NorthPoint - July, 2013

Big Tent filled at Grey Nomads Camp

With more than 750 people in attendance, Grey Nomads met together in the Big Tent for the first time for this year’s camp (held from 17 to 25 May). Their cheerful spirits weren’t dampened by the 16 inches of rain that fell over the final days of the camp, and it was fortunate they were able to meet in the Big Tent as the Connections Tent area — where previous Grey Nomads meetings have been held — was flooded.

Pastor Melvyn Hayden Jnr was the guest speaker for the camp and revealed many facets of the Ten Commandments in his evening presentations. His wife Denise gave two seminars during the week about mind, spirit and soul. Dr John Hammond had the house full every morning at 7:30am, with no-one from the 750-strong campers wanting to miss a word from this master of story-telling.

The camp also featured two Saturday night concerts from the Covenant Quartet and the Peter Dixon Band. These were both outstanding programmes, with many positive comments and praise for the blessings the Nomads received from their music, which was both uplifting and entertaining. David Woolley, Murray Oliver and Allan Dalton coordinated the camp music for the rest of the time, with Murray creating a number of special band arrangements for the occasion. Don Roy and his “immortal” sextet — Rod Cooke, Brian Faull, Tony Donald, Malvinas Penland, Ruth Lawrence, Jeanette Hancock and Tom Mitchell — all blessed attendees with their musical items.

The catering was exceptional, with each of the Grey Nomads feeling very well cared for by the culinary specialists. They also appreciated the Adventist Book Centre (ABC) shop, particularly during the rainy weather! Allan Hill, Manager of the ABC, says, “What an exciting time Julie and I had at Grey Nomads. To make it easier, we had left all our stock from Big Camp in store. Another five pallets arrived from the Big Camp general camp store.”

He adds, “In two-and-a-half hours on the first Friday, we sold more than all day on the first Friday at Big Camp. We had the tent full for Book Hour. Then what followed Book Hour was just indescribable — Julie and I worked for more than two hours serving two lines of Grey Nomads, and everyone was just so patient, kind and considerate. The days that followed were just as enjoyable. We were exceptionally busy, but what a blessing it was to serve and help people in their ministries.”

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference, says, “We thank God for another fantastic Grey Nomads Camp this year. It’s exciting to see the numbers of attendees grow every year, and the blessings they receive as they fellowship together are great.”

— Adele Nash/Allan Dalton

Photos courtesy of Allan Dalton. More photos on page 3.

We have a number of unclaimed lost items from Big Camp and Grey Nomads at the NNSW Conference Office. These items will be kept for three months and then donated to a charity unless claimed. If you are missing items, please contact (02) 4951 8088.

OUR CONFERENCE From the President: Pastoral leadership of the local church

I believe it is impossible to underestimate the influence of pastoral leadership of the church. Leadership in general has always had a great impact upon the welfare of God’s work, as can be seen in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. The way the early church approached pastoral leadership should be of great interest to us today.

Very early on, elders were appointed as spiritual leaders of local congregations. In Titus 1:5–9, Paul talks about the appointment of elders, using the plural term for them — presburterio, which means “elders.” Again in Acts 20:17, he uses this term when addressing the leaders of the church in Ephesus. The fact that this word is a plural term indicates that there was a team of pastors in the church.

It is very significant that Peter calls himself a fellow elder in 1 Peter 5:1. He doesn’t put himself above the leadership of the local church, but makes himself one with them. To make himself equal with the elders is a great thing, even though he was an Apostle of Christ. In this verse, he uses presburterio, which has a rich Old Testament background and the whole government of Israel through the Sanhedrin was based around this.

A different word — episkopos, which is often translated as bishop or overseer — is used for the function of the elder in verse 2 where the leaders are told to, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…”

These two words — presburterio and episkopos — are used interchangeably in the New Testament to describe leaders. The pastoral care of the church was to be done by these people who were local. Peter also makes it clear that this is done on a basis of servant leadership, rather than for personal gain (see verse 3). However, it appears there were also professional or paid elders in the early church — 1 Timothy 5:18 says that the labourer is worthy of his wages, indicating that there were church leaders who were remunerated for their work (see also 1 Corinthians 9:14). In this passage, Paul emphasises the pastoral role of teaching the Word and doctrine of the church. It’s interesting to note that the only professional requirement or skill that he lists is that of the ability to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). The rest of the stipulations Paul places surround the character and conduct of the elders.

