prayerfully anticipated by all concerned and has been a great success, with many coming to be nourished physically, and hopefully eventually spiritually filled as well,” says Deborah Shiel, one of the visionaries of the program. “There is a great team of volunteers, including people from our community, but we would love the support of many more, as these ventures need lots of willing workers.”

The number of participants has increased over the weeks since the centre opened as the word has spread in the community. “Our patrons come from various backgrounds — many with financial needs — but many others in need of friendship and someone to talk to. We find that our friendship team are an important part of the team. The effect on our church has been very positive,” says Deborah.

— Barbara Sutton

If you are interested in volunteering your time, please email atholanddeborah@gmail.com.

OUR CHURCHES

Baptism at Moree brings journey full circle

Densley’s Wallsend baptism live-streamed to grandparents in the USA

Kymberlee’s baptism was the highlight of the Sabbath on 7 July at Moree Adventist Church. Kymberlee is from a nonAdventist family, but has been attending Moree Church for some time.

“She had a lot of her questions answered from time to time about God and our Adventist beliefs,” says Pastor Etuati Feau. “She was involved in the life of Moree Church and was active in youth activities, and played her flute every Sabbath.”

Kymberlee moved to study at the Sunshine Coast University and connected with Phil Ward’s church there. She began intense Bible study with Phil and, at the completion of 24 Bible study lessons, requested to be baptised at Moree where it had all started.

Pastor Feau says, “It was an exciting time for Kymberlee, as her parents, with her two younger siblings, witnessed her give her life to God through baptism. Her father was emotional as Kymberlee read her baptismal vows. Her mother brought in a massive cake to share with Moree Church members and friends for Kymberlee’s great day.”

Phil brought a car-load of people from the Sunshine Coast to Moree to support Kymberlee as she was baptised. They shared great memories of Kymberlee’s journey from when they first met her.

Moree members prepared a special PowerPoint presentation of Kymerblee’s early introduction into God’s family at Moree. Her two sisters now visit the church frequently.

Wallsend Adventist Church and Macquarie College recently celebrated the baptism of Densley Ross.

Nine-year-old Densley invited a wide circle of Christian and non-Christian family and friends, with more than 300 people joining in the very special service on 21 June. The service even went high-tech, with the baptism being streamed live via the internet to Densley’s Grandparents in the United States of America.

The congregation was uplifted by the theme “A celebration of Jesus,” chosen by Densley and his parents, Linda and Joe.

All aspects of the celebration, including decorations, music and the message from Macquarie College Chaplain Pastor Brad Rea, reflected Densley’s love for Jesus. Densley’s sisters also joined in the celebration. Elizabeth welcomed everyone to the program and Katie sang a beautiful special item to her brother.

In a special moment of the day, Densley asked Wallsend Adventist Church member Margaret Beale to be his spiritual mentor. Margaret has prayed for Densley every day since he was in her pre-school Sabbath school. Other friends, teachers and Sabbath school leaders also showed their public support for Densley.

With a smile Densley concluded, “This is the best day of my life.” His parents Linda and Joe expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped on the day, and for all those that positively influence the spiritual lives of children at Wallsend Adventist Church and Macquarie College.

— Nathan Hawkins

— NorthPoint/Pastor Etuati Feau

OUR OUTREACH

Adventist Singles head to Betikama College to fly ‘n’ repair

How truly blessed are those who give of their time, money and effort to make a difference in the lives of others. As Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

The Adventist Singles Network Board decided at the end of 2011 to undertake a mission effort and organise a “fly ‘n’ repair.”

On 3 July, 15 people from all over Australia took up the challenge to reach out and make a difference to Betikama College in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Cathy Kingston, Adventist Singles Network Board President and the Primary Sabbath School leader at Avondale College, was a member of the team that went to Betikama.

The administrators at the South Pacific Division had set aside some funds for improving Betikama, and the teachers in the Victorian Conference also made a financial contribution through fundraising to assist in improving the conditions at Betikama College.

With the common goal of making a difference to school life at Betikama, volunteer teachers, builders, handymen and women united to provide a great team who worked tirelessly for the 10-day project.

The initial focus was the Betikama College chapel, but due to the need for further work on the foundations, Pastor Wayne Boehm, President of the Honiara Mission, redirected the team to the home economics building, and the adjoining girls’ dormitory and ablution block. First impressions were somewhat overwhelming and some thought it was too big a job to complete in just seven working days — but the team decided to give it their best, and they did!

