NorthPoint - June, 2013

Greater Things at Big Camp 2013

Big Camp returned to the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference in a special way in 2013, with perfect weather, excellent guest speakers and the ordination of four pastors some of the highlights of the nine-day camp (19 to 27 April).

The guest speakers for Big Camp, which had the theme of “Greater Things,” were Pastor David Asscherick (Big Tent evenings), Pastor Garry Blanchard (Big Tent mornings), Ty Gibson (Connections), Tim Gillespie (18+) and Roy Ice (High School). Workshops were also conducted by presenters such as Graham and Michelle Hood, Pastor Brad Rea and Pastor John Denne. Pastor Paul Geelan, General Secretary of the NNSW Conference, says, “It was a very spiritual camp, with many issues dealt with in real and challenging ways. I found Graham and Michelle Hood and Garry Blanchard in particular cracked open some issues that people really appreciated.”

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, adds, “The consensus from everyone who’s talked to me is that it was one of the best camps we’ve had. Most of that revolves around the spiritual atmosphere. We really made prayer a big focus in the lead-up to camp this year, as well as during it. We ran the 10 Days programme each morning, and I was blessed to be part of that. So many people have spoke about David Asscherick’s Friday night message — one of my friends said he felt so liberated as a Christian for the first time and that he understood how Christ had done it all for him. It was very powerful.”

One of the highlights of the first Sabbath of Big Camp was the ordination service conducted in the afternoon. Pastor Chester Stanley, President of the Australian Union Conference, was present for the special occasion where Pastor Afi Tuaoi, Pastor Leo Wright, Pastor Paul Richardson and Pastor Uriah St Juste were ordained. Full ordination profiles can be found on pages 4 and 5 of this issue of NorthPoint

Another positive moment for campers was the ANZAC Day dawn service conducted outside of the Big Tent. The moving and well-attended event involved the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of World War I Diggers, as well as members of the Stuarts Point RSL sub-branch. Pastor Geelan says, “It was a poignant service. Some of us also attended the Stuarts Point march and service, and the RSL members were blown away by this. Wayne Mason, the President of the local sub-branch, was very appreciative of the service and Pastor Keith Jackson’s involvement in their service as a bugler.”

Pastor Geelan notes that the “common perception” of Big Camp 2013 is that it was a more relaxed camp. “It was relatively incident-free,” he says. “Everyone had a positive attitude, and the conference administration team would like to thank those who attended for the very positive way in which they conducted themselves.”

The NNSW Conference is conducting a survey about Big Camp 2013 — to fill one out, visit http://nnsw.adventist.org.au and follow the links.

— Adele Nash

Photos (including banner photo) courtesy of Ann Stafford. More on pages 2 and 3.

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OUR CONFERENCE

From the President: More of the Spirit

The Bible is very clear that every Christian has been given the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). Clearly it’s possible to mute the influence of the Spirit in our life (Ephesians 4:30–31) and also have a greater measure of the Spirit as we set our minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5 and Ephesians 5:18).

To ask God for a greater measure of the Spirit to equip us for service is the privilege of every Christian (Luke 11:13). This is powerfully demonstrated in Acts 4:24–31.

The church was still living in the shadow of Pentecost. They were seeing amazing miracles and conversions happening daily (Acts 2:47) — 5000 new converts had just joined the church, which was only counting the men as the custom was in Bible times (Acts 4:4).

It was into this situation that the church called an emergency prayer meeting to counter the threats of physical persecution of their leaders. God answered their prayer with such power that the building was shaken. “They spoke the word of God with boldness” in the face of such threats (Acts 4:31).

I think it’s time we asked as never before! This asking is not about our own needs — it’s not even about the needs of the church — but the needs of those around us. The world needs to know there is a God who loves them and has a plan for their lives. This is most powerfully seen in the change that God makes in our lives.

We are His witnesses! Not just in the intellectual sense of teaching the truths of the Bible, but in the personal testimony we can share about how God is changing our lives each day. Our communities want to have a spiritual transformation, but they don’t want to join a dead church that can only talk about such things.

Let’s make it our priority to seek a greater measure of God’s Spirit in our life.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

Around The Traps, a weekly e-newsletter from Pastor Justin Lawman, is now available. It features a devotional and news from around the conference. To subscribe, send an email to northpoint@adventist.org.au with “E-newsletter subscription” in the subject line.

ORDINATIONS

Pastor Leo Wright

Pastor Leo Wright was born in Kempsey in 1950 to Victor and Thora Wright. He has six brothers and six sisters — making him one of 13.