I believe we need to restore — as much as possible — the biblical role and function of the elder, whether they are paid or unpaid, because as the leaders are, so the church will be.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

Chief Financial Officer’s report: June 2013

Financial results for Big Camp, held in April this year, have arrived and we can report a loss for the annual convention of $121,000. The table below shows the financial results for this year’s Big Camp compared to our previous Big Camp held in 2011.

Due to the shift in Big Camp from October to April, attendance was down this year and this is reflected in the lower than expected income. Cost increases from 2011 occurred in the areas of dining room/catering, security and utilities.

Sales were also down significantly this year in the Adventist Book Centre and Camp Store.

The table below tracks Big Camp loss trends for the past 11 camps.

Despite the lower attendance this year, the speakers in every tent, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, made a huge spiritual impact on people’s lives, according to the Big Camp survey data that Pastor Paul Geelan has collected in the past month.

— Russell Halliday

OUR CONFERENCE

Youth committed to Reach One

At the end of May, training for the Reach One initiative, which grew from the World Changers Bible Project, was held at Kempsey. This followed on from its launch at Big Camp, which was attended by around 75 young people who came to listen to Pastor David Asscherick share how to become a world changer by reaching out to one person with the Gospel.

The training at Kempsey saw 27 young people and their mentors joining together to take a journey to learn how to reach one in the next 12 months.

Training was conducted by Pastor Nick Kross, Director of Youth Ministries for the South Pacific Division (SPD); Pastor Jeff Parker, Director of Youth Ministries for the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference; Rick Hergenhan, Assistant Youth Ministries Director for the NNSW Conference; and Matt Parra, Director of Evangelism for the NNSW Conference.

Pastor Parker says, “The training explored what a world changer is, how to share testimonies, God’s power and the power of one person to reach others — if one person reached another person each year, with that being replicated, we could reach 6.1 billion people in 35 years!”

So far, the World Changers project has been launched to more than 30,000 young people from around the SPD. There have been 162,500 Bibles with study guides produced.

Pastor Kross says, “The Mid Coast World Changers Bible Project launch was an awesome opportunity to meet with local Adventist youth from North New South Wales. It’s exciting to see young adults step up to the challenge of sharing their faith. Jesus once said, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses.’ His power is still available, and there are young men and women who want to change the world for Christ. Praise God!”

Further regional training will happen in August — visit http://nnswyouth. com.au/ for more information.

— Adele Nash

Photos courtesy of Pastor Jeff Parker and Pastor Nick Kross

OUR CONFERENCE

Small retirement village raises big funds

2013 Pathfinder Expeditions

They might live in one of the smallest retirement villages in the Lake Macquarie region, but the 12 residents of the Adventist Retirement Village Wyee Point are proud of the biggest fundraising achievement they have ever had.

“We are delighted to announce that we raised more than $2500 for the Cancer Council New South Wales at our third Biggest Morning Tea and had great fun doing so,” says Rosemaree, the village’s Social Secretary and one of the event organisers.

More than 100 people attended, participating in a lively program of raffles, guessing competitions, craft, lucky-door prizes, and book and plant stalls, all while enjoying good food and live entertainment by a very talented local pianist. The happy morning culminated in a humorous auction of a variety of donated goods.

“The 12 residents and their friends, who organised every aspect of the event, were excited about the overall success of the morning and the significant increase in funds on previous years. It is good to support such a worthy cause while building a stronger sense of community within our own village and local region,” says Rosemaree.

The village is anticipating the arrival of more residents — at present there are six villas available for sale, with 98 more to be built in the near future.

“We look forward to many more such memorable events in our clubhouse with residents and friends — the best is yet to come,” says Rosemaree.

— David Knight

A combined total of close to 500 Pathfinders took part in the 2013 Southern and Northern Pathfinder Expeditions (held on the June long weekend), marking the 31st year of Expeditions taking place in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference. The weather for the weekend was mostly good, with only a bit of rain at de-registration for the Southern Expedition. There were also only a few minor injuries, and Pastor Jeff Parker, Director of Youth Ministries for the NNSW Conference, says, “The prayers for good weather and the safety of our Pathfinders really helped — thank you to all of those around the conference who kept our Pathfinders in their prayers!”

Pathfinders at both the Southern and Northern Expeditions shared worships together on the Friday night and Sabbath morning at their respective camping sites, before they separated to undertake their grade hikes.

The Southern Expedition group had the largest numbers, with 296 Pathfinders from eight clubs attending. Their weekend was spent at Capertee National Park, with Bruce Mason leading the A Grade group, Kev Price the B Grade, Caleb Lawman the C Grade, and Simon King and Lynelle Richards the D Grade. Rome Ulia was the guest speaker for the Friday and Sabbath worships the grades shared together before splitting up for their hikes. Adam Schulz also helped lead the worships.