Three teams fell into place — two cooks (Fay Olsen and Jenny Robson); six cleaners/ painters (Janita Bond, Robyn Blake, Peter and Jill Michalski, Heather Steed and Cathy); and seven builders/repairers (Dana Howard (supervisor), Frank Ratcliffe, Col Jones, Pastor Trafford Fischer, Daniel Muller, Sandro Bastos and Brock Frankland).

Each assessed what had to been done and, without hesitation or complaint, took up the challenge and gave their all. Days began at 6.00am with breakfast and worship, and the team was on site by 7.00am.

The highlight of our mornings was seeing how much we were achieving, but it was also good to see the lunch vehicle pull up outside with chance for a well-earned break. At 3.30pm, the ladies headed back to the fly ‘n’ build house on the mission compound and the men arrived back at 5.00pm, with dinner at 6.00pm.

At the end of our time, all work was completed to the delight of a very weary, but satisfied, team.

Carol Boehm shared the following response when the Betikama College girls saw what had been done, “One of the girls asked me, ‘Why would people come out here and do all this for people they don’t even know?’ It was my absolute pleasure to tell them that, ‘It was because they love you guys. You are their sisters. Betikama holds a special place in a lot of people’s hearts, and they just want you to be happy and safe.’ Your generosity, quite frankly, blows them away. Don’t ever let people tell you that fly ‘n’ builds aren’t appreciated — I have seen that they are!”

— Cathy Kingston

If you want to be part of an event like this, then join us next year as we head out again to continue our repair and upgrade of Betikama College. For more information, contact Cathy Kingston at catherinekingston@adventist.org.au or visit the Adventist Singles Facebook page — find them on there under “Adventist Singles SPD.”

OUR SCHOOLS OUR OUTREACH

Lay-evangelist

campaign leads to more than 2000 baptisms

Throughout the month of June, a team of lay evangelists from Australia conducted a series of outreach meetings across the nation of Kenya.

The Gospel Connections team, consisting of Rui Coelho and Jared and Kyle Vincent, undertook two separate campaigns.

The first campaign was held in the area of Nyahururu. This area is considered “unentered” by the Adventist Church. Over the 14 nights, the town heard the message of the Adventist faith in the beauty of Christ.

This was an amazing campaign with many lives forever changed. There was a Muslim man who was baptised, drunkards who embraced the faith, Pentecostal pastors who converted to Adventism and young people who committed their lives to Christ.

The team then moved onto the area of Kisii. They were joined by Pastor Sam Kinuthia (an ex-Pentecostal Bishop now employed by Gospel Connections). For two weeks, the group preached despite facing many challenges, including poor weather.

But the sun came out and the Holy Spirit descended in a mighty way. The campaign was also run in areas considered to be “unentered” by the Adventist Church across the Kisii region.

The final Sabbath saw an incredible harvest of souls. A total of 2179 people were baptised into the faith! These new believers have been linked with local churches and continue to develop their faith through small-group Bible studies.

The glory of this campaign goes to God alone. It shows what a few lay people can do with the prayers and financial support of those around them in fulfilling the true Gospel Commission of Jesus: to go and preach to the world the message of Jesus Christ and His Salvation.

— Kyle Vincent

To find out more about Gospel Connections, call Rui Coelho on 0414 828 910 or visit www.gospelconnections.org.

Macksville Adventist School’s Olympic Week of Worship

In July, Macksville Adventist School (MAS) held its second-ever Week of Worship (WoW). The first was held last year and ran for three days. Kerry Howard, Chaplain at MAS, says, “People complained that it was too short, so we did the whole five days this year!”

Rick Hergenhan, Associate Director of Youth Ministries for the North New South Wales Conference, was the guest speaker for the week and spoke on the theme of “The Road to Heaven.” This was enjoyed by 27 Primary School students from K to Year 6.

The theme was tied to the Olympics, exploring the attributes of the preparation and work athletes undertake to get to there, and comparing them to how Christians go on the road to heaven.

Rick spoke on the subjects of honesty, perseverance, training, unity and how anyone can be on the road to heaven.

Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) students on their mid-north coast worship tour joined the MAS students on the Wednesday of the week. They performed the music and dramas for the day’s program. “That was really cool,” says Rick. “Between recess and lunch, the CCAS students did drama workshops for Years 3 to 6.”

Kerry says that the CCAS students’ visit was a blessing for the MAS students. “As we’re a small school, we don’t have many music resources, so to have someone come in to play piano and teach the kids new songs was great.”

Rick says, “On the Thursday, I made an appeal to the students to let Jesus run with us so that we don’t run alone.”