Pastor Wright grew up in Bellbrook and travelled between Bellbrook, Kempsey and Armidale within his tribal boundary — the Dhunggetti tribe. He attended church at Bellbrook with his parents, brothers and sisters, many cousins, aunties and uncles, and friends.

Lena Quinlan, Pastor Wright’s grandmother, was the backbone of the family and drew him into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was a wonderful Christian woman.

Through Pastors Rudd and Eddie Rosendahl, Pastor Wright attended Mirriwinni Gardens at Five Day Creek. After Mirriwinni Gardens, he moved to Sydney for employment in 1968. While there, he worked for many government agencies and Aboriginal organisations. Pastor Wright says his life was “tough and sad” for many years. However, he finally decided to attend Mamarapha College in Perth, Western Australia. Although he says he struggled with his studies, he ended up graduating with an advanced diploma in pastoral ministry in 2007. His wife Colleen was right beside him, supporting him strongly. Colleen and Pastor Wright have nine children: four lovely boys — Leo Junior, Shannon, Lee and Ricky; and five beautiful girls — Elva, Priscilla, Pauline, Ruth and Vanessa (who is sadly deceased).

Their children love both Pastor Wright and Colleen very much and are proud of both of them. Their friends and family are also very proud of them.

After Mamarapha, Pastor Wright spent some time at the Karalundi Aboriginal Education Community in Western Australia. This was followed by a year at Kununurra. While in Kununurra, he received a call from the then-North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference President Pastor John Lang, asking him to serve in the NNSW Conference in 2008.

Pastor Wright and Colleen took up the challenge and moved to Armidale, where they served for two years. They then moved to Bourke in farwestern New South Wales for 2010 and 2011. Half-way through 2011, they moved to the Currawah Aboriginal Adventist College. Since then, Pastor Wright has worked there as the school chaplain, although he wears many other “hats” in the roles he also has there.

Pastor Wright thanks his family and friends for their love and support throughout his ministry.

— Pastor Leo Wright

Pastor Afi Tuaoi

Pastor Afi Tuaoi was born in Auckland, New Zealand, to Samoan parents Alovale and Peni Tuaoi. He is the fifth of eight children. Pastor Tuaoi’s parents and family worshipped as Presbyterians in Auckland for many years until they paid a visit to an uncle in Christchurch who was a Seventh-day Adventist. They were then brought to God’s truth through him.

It was through that visit that Pastor Tuaoi’s family made the decision to move from Auckland to Christchurch and became baptised members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1982.

Pastor Tuaoi’s family moved to Australia while Pastor Tuaoi was studying at Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea (PNG). After graduating with his BA in Theology, Pastor Tuaoi was keen to work in the Samoa Mission to learn more of his heritage, and was glad to have the opportunity to serve there on the island of American Samoa for five years. It was there in Samoa he met his wife Ne’e, who was working at the Mission Office. They were married in December 2001 in Samoa.

Ne’e was studying at Pacific Adventist University at the time and they returned there to finish her studies. Plans changed when she became pregnant in 2003 with their first child. She had serious complications with her pregnancy. The cost of private care in PNG was a $1000 per night, and with little money they had, they were counselled to come to Pastor Tuaoi’s family in Australia to receive the medical care Ne’e needed.

Through God’s grace, Ne’e was able to give birth to their first child — Maria Temukisa Miracle — at seven months. Maria weighed only three pounds at the time of birth. Pastor Tuaoi and Ne’e have been blessed with two more children since then, Elana and Jesiah. It was because of the continual medical help needed with Maria’s birth that they decided to stay in Australia with their family supporting them. Pastor Tuaoi took up the Masters Theology Program at Avondale College and graduated in 2007.

Before graduating, Pastor Tuaoi wasn’t sure whether he wanted to continue in the ministry, but was counselled by a wise minister, Pastor Owen DeCosta, to do so.

Receiving an interview with then-President Pastor John Lang, Pastor Tuaoi was nervous — not only because he thought he’ll never get the opportunity to serve in this conference, but looking up and seeing how tall John was made him feel even shorter. During the interview, Pastor Tuaoi found Pastor Lang to be open and welcoming, and he even forgot how tall John was until he got up to say goodbye. After a second interview with Pastor Lang, Pastor Tuaoi received with surprise the great news of being employed in the North New South Wales Conference.