The Northern Expedition was held at the Gibraltar Range (Glen Elgin), with Avondale College Theology students David Toogood and Alex Green as the guest speakers. The speakers explored topics under the NNSW Youth Ministries Department’s theme for 2013 of “Live Loud,” which is based on Romans 12:1–2. Ros and Darryl Camps organised the Northern Expedition, and Pastor Parker says, “Ros and Darryl did all the hard work up north. We don’t know what we’d do without them! They’ve led out up there for 20-plus years.”

Pastor Parker says of Expeditions, “It’s really good to take our kids into nature so they can see God’s amazing creation, and be challenged spiritually with worships and presentations.”

— Adele Nash

Photos courtesy of Paul Ginn

OUR CHURCHES

Wauchope Church closes doors on its Hastings Street property

Sabbath. The Patrick, Everett and Rosendahl families formed a small company in Pappinbarra, whilst the Allum, Burns and Hansford families met in Wauchope. Occasionally, despite the poor roads and long distances between them, the two groups joined together.

In 1926, a church company was formed in Wauchope and they met in various rented premises. There was a long period of waiting and planning for a church building. Each family gave sacrificially to raise the necessary funds to build. Joe and Lil Patrick had put aside a stand of timber on their Pappinbarra property, the sale of which would go toward the project.

In April, the congregation of the Wauchope Adventist Church said farewell to their church complex on Hastings Street (opposite Monaghan’s Fuel Depot.) The property has been sold to Madhatter House Child Care, and the congregation now has a 40week wait while their new premises are built in King Creek.

The church has a rich history and it holds many memories. It has witnessed many people consecrate their lives to God. Some have publicly declared that consecration through baptism. Young couples been have married in this building, babies have been dedicated and many have been farewelled as their life on this earth has come to a close. Children have learned to play an instrument, sing or speak in public as they have been given the opportunity to take part in the worship programs. Friendships have started and flourished. Health and cooking programs have been held. Bible classes taught, sermons preached, business meetings conducted, social programs run.

Some of the many young people who grew up in the church are still part of the current congregation, with their own children growing up in the same church family, which sees grandparents, parents and grandchildren all worshipping together on a Sabbath morning.

In 1920s, there were two Adventist groups worshiping in the Hastings Valley each

The new church, which was located in Cameron Street, was opened on Sabbath, 4 August 1962, with joy and thanksgiving to God for His providence. Due to the low level of the Cameron Street block, the threat of flooding became an issue so it was decided that another position in the town might be better and the search started for a new block.

In September 1972, the church building and church hall were relocated to their current position. The congregation numbers have fluctuated over the past 40 years, but recently with attendance numbers exceeding the seating capacity of the church building, the hard decision to say goodbye to the Hastings facilities was made.

The new facilities will be built on the corner of King Creek Road and Sarahs Crescent, and will be opened in 2014. The complex will include the main worship centre, facilities for community events and rooms for children’s Sabbath school division. Until then, the congregation will meet each Saturday morning at 11.00am in the Senior Citizens Hall, behind the Library.

The congregation will remain active throughout the community of Wauchope and surrounds, even though it will not have its own meeting house for almost one year. Current church minister, Pastor Uriah St Juste says, “Although we may be moving out of town, the church still expects to impact the town of Wauchope with its message of healthy living and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.”

— Kerryn Patrick

Exciting developments on the Central Coast

For a number of years, Erina Church members have strongly felt a need to relocate. With facilities totally inadequate to cater for the needs of the various departments of the church, with seating at a premium, a lack of parking due to changes along The Entrance Road and Sabbath School rooms for the young people full to capacity, the pressure for a new church has been growing steadily.

A similar problem has also been experienced by The Entrance Church, particularly with inadequate Sabbath school rooms and limited street parking available, which has made it difficult for the church to grow.

In looking at the situation, the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference Executive Committee recommended that the two churches amalgamate. Recently, both church business meetings unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Executive Committee.

After searching for more than 10 years and looking at some 70 blocks of land, a block of land was located to meet the needs of the two churches. Located at 7 Kyte Place, Tumbi Umbi, a block measuring 4.22 acres on fairly level ground has been purchased (pictured right).

This block is approximately half way between the two churches and is in an ideal location. Both churches have now voted to combine their resources by selling both current church properties. Members from both churches are excited about this project and firmly believe that God is leading.