A sign-up board was set up for people who wanted to get on the road to heaven, and everyone signed up. There were different categories — “Do you want to be on the road to heaven?” “Do you want to commit to training (reading the Bible)?” and “Do you want training (Bible studies)?”

Kerry says, “On the Friday, we had an awards ceremony at the end of WoW, with everyone getting a medal acknowledging that they’d signed up to the road to heaven. Rick presented them with their medals.”

The feedback about WoW was positive. “The kids responded well,” says Kerry. “I had parents ringing me up with feedback and appreciation. I’ve had kids turn up to church on Sabbath wearing their medals — they were still wearing them at school the next week.”

Rick says of MAS, “It’s a great little school. It’s got a really good feel — there’s an air of expectancy there that’s positive and happy. It’s a great school.”

Kerry agrees, saying, “We’re like a little family.”

— Adele Nash

OUR SCHOOLS

Kempsey Adventist School and Suva Adventist College partnership continues to bless

For the fourth year in a row in June and July, students and staff from Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) travelled to Suva Adventist College (SAC) in Fiji to complete a two-week service program.

Year 11 students from KAS fundraised for almost 12 months prior to travelling to Fiji, where they facilitated a comprehensive Week of Worship program, which included student testimonies, sermons, music and drama performances.

When not preparing for the worship programs, the KAS students worked hard — along with local tradesmen — on the construction of two new classrooms at SAC, which were fully funded by KAS. These new classrooms will provide much-needed learning areas, following the closure of a number of the older classrooms at SAC.

After their work at SAC, the KAS students travelled to Yanuca Island, located in the world-famous Bega Lagoon, and visited a local government school, where a sole Adventist teacher is working hard to run outreach programs in the local village. After meeting with the school’s principal, KAS was invited back to the village in 2013, both to support the island school and the Adventist teacher’s outreach programs.

The KAS students’ visit to Fiji culminated in the annual KAS/SAC Gospel Concert at the Suva Civic Centre, where more than 1000 people filled the venue to celebrate Adventist Education through an evening of praise and worship.

Plans are already being made for an extension of the two schools’ partnership program, with another visit to SAC by KAS planned for 2013 and the investigation of a scholarship program, which would assist a Fijian student from SAC to travel to Australia to study at KAS.

— Leanne Deanshaw

OUR SCHOOLS

Service trip to Navesau for TVAC’s Year 11s

From 8 to 19 July, Tweed Valley Adventist College’s (TVAC) Year 11 students went to Navesau on a service trip. It was less than a fortnight — what difference does a week make? In the life of Navesau Adventist High School, the following differences were made:

> More than one kilometre of trenches were manually dug

> A new plumbing system was installed

> Chickens were bought, and a run and roosts for them were built

> Every toilet cistern at the school was replaced

> A water-treatment filter was installed

> A pumping system from the river was developed

> Church visits were made

> Classrooms were visited

> Cultural cooking lessons were enjoyed

> Evening games were held (with more than 250 participants)

> And worships were run — the mornings by the Year 11s, the nights by Pastor Darryl Groves.

The changes that occurred in Fiji were evident, and impressive changes were observed in the Year 11 students — staff reported a “whinge-free zone” in evidence. There were challenges, such as not having water to flush the toilets, no electricity, no hot showers and having to get up at 5.30am. But these challenges were met with smiles and a great attitude. Students were pushed beyond their comfort zones and they embraced the challenges. Students were so engaged with their service trip tasks that the TVAC staff had a hard time getting students on the back of the truck to leave to enjoy the “touristy” elements of Fiji.

TVAC teacher Karen Smith says, “I was impressed to see that most of the students chose to forgo the pleasure of snorkelling so they could send more money back to the needy students at Navesau.

“All of the students have returned from Fiji thinking about how to incorporate some of the Fijian culture into our day-to-day lives, such as being grateful for everything that we have and taking pleasure from it — rather than what we want; wanting to incorporate manners and cheerfulness into all activities; and a closer walk with God, trying to incorporate our religious experience into all aspects of our lives.”

She adds, “I feel very fortunate to work at a school with students who are so happy to think of others and embrace challenges. A huge thank-you goes to those parents whose participation, skills and energy made the trip a success. You are wonderful and your children are quite lovely as well!”

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” —

1 Peter 4:10.

— TVAC newsletter/ Karen Smith

Friends play good games: Avondale teams place highly at university games

Two teams of Avondale students outperformed those from larger institutions at the college of higher education’s first appearance at the Eastern University Games.