Today Pastor Tuaoi is currently serving the Coonabarabran and Gunnedah Churches. Pastor Lang is his Area Mentor, and Pastor Tuaoi is enjoying working with him — and has found that Pastor Lang has a great sense of humour. Pastor Tuaoi has also served the Singleton and Muswellbrook churches.

Pastor Tuaoi and Ne’e are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve Jesus Christ and be a part of the greatest work ever, sharing the good news of the Gospel and bringing others into the family of God.

— Pastor Afi Tuaoi

Pastor Uriah St Juste

Pastor Uriah Mishael St Juste was born and bred on the tiny island of Saint Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean. He is the youngest child of a large family of eight children — all except one of the siblings being boys. The family were poor, but had a strong dependence on God and deep connection with His church. Pastor St Juste’s first strong impressions of the reality of God came through observing closely how God answered the prayers of his praying mother Theresa, who would call upon the name of her God in faith when facing impossible situations — financial and otherwise. This led him to follow her example from a very early age leading to an unshakable confidence in God even today.

Pastor St Juste’s formal education commenced at the Castries Seventh-day Adventist Primary School. He recalls his first two years of school were in the church since the school’s roof was blown off by a hurricane the year he first started school. In Year 6, it was time to decide on secondary education. Seeing the struggles of his parents to finance the schooling of his older siblings, all of whom attended an Adventist school, and knowing that he could successfully pass the government’s entrance examination for entry into a public high school, he chose to continue his education in the public school system.

Before Year 6 was over, Pastor Theodore Jaria — then the intern pastor of the church — conducted a week of prayer at the school. At the end of the week, Pastor St Juste was among six students who were baptised by Pastor Dermoth Baptiste on 9 May, 1987 at the Castries Seventh-day Adventist Church. He served the church in many areas including Sabbath school teacher, musician, choir director, communications leader, youth leader, personal ministries secretary, lay preacher and church clerk.

After completing school, Pastor St Juste wanted to pursue a career in aviation, but the challenge of not being able to afford the training and Sabbath observance made it impossible. It was then that after earnestly seeking God for direction in his life, he heard strongly God’s call to ministry. He taught briefly at the Saint Lucia Seventh-day Adventist Academy before leaving his native island to pursue ministry training on the island of Trinidad at the University of the Southern Caribbean (formerly Caribbean Union College) where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology: Pastoral Ministry Emphasis (Cum Laude) from Andrews University.

The Lord then opened up ministry opportunities on the Caribbean island of Grenada, where he served as an intern pastor. Further calls were accepted to serve as religious counsellor at Miracle Meadows School in West Virginia, USA, a self-supporting Adventist School for at risk youth. Following this, he accepted the call in 2008 to work in Australia as a volunteer Associate Pastor at Avondale Memorial Church. It was while there that he was smitten by Karishma, one member of a beautiful family of singers. They were married in December 2010.

God has blessed Pastor St Juste’s ministry with more than 490 souls for God’s Kingdom in more than five years of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Above all, Pastor St Juste longs for the return of Jesus. Until then he says, “I will work to fill God’s Kingdom ‘til I take my last breath.”

— Pastor Uriah St Juste

Pastor Paul Richardson

Pastor Paul Richardson was born at Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand, to Spencer and Joyce Richardson. After four girls, Pastor Richardson’s parents were so grateful for a son that they dedicated him to the Lord’s work. Later, during the ministry of Pastor Tom Ludowici at North Shore Church in Auckland, Pastor Richardson felt the call to ministry and was to have attended Avondale College at age 21. However, his father’s sudden ill health caused him to remain at home to support his parents. Paul was active in his local church and, with Pastors Bob Possingham and Roger Nixon, led the Auckland Youth Fellowship for a period.

In 1976, Pastor Richardson and Jane married in Rotorua, where Pastor Richardson was first appointed as an elder. While there, Pastor Richardson and Jane letter-boxed their neighbours and 12 people joined them to study the Word through Pastor Kenneth Cox video messages.

In 1988, Pastor Richardson and Jane moved to Australia, where he was appointed Human Resources Director at Sydney Adventist Hospital. With the hospital’s encouragement, Pastor Richardson was to complete two degrees in Human Resources and in later years, a further degree in Adult Education. Pastor Richardson was active as an elder in Mt Colah Church with Pastor Wayne Krause. He and Jane commenced a small group ministry, which grew many other small groups. He also often preached in various Sydney churches.