Recently, Pastor Vern Parmenter, the minister for Erina Church, presented the needs in a special day of worship at Erina, and $102,000 was pledged and given in offerings to add to funds that are already in hand.

A further $84,000 has since been pledged and given toward the cost of the land. This makes a significant contribution towards the purchase of the land.

Additional money now needs to be found to construct the new building. With the sale of the two churches properties and the generosity of our combined church members, it is hoped that we will be worshipping in our new church within the next three years. The next task is to engage an architect and prepare a development application to council. This should be completed in the next 12 to 18 months. Both churches request all members of the NNSW Conference to remember their two sister churches in your prayers as this development is undertaken.

— Owen Twist

OUR CHURCHES

“Newstart” health series at Blue Haven Community Church

Depression Recovery Programme at Kingscliff Church

One in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime — a sobering statistic. Depression is an illness that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. Recently Kingscliff Adventist Church held its first Depression Recovery Programme with 42 people completing the course (more than half were from the community). Some were sufferers of depression, some were support people, while others just wanted to know more about mental health. All were surprised by what they learnt.

“I didn’t realise how incredible the brain really is,” says Danny, one of the attendees. “The frontal lobe, the melatonin release that helps us to sleep — that’s incredible. Just by knowing about simple things that help your brain like drinking enough water — it’s so easy to implement these tasks. I’m doing that now, and I feel a lot healthier and a lot sounder. It doesn’t take much to change your life.”

The Depression Recovery Programme was created by Dr Neil Nedley, author of Proof Positive and Depression: the Way Out. It teaches how to identify depression and it’s causes, and how to overcome or prevent depression through positive lifestyle choices. The topics of exercise, diet, spirituality and deep breathing were among those covered. Glen Kenny took part and says the world seems a lot brighter for him now. “It was absolutely marvellous. It’s brought a lot out in me. I’ve lost quite a lot of family in recent years, including my wife, and I was unable do a lot of things, which I can now face head-on and have a good go at it,” he says.

Recently, the Blue Haven Community Church (BHCC) completed a health programme, which ran on Sundays and was attended by a number of people from the church and community. The first four Sunday programmes had 25 people register, with 12 from the community, and the programmes following the first four were attended by around 15 people.

The programme BHCC ran was called “Newstart,” which is designed as a whole health system with eight principles — nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest and trust in God. Attendees enjoyed the recipes that were shared with them, getting to sample some delicious and unique foods like kale and fruit smoothies. Each Sunday, the cooking demonstrations began with a healthy green smoothie.

BHCC members made some good friends and plan to keep in touch with attendees. They appreciated getting to know each other as a church group and team as well. Closer friendships were made by church members working together, which was a blessing.

At the conclusion of the program, a questionnaire was handed out to each person, with very positive feedback coming from them. Most attendees expressed a feeling of enjoyment, and appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, value for money and friendliness provided by the church team.

The team would particularly like to thank those who made the event possible, including Kerianne Rangi, Drago Brelih, Leith and Emerald Curnuck, Barbara Jobson, Peta Morris, Barbara Robinson, Elaine Bertlesen, Lalay Olivette, Dean Lowe and Pastor Danny Milenkov.

The BHCC team are planning to run another programme similar to the “Newstart” one in the second half of the year, following a CHIP series. There are also plans to run seminars on health topics such as managing stress, the importance of a positive attitude, and the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco.

— NorthPoint/Kerrianne Rangi

Pastor David Haupt from the South New South Wales Conference came up to run the programme. However, he proved to be so much more than a facilitator. He candidly shared many of his personal and professional experiences and offered free counselling sessions to the attendees. The response was overwhelming! Pastor Haupt was thrilled to see how well the group bonded over some very sensitive issues. He says, “I think the group suddenly realised that there is a commonality in terms of the struggle that they faced. Often in depression, people feel that they’re the only one that is suffering with it, the isolation psychologically in which they find themselves in is enormous. The beauty for me was the Adventists — how they were willing to connect and reach out and be there for the people in the community — that was amazing.”

Lyn Wickert totally agrees, even though she found it confronting to actually come on the first night. “I’ve found the people so welcoming and I feel like I’ve become part of another little family, and it’s made me feel a lot better and think a lot clearer,” she says. Many of the participants are now attending a weekly support group at the church where they can connect and share with each other as they implement the recommended changes to their lives.

— Summer Lockley

OUR CHURCHES

Thailand fly ‘n’ build project for Port Macquarie Church team

The project was chosen: Buaket Adams, manager of the Kirsten Jade Rescue (KJR) Centre in Thailand, needed more space in the preschool building. Port Macquarie Church members wanted to see her get what she needed.