The mixed touch football team came fourth out of 18 tertiary institutions, finishing ahead of teams from Australian National University, Macquarie University and The University of Sydney. The netball team also performed well, finishing sixth.

“We underrated ourselves, which holds us in good stead for the future,” says touch football team captain Mark Tipple, a third-year Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching student. He helped organise Avondale’s participation in the games, describing the experience as one of the best he has had at Avondale. “Being a small institution, we were the underdog no-one had heard about. Within days, word had spread we were a Christian institution; it made us feel so proud to be Avondale students.”

As Avondale notched up wins, “representatives from other universities began asking, ‘Where are you from?’” says director of student services Kevin Judge, who served as manager.

Nineteen students — down from the original estimate of 40, as many students had previously committed to serving on one of the college’s four mission trips — represented Avondale in Tamworth, which hosted the games from 1 to 5 July this year. They formed a close bond. “Eating together, sleeping in basic accommodation, playing sport and socialising provided a great environment for building community,” says Kevin.

Mark not only enjoyed connecting with his classmates, but with his peers too. “I met people I might never have had the chance to get to know,” he says. “The week had all the elements of life the way it’s meant to be — community, physical exercise, representing a cause and being part of something bigger than ourselves.”

The support of the Tamworth Seventh-day Adventist Church proved “a real blessing,” says Mark. The members there provided their hall to accommodate the students.

Mark hopes Avondale’s participation in the games will be ongoing — organisers granted Avondale free entry in expectation of it becoming a full member next year. He wants to see more students entering more teams. “We have a chance of winning the trophy for best performance per capita,” he says.

Kevin hopes Avondale’s participation will be ongoing too. He and Mark see the games as an opportunity to witness. “It gives the students a chance to step outside of their community and share their faith.”

The games featured more than 2000 participants from 20 universities and TAFE institutions across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. It serves as a qualifier for the annual Australian University Games.

— Josh Dye

Photo courtesy of James Dawson

OUR STUDENTS

Vocal ensemble supports supergroup and wins friends on tour

The Promise has supported a German a cappella ensemble after the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) announced the Avondale ensemble as a finalist in a vocal competition.

Director Aleta King entered The Promise into ABC Classic FM’s “Classic Vocal Romp” competition, which the network presents with independent performing arts organisation Musica Viva Australia. Named as one of 20 finalists, the ensemble performed a pre-concert and an intermission set in the foyer of the Harold Lobb Concert Hall at The Conservatorium in Newcastle as support for Amarcord on 28 July.

The members of the German ensemble publicly thanked The Promise during a post-concert question-and-answer session for its performance. Aleta describes supporting Amarcord as an honour and a privilege. The experience, she says, was a “blessing.”

The Promise also performed in Townsville during semester recess, leading the praise and worship in the Big Tent at the annual camp meeting of the Northern Australian Conference. Campers showed their support of the ensemble’s ministry by giving more than $1000 during a Saturday afternoon concert on 30 June.

The ensemble divided its time in the city with additional performances at the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia’s Winter School. As one of the presenters, Aleta used The Promise in her sessions, which included an open rehearsal. The ensemble impressed keynote presenter Lilla Gábor from Hungary, who described its performances as the highlight of her time in the country. Other delegates wanted to hear more, too, inviting The Promise to perform at a local juvenile detention centre and at a jazz club.

“We gladly accepted the opportunity to share the love of God and represent Avondale in such different environments,” says bass Daniel Laredo.

— Brenton Stacey

Photo courtesy of Kent Marcus Photography

OUR FEATURES

A revolutionary idea: Disposing of consumerism

What comes to mind when you think of North Korea?

Nuclear weapons, military processions or not much at all?

Despite being located in the most prosperous region on earth — among economic powerhouses such as China, Japan and South Korea — North Korea chooses anonymity and isolation.

The world’s most secluded state remains shrouded in mystery. Travelling there is a surreal experience; the country remains firmly entrenched somewhere in the last century.

It’s easy to criticise North Koreans for their fanatical support of an oppressive, corrupt and despotic regime. How could they possibly tolerate such dreadful living conditions?

Why don’t they revolt?

Here’s some perspective, though.

North Koreans are subjected every day to relentless propaganda. Billboards promote the state rather than a brand; state-owned television is censored and heavily biased; the Kim dynasty is worshipped, venerated, adored. Without the internet, travel opportunities or free press, most people just don’t know what the rest of the world is like. And it’s been that way for generations. Unbelievable, right?

How different are we?