Pastor Richardson has worked in a number of areas, including NZ Taxation, Law firm, Rotorua Electricity, ADRA Emergency Accommodation Leader for NSW, NSW Drug Arm Manager and as a learning specialist. All of these roles have brought different skills to his ministry. Amazingly at age 58, the Lord again gave Pastor Richardson (and Jane) a very clear call to ministry. Jane worked for 18 years as a secretary in both the Trans-Tasman Union Conference and North New South Wales Conference offices.

During his Avondale College studies, Pastor Richardson was assigned to work firstly with Hamilton and then The Entrance Churches. Under the direction of Pastor Russell Stanley at The Entrance, he presented a Daniel Prophecy Seminar, which was attended by a significant number of people and led to Bible studies and later baptisms.

Pastor Richardson graduated from Avondale in 2006 and was appointed as an intern at Grafton and Maclean Churches under Pastor Gordon Smith. Pastor Richardson endeavours to meet people where they are, bring them to a personal conviction of Jesus Christ and equip them to become disciples. He has been active in evangelism, setting up several Christian radio stations, SRE teaching, running Depression Recovery series and recipe clubs, as well as supporting Jane in her local Pathfinder and Adventurer leadership, and the many Bible studies that they do together.

Pastor Richardson and Jane minister in the Clarence Valley communities, and are grateful to God and the church for the opportunity to be of service.

— Pastor Paul Richardson

OUR CONFERENCE

2013 Women’s Ministries Lake Keepit retreat the “best yet”

3ABN opens its new production centre in Morisset

It was an emotional end to the 2013 Lake Keepit Retreat as what was described as the “best retreat yet” was wrapped up and the 30 women attending said goodbye to Barbara Parkins. After 11 years of providing spiritual refreshment and growth for the ladies in the western part of the North New South Wales Conference — and those who have joined them — she had concluded her last retreat.

The “Seaside Escape” theme may have seemed a little unusual set 350 kilometres from the ocean, but the women embraced the theme and thoroughly enjoyed their time of sharing in groups about their doubts and learning to fly like an eagle instead of scratching in the dirt like a chicken. As Barbara spoke on Sarah and Hagar, and their experiences with doubt and hardships, the women resonated with the stories and drew courage and inspiration from God’s acceptance of them, even though they at times ran ahead of Him. “Being able to talk together and share our own experiences was wonderful” was tearfully expressed as women shared their life experiences together.

“I just want to thank you for your words and inspiration, as you spoke my heart is now free of doubt and I will not again worry about what has happened in the past,” Barbara told attendees when speaking of her own experiences of doubt, depression and challenges in her life, and how God had lifted her to soar with the eagles.

Barbara shared her experiences and work in Africa with the Maasai people, and her dream to run Alternate Right of Passage Programs for the young girls and women to teach them of the dangers and misconceptions of FGM (female circumcision). She was completely overwhelmed as the ladies gave from their hearts a total of $1760 to help run these programs later this year.

The weekend was a mixture of rain and sunshine — unlike the terrible storms and flooding back on the coast, which saw the women from Wauchope having to stay overnight in Tamworth to await the opening of the road home. Barbara and her mum (who turned 80 this year and has been a great support to her during her involvement with Women’s Ministries over the past 13 years), decided to take the long way home.

Barbara says, “As I drove through the gates of Lake Keepit it was with sadness that I realised it would be the last time I would do this as the leader of this special time with these ladies I have come to love and respect. The past 11 years with these women have seen me lifted up when I was down and have been the most specials times for me as I have ministered and been ministered to. However, I am so excited as God has other challenges for me as I go back to Kenya to work with the Maasai people. I pray that these women in the west will continue to be nurtured, and that others will come to see this place as a place of healing and rejuvenation as I have.”

— Barbara Parkins

On 7 April, 3ABN Australia celebrated the official opening of their new production centre in Morisset with a dedication program at Avondale Memorial Church. This was followed by the cutting of the ribbon at the production centre, after which more than 360 people took the opportunity to tour the new facilities.

Shelley Quinn and her husband JD Quinn, along with Moses Primo and his wife Adima, attended the opening on behalf of 3ABN USA. John Malkiewycz, General Manager of 3ABN Australia, co-hosted the dedication program with Shelley, while Moses, who was an advisor for the production centre project, cut the ribbon to signify the official opening of the building.