On their last trip to KRJ, the church members noticed the bad state of the preschool building. It was way too small and the roof was in a bad way. Back in Port Macquarie, church members spent the next two years fundraising and planning for the project.

There was a lot to do when they arrived in Thailand. The site of the preschool building could not be reached by vehicles, so all of the supplies where dropped off at the closest spot to the building and then had to be wheelbarrowed or carried up to the site. The team all got lots of exercise!! Loads of sand and gravel were ‘barrowed, and large concrete pillars were carried up to the site to replace all the old timber ones that were eaten out by white ants.

Once the project was under way, it was decided that the old roof could not be saved, so the whole roof came off and was replaced. A new floating concrete slab had to be formed and laid to extend the size of the preschool. Steel beams were welded into trusses and erected by manpower and ingenuity — it’s the only way over there!

Two of the team were busy welding the beams and trusses in place when the poor power supply over there couldn’t cope, setting the power point on fire.

Remarkably, while the power points were burning, the welding machines didn’t stop! Finally the cry went up “Fire!” The fire was put out, the welding machines were still working and all was well. Then the new brick walls went up and finally the roof went on. One of the walls inside the building was decorated with the handprints and names of all the children and staff of KJR, as well as the fly ‘n’ build team, as a lasting reminder to them all.

It is always a very special time when members of the Port Macquarie fly ‘n’ build team visit the KJR Centre. They have been going there for many years and love Buaket, Ian and all the kids very much. All of the team and their families have sponsor children there, and it is wonderful for them to catch up with the children and see what wonderful people they are growing into because of the influence of Buaket and the staff at the KJR Centre.

Some members of Port Macquarie Church have helped put two young men — former International Childrens Care sponsor kids — through university. They spoke to one fly ‘n’ build member some years ago about their wish to go to university to study theology. That wish was taken back to the church and kind members offered to help with university fees for these young men. Now one has graduated from university as a qualified pastor and the other one graduates in May 2013, also as a qualified pastor. What a thrill it was for the team to see and talk to them again!

The trip and experience was once again a highlight for the team, and even though it gets harder to leave the kids behind, they can’t wait to go again.

— Heather Knobbs

Challenge to serve leads Lismore members to Nepal

Lismore Church was challenged to commit to supporting and encouraging mission and service within their church family. This has resulted in a second team of volunteers making their way to Nepal since 2010. Nepal is a country of much need, but Hope Team 2013 strongly believe that God led them to their project in Kathmandu.

A beautiful Christian man named John had been praying for the opportunity to commence an English-speaking school that would teach Christian principles with a Seventh-day Adventist influence, so Hope Academy connected with Hope Team Australia, and we were all blessed. The team of 18 — aged from 14 to 82 — managed to paint 4 levels of the school premises in less than a week. Playground equipment was painted and put in place, and a sand pit was constructed. John requested a vegetable garden to train the children so Calvin Chilcott — aged 82 — was delighted to establish one.

The school will be a blessing to 20 child orphans whom John was instrumental in rescuing from very harsh circumstances. The school has the potential to educate 120 students and John’s dream is that “paying students” will make the school viable and ensure it is able to support marginalised and disadvantaged children.

The second week of their adventure in service took the team to The Three Angels Academy in Pokhora, where Team Hope 2013 ran a VBS program for more than 160 very enthusiastic children, many of whom are Asian Aid-sponsored children. The team had a wonderful time working with these children and their carers, who affirmed them for coming and showing them love and support. What a privilege to support a wonderful ministry and to witness the value of child sponsorship!

Team Hope 2013 paid their own airfares and travel expenses. Lismore Church and some generous independent donors raised $18,000 for the projects. May you be inspired to do mission service with your own church or be encouraged to continue your mission service to others, as there is no greater experience.

— Valerie Dunstan

OUR CHURCHES

Maasai

Magic

: Advocating development with art

Maasai Magic, KINI’s (Kisaru Nkera Initiatives) first exhibition, consisted of 19 photos on canvas by Barbara Parkins and 34 paintings by Vanessa Reynolds. This exhibition was held at the Coffs Harbour Professional Centre on Park Avenue.

With its official opening event held on 11 April, the exhibition remained hanging until 26 April, 2013.

The opening evening was well attended, with more than 40 people in attendance for an insightful glimpse of KINI’s work with the Maasai people in Kenya. A vision for positive change through empowerment and education was received with enthusiasm and much interest from the audience.