Consider this:

A family eats dinner in the comfort of plush leather couches and watches its favourite cooking show. For some of the time, anyway — there are a lot of advertisements. The members of the family are subjected to an excitable voice telling them all kinds of things: that they must try this new, irresistible burger, then 30 seconds later that they need to lose weight; that their couches need upgrading or that they should use a new brand of shampoo.

It’s no less propaganda than the state television in Pyongyang.

In the North Korean world, it’s easy to spot the flaws. Not so in our world, where consumerism is rampant and everything is disposable.

— Josh Dye

Josh is a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in communication and international poverty and development studies at Avondale College of Higher Education.

A Kenyan adventure: Student’s art gives voice to the impoverished

Vanessa Reynolds is determined not to be silent.

The international poverty and development studies major at Avondale College of Higher Education spent a year volunteering in Kenya between 2009 and 2010. The African adventure continued on her return to Australia, with Vanessa putting brush to canvas to share not only her own experiences, but also those of the people she met.

The abstract paintings formed Vanessa’s first solo exhibition, “Kisarro,” which the Ground Up Espresso cafe in Carrington, Newcastle, hosted earlier this year. “Kisarro” is Maasai for “rescuer.”

The five-month project reflected Vanessa’s compassion for the marginalised and her desire to raise awareness of social justice.

One of the most popular paintings in the exhibition was “Kibera Track,” which uses the doors on a slum school to represent how education is one way out of poverty.

“I wanted to provide opportunities for voices of poverty to be heard and to share the joy of the positive things happening in Kenya,” says Vanessa of the exhibition.

— Sonja Larsen

Photos courtesy of Luke Fernandez

Trust Services: Wills and young people

When you donate to charity or an organisation, you want to know where your money’s going. But have you thought about where your money might go when you die?

According to Pastor Rodney Woods, Director of Trust Services for the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, everyone over the age of 18 needs to make a Will.

“Younger people often don’t consider the need to make a Will,” says Pastor Woods. “The impact this can have on family and friends if they pass away can be significant. There’s an expectation that older folk will die before younger ones, but sadly that’s not always the case in the real world.”

But do young people really have that much to put in to a potential Will?

“Young people often believe that they don’t have any assets, but that doesn’t take into account the possibility of inheritances or other financial windfalls,” says Pastor Woods.

“A lot of young people are also earning an income before they turn 18, so they need to deal with superannuation too. Superannuation is paid to the estate if they have no spouse or dependent, so not having a Will or dying intestate slows down the administration of the estate — and increases the cost. It can subsequently increase the pain for your family.”

The process of making a Will isn’t a difficult one. “Unlike going to the dentist, which can be a regular occurrence, making a Will is painless!” says Pastor Woods. “And you don’t have to do it quite as often, either.”

When considering making a Will, you need to think about who to appoint as an executor, develop an understanding of your asset situation and your liabilities (such as bills, loans, etc), specify your funeral desires, and — most importantly — indicate how you want your estate to be distributed.

The NNSW Conference’s Trust Services department offers a free Will-making service to church members, family and friends. This service is a provision of the Planned Giving and Trust Services Department of the General Conference. Your signed Will is also able to be registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage.

— Adele Nash

To book an appointment with Trust Services, please call (02) 4951 8088 or email Pastor Woods’s secretary Lyn Price at lynprice@adventist.org.au. Visit http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/trust-services for more information about Trust Services.

OUR FEATURES

I am Silent

Ghost in a room of Pharisee-like convention

Quiet observer of the holiness I cannot ever Hope to obtain For my clothes are not like yours, and while my Heart, is open For me there is no room.

I am Broken

Mere fragments of the innocence once bestowed Torn from the dreams I wanted as much as you, yours The child beside me your judgement call Shaking heads and whispered words Shadows of redemption, of which I am not worthy For I will never be good enough.

I am Fragile

Hidden by a mask you care not to question Taunted by my mistakes, troubled by truths hidden under the Lies

Bruised by the world

Is there no rest for the weary in this place? For I am invisible to your self-righteous hearts.

I am

The widow and the fatherless The crippled and the blind broken and weary chained and forgotten I Am

The least of these. I AM.

— Sara Thompson

Sara is a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) student at Avondale College of Higher Education. Her poem is the winning piece from the Signs Publishing Company Writing Competition at the 2012 Manifest Creative Arts Festival.

The 2013 Manifest Creative Arts Festival will be held from 20 to 23 March, 2013. For more information, visit www.avondale.edu.au/ manifest or wait for the November NorthPoint

The Least:

I am silent, broken, fragile