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference, presented an address during the dedication program. He said, “My role is to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the fact that we have 3ABN in our territory, in our midst, makes this even more possible and more stronger. And so we look forward to moving forward together . . . Just this week I was at a church in the mid-north coast — we are planning an outreach there — and they described a lady who has been sitting at home watching her TV and studying herself into the truth. And then she comes down to the local Seventh-day Adventist church. 3ABN can’t do its work without a local church! . . . That [people walking into our churches after watching/listening to 3ABN] is already happening in Australia. It is my prayer that it will increase and increase . . . Praise the Lord that what happens today should make the devil tremble.”

As part of the dedication program at Avondale Memorial Church, musical items were presented by Gemma and Meggie Richardson, Malvinas Penland, Rosemary Malkiewycz, Ben Milis, David Aitken, Emily Thompson, Marleta Fong and international musician Neville Peter. Many people commented on the high quality of the music presented and said they had been richly blessed by the whole program.

From this building, the 3ABN team will make new programs (with new faces) that will help 3ABN spread the Gospel around the world. They note that they need ideas for programs. Also, they would like to hear from people who have learned more truth and been brought closer to God, or into a relationship with Him for the first time, through 3ABN. 3ABN’s team knows there are many people who fall into this category, but they need to hear from them so they can plan programs. Email 3abnaustralia@3abn.org if you can help.

— Rosemary Malkiewycz

Ourimbah Church celebrates 100 years

Over 15, 16 and 17 March, the Ourimbah Adventist Church celebrated their 100th anniversary. Ourimbah Church was the first organised Adventist church on the Central Coast, and members — both past and present — used the anniversary weekend to thank God for His providence, and members of the Adventist community in the region for their sacrifice and dedication. The first Ourimbah Church building was opened in 1913 and was a tiny timber-framed weatherboard structure. It served the congregation for many years, but slowly decayed. Members rallied to raise funds for a new church, and the present church building was dedicated on 6 February, 1977.

The anniversary weekend’s programme began with vespers on the Friday night, with Pastor Ray Baird presenting a special message to attendees. The celebration continued on the Sabbath with a program that featured a number of special items by Ourimbah Church members before Dr John Hammond spoke on the theme of “Jubilation.” The church was packed to overflowing, with the service broadcast to people in the church hall. Those who gathered to celebrate were told by Ken Boehm in his welcome, “This house is a lighthouse for the area.”

The mission focus of the church’s members was noted, with many throughout the church’s history going to mission fields to provide help, healing and hope. Pastor Cecil Ogg, who ministered at the church from 1978 to 1984, said, “This church has meant much to people as it has led them to a life with Christ.”

Dr Hammond said it was a “huge honour” to be invited to preach at the centenary, and noted how impressive it was for the church to have reached 100 years. In his sermon, he spoke about the celebration in the Year of Jubilee laws given to Moses and how there was a Messianic intent inherent in this. “As the shofar sounded to announce the Year of Jubilee, so a shofar sounds in Heaven to mark the centenary of Ourimbah Church,” he told attendees. “We’re celebrating a wonderful jubilee today. We pray there is a greater jubilee to come.”

In the afternoon, there was a church lunch followed by a time for reminiscing about the journey the Ourimbah Church has been on for the past 100 years. Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference, gave a talk as well. He says, “The neighbours of Ourimbah Church must have wondered whether there was a big funeral going on due to the huge number of cars parked around the church. But it wasn’t a funeral — it was the gathering for the celebration of Ourimbah Church’s 100th anniversary! It was a blessing to be able to celebrate the church’s special day with so many people.”

The Saturday evening featured a special concert, which was enjoyed by all present. On the Sunday morning, there was a tour of the Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) campus. CCAS was an initiative of two pastors and Ourimbah Church members who wanted to see an Adventist school on the Central Coast. CCAS Kindergarten to Year 6 opened in 1969 and Dr Hammond was the first teacher at the school, and there were 18 students. In 1970, the school had grown to two rooms and had two teachers. The school was based on two acres of land in Erina that was donated by a church member.

Later purchases grew the property to 13 acres, with an old house acting as the first High School classroom. By 1974, the High School building’s first of five stages was occupied, and additions were made to the Primary School rooms. More buildings were added in 1989 and 1999. The school continued to have strong support from churches and individuals on the coast. It now has more than 900 students and 120 staff.

The sisterhood of the churches on the Central Coast was also noted. They have often rallied to help each other, with members attending the special events and missions of the churches, and enjoying spending time together in combined regional meetings.