Barbara’s photographs captured some of the stunning sights, people and animals to mesmerise its audience; while through the use of oil, acrylic paint and mixed media, Vanessa explored issues through her art such as: unnecessary consumerism, slum

life, and the beauty of Africa. Some handcrafted, fair-trade artefacts were also on sale for the evening as a way of providing work opportunities for women in Kenya. KINI benefited from the sales of a number of photographs, paintings and Maasai items sold during the exhibition.

This fundraising event is one of the many ways that we are working towards building a school for Maasai children along with the local community to empower positive growth.

KINI is planning on having more events like this one in the future, so we are always on the lookout for more locations to have exhibitions. If you or anyone you know may be interested in hosting an exhibition please feel free to let us know. Locations may include cafes, galleries, offices, business centres and many more possibilities.

— Vanessa Reynolds

You can contact KINI via kisaruentitoproject@gmail.com.

Literature Evangelists visit Coonabarabran and Kempsey

Coonabarabran was the location for a team of Literature Evangelists to focus on for a week in April. Effects of recent bushfires in the area were still evident (see the February issue of NorthPoint), as were stories of both tragedy and close encounters recounted by the townsfolk.

Despite the loss of homes and property, no lives were lost as a direct result of the fires. Hearing first-hand many of the experiences, some believe answered prayer to be a factor. One farmer the team met shared that he was in no doubt that his desperate call for divine protection spared his home in the middle of the Warrumbungle National Park.

Another farmer felt impressed to give his entire paddock of feed crop to other farmers who were struggling to keep feed up to their stock. He believes God blessed his next crop by providing rain directly over the top of his farm, where there was no other rainfall in the area.

The team also spoke to a lady from the USA who had heard of the fires, and had decided to fly out and work with the nonprofit organisation called Blaze Aid for three weeks, fixing fences and helping where needed.

The week was also met with higher than normal sales by the Literature Evangelists, as lifestyle books and DVDs proved popular. Spiritual interests were also higher, with many accepting follow-up visits for the Beyond DVD series.

Shaun Hepworth, Literature Evangelist Team Leader for New South Wales, says, “Many prayers were offered in homes to those who were sick or troubled. One gentleman who was going in for open-heart surgery the following week requested a Bible as he felt the need to get back in touch with God.”

The last week in May saw three Literature Evangelists travel to Kempsey and work with the church for a week long community outreach endeavour.

The week saw many accept the Signs magazine, health literature and Beyond The Search DVDs. There were also those who showed an interest in spiritual talks. John Dittrich met a man in his mid 40s named Stephen who was experiencing some real life challenges. When John met him at the door, he had lost his job, his wife had recently

walked out and he was behind in his rent. John had a prayer for this gentleman before phoning Shaun with the suggestion of putting a food package together to meet his immediate need.

It was evident upon returning with John to Stephen’s home that he was struggling. He had placed his motorbike on the front curb with a “for sale” sign on it. This, along with the TV in the living room, were obviously his prized possessions as there was no other furniture in the home.

What was also evident in the hour or so interim while John and Shaun were grocery shopping is that something had taken place in Stephen’s home. Upon being invited back in, Stephen plied John with the same question on three different occasions, he asked, “Hey do you have a direct line to God or something?” John and Shaun asked why he had said this. He replied, “Just after you left, I had someone call around who saw my bike and wants to buy it. I also had an interest in the TV, and someone also called because they were interested in moving in and sharing rent.”

This opened up the opportunity to talk about God and His providence. Stephen was open and showed an interested in learning more, being an avid reader and interested in history, the duo left him with a Great Controversy

A fantastic fellowship luncheon was shared with the friendly Kempsey Church folk on the Sabbath of the team’s visit (pictured above).

Helping Hand Director visits Lismore

Welcoming smiles greeted David Keeler as he returned to his home church in Lismore when he was the morning speaker. His topic was “Careful What You Pray For!” and was based on Philippians 4:6-7. When David offered his life to God in service, he didn’t know where it would lead! His interesting pictures helped church members to understand his journey.

Since early 2012, David has been based in Bangalore serving as the Director of Helping Hand Welfare Society, the Indian implementation arm of Asian Aid. At an elevation of about 900 metres above sea level, Bangalore — the capital of Karnataka state — is a city of around 8.3 million people (just a bit bigger than Lismore!).

David says, “When I arrived, the culture shock was almost overpowering, but reliance on prayer and competent colleagues helped me through. The children’s ability to live with very little tugged at my heartstrings.”