— Adele Nash (with information from the Ourimbah 100th Anniversary booklet) Photos courtesy of Honey Jamora and Adele Nash

OUR CHURCHES

OUR CHURCHES

Literature Evangelists connect with Tweed Heads community

Tasty Tucker at Maitland

The evening of 20 February marked the commencement of a four-week series of vegetarian cooking demonstrations held by Maitland Church in their church hall.

Monday, 25 March saw four Literature Evangelists arrive in Tweed Heads as part of a joint effort with the ARISE team to search for interests in the community.

Although sales proved tougher in the area, the Literature Evangelists were blessed with an amazing response to people accepting the Beyond The Search DVDs. Sixty people accepted the DVDs and were interested enough to also accept follow-up visits for more of the series.

Among the recipients were people of various walks of life, including a Muslim family, an opened-minded atheist and a Jehovah’s Witness, who was more comfortable accepting a DVD than literature.

The team also came across some members of the community who had already received visits from the ARISE team and spoke positively about the experience, with one lady outspoken in her praise about the young man who had called on her and taken time to chat.

Shaun Hepworth, Literature Evangelist Team Leader for New South Wales, says, “I believe the overwhelming interest in the DVDs was due to the organisation and prayers of many from Kingscliff and the ARISE team, who have been planning and praying for this area for some time. We’re looking forward to seeing many people come to a knowledge of Christ and His salvation through the work done in this area.”

— Shaun Hepworth

Lyn Dose, a recently-trained Community Health Education Presenter, led an enthusiastic team of church members who fulfilled a variety of support roles, such as kitchen staff, reception, hall displays, preparation of food for sampling, serving of samples, assisting with demonstrations, hall set-up, sound and projection media.

Four recipes were demonstrated each night, followed by a short talk on various topics such as “The Benefits of a Plant-based Diet,” “What is Good Health?” “The Importance of Breakfast” and “The Essential Nutrients.” Guest demonstrators and talk presenters added to the varied content of the programmes.

An average of 15 very keen folk from the local community attended each night, with some travelling from as far away as Hawk’s Nest. Attendees found the church provided a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and said the talks were very informative. They all tried the recipes out at home. One attendee said, “I had lost interest in meal preparation, but this has given me a new lease of life!”

A lot of great connections have been made with folk in the local community. As a church, we have a wonderful health message to share and what better way to meet people’s needs and form friendships!

— Lyn Dose

Cessnock Church couple celebrates their 70th anniversary

There are some milestones in life that not too many people achieve. One is a 70th wedding anniversary and for Jack and Violet Hill, they celebrated it on 6 February this year as they gathered with their family at Toronto.

John (Jack) and Violet (nee Cowen) Hill were married on 6 February, 1943 in the Adamstown (New South Wales) Methodist Church

— now the Uniting Church — on Jack’s mother’s birthday. When they contacted the minister a month before the wedding he asked, “How can I help you?” When they told him that they wanted to get married he said, “You poor fools.” This did not deter them because they had been teenage sweethearts and that initial love is still with them today.

Jack took leave from his army base (Fort Scratchley in Newcastle) to meet Violet at the church. After the wedding, they travelled to Sydney for their honeymoon and, because of the war, they didn’t find any accommodation until 2.00am. What a start

for a honeymoon!

They have two children, Joy Humphris and Allan Hill; four grandchildren; and 11 greatgrandchildren. They live in their own home at Buttaba and still enjoy a loving, happy and healthy life together and they have a wonderful blessing of having all of their family in the church.

Cessnock Adventist Church has been their home church for 57 years and on 22 April, 1956 they were both baptised by Pastor Cecil Ogg.

— Allan Hill

OUR CHURCHES

Port Macquarie Church shares “History” over Easter weekend

“His Story Our Story” — known to the locals of Port Macquarie as “History” — was a huge success again at Easter this year. The “History” outdoor dramatised program, now into its fourth year, was such a success that it has fuelled the local church to be fired up ready to do it all over again in 2014. The event started out in 2010 over a two-day period, but after the very first year the demand was so high that the program was changed to a three-day format to try to accommodate the number of visitors wishing to experience “History!”

Approximately 800 people booked for the hour-long tour through the life and times of Jesus. They were carried into each scene of His birth, life, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection, culminating in a scene of His Second Coming, which was made even more touching by the musical talents of One Accord who sang “The Midnight Cry” so wonderfully.

All visitors started their walk through time experience in a replica Bible-times village. They were entertained with various activities and displays depicting life 2000 years ago. While strolling down the village road, visitors experienced the sights and sounds and smells from a time and place long gone. They could have a go at rolling and cooking their own flatbread, and then eating it with some delicious lentil stew.

Arts and crafts were available for all to try, and the pottery, leatherwork and woodwork tents were very popular. The volunteers in these places were kept on the hop all night with the vigorous activities. The Gallilaen Gourmet Café fed hundreds and the food was amazing.

Once through the village, “tour guides” took the visitors on their journey to the cross. While on the journey they experience shepherds, wise men, the innkeeper and his wife, the nativity and priests. Jumping forward 30 years, they move through scenes from Jesus ministry. Things intensify from there as visitors go with Jesus to His trial with Pilate and walk with Him to the cross. The crucifixion scene is so moving that tears flow freely.

The comments from all the tour’s visitors were very positive. They said the program was simply amazing, and that they were moved by what they had seen and heard. They also made comment about how much they learned by actually visualising what Jesus has done for them.

The members of Port Macquarie Church look forward to presenting “History” to their local community again next year.

— Heather Knobbs

Pathfinder induction at Maitland

Maitland Pathfinder Club is looking forward to an exciting 2013. At their recent induction evening, nine new members joined the club, which continues to grow, proving to be a valued influence within its church and the community beyond it.

Four young men have graduated to the Master Guide class, and have chosen to remain with the club, providing an example and to give encouragement to the younger members.

Director Meredith Etheridge and the club staff have planned a leadership weekend for the Master Guides, and the club calendar provides many opportunities for personal development, self discovery and spiritual growth.

— Russell Schulz

STORM Co group visits Kurri Kurri

The teens and youth of Maitland Adventist Church’s Power+UP group returned to Kurri Kurri for their annual STORM Co activities at the beginning of the year, using facilities provided by the Kurri Kurri Church.

This year it was great to see a number of children returning to “The Cottage” for their activity fix every morning, enjoying the mix of games, clowning and stories. It was exciting too, to meet some families for the first time and include them in the STORM Co program.

Power+UP also organised an afternoon community help program for the neighbourhood, tidying yards, mowing lawns and — for the first time –— providing a free car wash.

— Russell Schulz

OUR BAPTISMS

Couple who reach others with God’s love baptised

There was much joy among church members, family and friends on Sabbath, 9 March when two much-loved people were baptised at Kanwal Adventist Church.

Evelyn and Wal Gardner chose to show their commitment to Christ

publicly after studying with Pastor Raymond Dabson. Evelyn and Wal’s joy is very apparent. The love of Christ just radiates from them and, as a result, they are reaching others with God’s love. They have been major contributors and leaders in their Community Kitchen, which is open on Wednesdays for people in need.

Pastor Dabson says, “It’s amazing to see the Holy Spirit influencing people’s lives, leading them to follow Jesus and accept Him into their lives. It’s a privilege to be part of spreading the ‘good news’ about Jesus’ love and interest in every child of humanity, and to visibly see the miracle of the Gospel that changes people’s lives.”

After their baptism, Pastor Dabson issued an invitation to anyone else who would like to commit their life to Christ to come forward and a number of young people — friends of Evelyn and Wal — indicated their wish to have studies and eventually be baptised.

Evelyn and Wal were welcomed into church fellowship at a luncheon following the service. Evelyn says, “It took a long time to come to the best decision of my life, which was giving my heart to Jesus and being baptised. I have never before been so happy.”

— Barbara Sutton

Blue Haven’s baptisms

On 23 February, Blue Haven Community Church (BHCC) welcomed Drago Brelih into the family. For Drago, being baptised was his way of proclaiming to the world that he has chosen Jesus as his personal Friend and Saviour. Drago has been a committed member of the BHCC family, having been nominated to be the set-up coordinator. Drago was baptised at Avondale Memorial Church by Pastor Danny Milenkov, and was supported by friends and family.

Blue Haven also welcomed Barbara and David Robinson to its growing family. Barbara and David have been married for a number of years and were baptised together at Avondale Memorial Church on 16 March. They were surrounded by friends and family, who sang some of their favourite hymns. Barbara said that since coming to know more about Jesus, she has made Him her friend through times of trial. Since coming to BHCC, both Barbara and David have felt a sense of family.

— Kerrianne Rangi

Don’t underestimate youth!

Members of Taree Adventist Church know that you shouldn’t underestimate young people, or the Adventist Youth for Christ (AYC) movement.

AYC met in Townsville 2011 and inspired youth. Four young people from one family in Taree attended.

The result?