David feels that providing leadership for the team has proved beneficial. There are 11 office staff and 10 field officers. The field officers visit every Asian Aid-sponsored child four times a year. There are approximately 8000 Asian Aid-sponsored children in around 125 institutions — mostly Seventh-day Adventist. David says the need is tremendous and he is preparing new plans of management for two special schools: Kollegal for hearingimpaired children and Bobili for the vision-impaired. Some of the residential homes have schools attached and a single management system would be better for these campuses. Finance is always a problem, but is made a matter of prayer at worship every morning. So much of the way things work in the area involves bribes, but the team is determined not to go down that path. “Every day is a challenge,” says David, “but there is satisfaction in seeing improvement.”

He also told Lismore Church members, “Letter writing is a dead art in Australia; however, the students crave letters from their sponsors. Family photographs are also treasured even more so than presents. Resolve to write often to your sponsored child.”

— Valerie Dunstan

Kanwal group enjoys Parramatta day out

Twenty-five members and friends of Kanwal Church enjoyed a wonderful, if exhausting, Sunday out recently. They travelled by train to Circular Quay in Sydney, boarding the RiverCat to travel up the Parramatta River to Parramatta. After enjoying some lunch at one of the many eateries open there, they walked to Old Government House, which is situated in Parramatta Park.

Old Government House was built in 1799 (it is Australia’s oldest public building), with many later additions and extensions to serve 10 governors of the early colony from Arthur Phillip, including the more well-known Hunter, Bligh and Macquarie.

The group was impressed by the way in which the building and furnishings have been kept. Their guide told them that most of the beautiful soft furnishings have been painstakingly made more recently in the style of the time.

A weary group of happy travellers arrived home after the three-hour trip from Parramatta, having had a very enjoyable day of fellowship and fun together.

— Barbara Sutton

OUR CHURCHES

West Wallsend Church reaches out

For Mother’s Day, the West Wallsend Church group put together a special Mother’s Day card and mission DVD, which they spent the afternoon of 11 May letterboxing to around 500 homes in the West Wallsend area.

Matthew Lee, a member of the church, says, “We decided to introduce ourselves [to the local community] with beautiful Mother’s Day cards. All our regular church members attended this project in seven groups. Their ages range from two to in their 80s.”

The group also recently received the bound copy of the Bible they handwrote in Korean and English last year, which is pictured above (for more about the hand-written Bible, see the September 2012 NorthPoint).

— Matthew Lee

Macksville member’s books explore lives of biblical queens

Macksville Church member Alison Buckley has recently released two books on Amazon and through ABCs — Vashti, Queen of the Ancient Medes and Esther, Mystery Queen of the Medes

Set in the period 630-539 BCE Vashti, Queen of the Ancient Medes, the first in a series of historical novels on the Airyanem civilisation, tells the life story of the wife of King Astyages (Ahasuerus) of the Medes, from history and the biblical books of Esther and Daniel. Before she was illegally deposed by her husband in approximately 582 BCE, Queen Vashti ruled an empire from India to western Turkey and from Georgia to the Sudan. A descendent of Queen Nefertiti, grand stepmother of Cyrus the Great and probably daughter of the Medes’ leading general, she was most likely chosen by her father-in-law King Cyaxares, who brought the Median Empire from its tribal origins to parallel its ally, King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon.

The second novel in the series reveals that Queen Esther, initially a Hebrew captive to King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, wasn’t known by that name at all during her reign. History indicates that after being forced into the harem in Susa, the orphaned Hebrew girl Hadassah married the volatile, but easily-manipulated, King Ahasuerus (Astyages), Shahan Shah of the Medes, son of Median Empire builder King Cyaxares I and already husband of Queen Vashti, whom he sacked unceremoniously when the personal between them became political. Queen Esther’s actual title was Esteraka of the Medes.

Kurdish author Hamma Mirwaisi and Alison co-wrote Esther, Mystery Queen of the Medes. Peeling away the layers of fanciful assumptions about the Purim hero to tell her story candidly, their work reveals some of the root causes of the present problems in the Middle East.

Alison also contributes to Signs of the Times magazine and has since assisted Hamma in the preparation of the Unified Kurdish Language

— Alison Buckley

OUR BAPTISMS

“It took God 40 years to train Moses for his job, 40 years to train the children of Israel in the wilderness and 40 years before I began to reason the path I was taking was more about what I wanted.” These words were part of the testimony given by Katrina Dorrough at her re-baptism on 6 April at the Erina Adventist Church.