They all returned to their church, preached the iDiscover Prophecy Seminar and were baptised. James and Jack Cowan, and Kimberley and Rachel Beverley were the preachers. Kimberley, Jack, Rachel and Jonathon Kosmeier were baptised by Pastor David Kosmeier in late 2012.

God’s servant wrote, “With such an army as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world!” (Education by Ellen G White, p 271).

— Bernice Pannekoek

Time of rejoicing at Raymond Terrace

Baptisms are always times of rejoicing, but how much more when the new member joins a small company of believers. On Sabbath, 23 March, Matthew Everingham took his stand in baptism and officially joined the Raymond Terrace Church Company.

Matthew’s initial contact with the church was through a request for The Search DVDs, following which company leader Norm Tyack faithfully visited him each week for five years. Matthew (pictured above with Norm and Pastor Esava Koro) was warmly welcomed into the Raymond Terrace fellowship.

— Mary Fedorow

Mini “Masterchefs” graduate from Avondale School kitchens

Homes from Tuggerah to Toronto are bound to have little “Masterchefs” jostling with mum and dad for space in the kitchen, eager to show off some newly learnt skills. The latest bunch of Avondale School Early Years mini chefs have recently completed their six weeks of great fun and tasty cooking classes, with full access to the Avondale School Kindy Centre kitchens.

Helping to weigh, measure, mix and bake, the class of 10 two- to five-year-olds were introduced to the wondrous world of food and cooking by teacher Rachel Vera.

“Teaching our littlest learners how to cook really does feed them for life,” says Rachel. “And being introduced to the key foundations of maths and science along the way means our parents can feel great too.”

“We are looking for our next batch of keen little chefs to have fun experimenting and tasting in our kitchens,” she says. Term 2 classes started on 6 May. To book in to future classes, visit www.avondaleschool.com.au and see what your own clever one can create in the kitchen.

— Felicity Pittaway

OUR SCHOOLS

Avondale Early Learning Centre celebrates 10th anniversary

The cutting of cake and a crazy hair day marked the 10th anniversary of the Avondale Early Learning Centre in Cooranbong recently.

Pupils past and present, staff members, and both the original architect and builder all came together Wednesday, 3 April to celebrate the milestone.

“The centre still looks up-to-date and current, is maintenance-free and even better than I envisioned,” said architect David Cooper. “It really is a testament to a quality build.”

“By embracing current thinking and ensuring staff continue to upgrade their qualifications, 10 years on we are running at capacity of 45 children a day,” said Centre Director Flavia Butler. “Better still, staff are still teaching with the same great enthusiasm every day. The only significant change over 10 years is that we now have even better access to fabulous resources, and more extensive grounds.”

Close to 800 children have passed through the centre doors since it first opened in 2003.

— Felicity Pittaway

New Principal for Blue Hills College

In 2013, Blue Hills College (BHC) welcomed their new principal, Carel Neuhoff. Carel brings with him a breadth of experience, having taught in the private and public education systems in both Australia and South Africa.

Carel most recently worked as the Director of Education for the Adventist School System in South Australia. However, he missed the lively dynamics of the school environment so made the choice to lead the team as Principal at BHC.

Before entering the teaching profession in 1992, Carel was the curator of an Anatomy, Pathology and Forensic museum at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Over the past 20 years, Carel has served as teacher, head of department, Deputy Principal, Principal and then as the Director of Education for the past five years. Carel is married to Mariet and they have two adult sons, Charl and Marcel.

When asked about his vision for BHC, Carel says, “I want to continue to build a community where children belong, a place where they are nurtured as they learn and strive to reach their full potential.”

Carel is passionate about children and learning and says that each child in his school is as important to him as his own children.

He says, “My focus for our students is to support the development of the whole person; spiritually, emotionally, socially, academically and physically. As a team, my staff aims to equip our students to succeed today, at the same time preparing them for life beyond school.”

He continues, “It is vitally important that our parents and our community see Blue Hills College as a school that provides a safe, caring, and intimate learning environment that values each individual. We want to be known for supporting and promoting excellence in academic achievement, as well as for our focus on values and character development.”

Carel’s prayer is that the Northern Rivers community will see the benefits of Adventist education and the difference BHC can make in the lives of its students.

— Linda Stuart

Front row: current Early Learning Centre students. Back row: past students Toby Zeuschner, Jessie Sim and Travis Lawrence; architect David Cooper; teacher Karen Sim; Avondale School Principal Dr David Faull; and builder Ray Norman.