Katrina told how, as a fifth-generation Adventist, she had been baptised at the age of 12 mostly so she could take church office. She studied at Avondale College, worked at the Sydney Adventist Hospital and was well versed in the law and church standards. She thought she had it all together until her sister was involved in a car accident. The way the car driver’s wife faced the grave situation of her husband’s condition got Katrina thinking about her connection with God.

Always interested in mothering and the importance attachment plays in forming the foundation of a healthy child, Katrina began to see that the attachment cycle resembled the relationship she needed with Christ for her spiritual growth and eternal life.

She realized that she was lacking this relationship and acknowledged her need and helplessness. Her search for answers, reading the Bible, attending Bible study groups and praying regularly led to a personal relationship with her Lord that she had no experienced before. She was becoming attached to the Creator.

Pastor Eddie Mackie from Woy Woy Church had studied with Katrina and her daughter Jessica. In his sermonette entitled “In Christ,” he reminded us that indeed we need to be in Christ. He ended his talk by reading a Corinthians 13:4-8 substituting Christ for the word love, and reminding us that Jesus invites each and everyone to follow Him.

Jessica gave her testimony of how she experienced God always being there for her and how she had grown closer to Him. She knew it was the right time to give her life to God and be baptised.

Now she can’t wait to see what God’s plans are for her in the future. Her favourite scripture is Proverbs 3:5,6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (KJV).

Family, friends and church family gathered to witness the baptism of this mother and daughter and rejoiced with them on this special occasion.

The testimony time was interspersed with songs such as “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “You are My Hiding Place.” When Katrina and Jessica were baptised the congregation sang “In Christ Alone,” “Amazing Grace” and “To God be the Glory,” which summarised their journey and experience.

Katrina was surprised and overwhelmed by a visit from Neville Peters who sang and played at the beginning of the programme.

— Rhelmae Hebbard

Baptism celebration at Toronto

Natalie Fisher wanted so much to have a baby, but not even IVF was working. Natalie was raised an Adventist, but over the years had drifted away. Now she started praying, asking God to grant her wish and bless her with a baby.

The doctor told her they would try one last time and Natalie realised this was her last chance. As she prayed, Natalie became convinced she was praying the wrong prayer and that she needed to surrender to God’s will. She accepted that He knew what was best for her, and asked Him one more time to give her a baby, but said that she was willing to accept His plan for her.

She felt at peace and started to read her Bible more. Some weeks later she found she was expecting a baby and was overwhelmed with gratitude to God.

The ladies of the Toronto Church put on a baby shower for her, and once again she was impressed with the love she saw in the church members and other Christians she met. Natalie studied with David Maxwell, a theology student from Avondale College, and was baptised by David and Toronto Church pastor Michael Chapman on 1 June at the Toronto Church.

— Michelle Down

Baptised in His name at Ourimbah

Shirley Graham was baptised by Pastor Eddie Mackie on 13 April 2013 at the Ourimbah Adventist Church.

Carol Sickle wrote a special poem to mark the occasion:

Upon the cross Christ triumphed over all human sin.

“He has cast our sins into the depths of the sea.”

For He has washed them away in the saving waters of baptism. God has truly touched your life, Saved you by His grace, Now being baptised in His name And walking in His ways, We pray that you will come to know What God has planned for you And walk in His righteousness, Each day, your whole life through. Welcome! To the family of God!

— Carol Sickle

“I know the plans I have for you...”

FEATURES

It could have been different

Turn your mental clock back 10 years to 2003.

Where were you? What memories stand out for you about that year? For some of you, this may be an easy thing to do, while others may find it a more painful exercise.

In 2003, I’d recently turned 14 years old. It’s an age I can easily think back 10 years to and recall many of the friends, feelings and fun I had. In some ways, I felt pretty mature and accomplished.

I was nearing the end of my Pathfindering career, I could cook, cut the grass, confidently canoe, fish and windsurf around Port Vila harbour, and supervise the pikininis (kids) down at the “solwota” (sea).

Life seemed burden-free (whether or not my parents felt the same way is another thing). For the most part, life on Efate, the 900km2 tropical island — that was sometimes weathered ravaging cyclones and shocking earthquakes — was well sheltered. The concerns that would occupy significant parts of our teenage girls’ conversations were generally school, Pathfinders and boys who were giving us the “eye.”

But my 14-year-old worries of balancing “life” were a stark contrast from thousands of others my age in India who had become silent statistics in India’s sex-trafficking industry. It is difficult to believe that 10 years ago, I was the average age of females who are forced into prostitution.

Today, while I feel extremely blessed to have escaped 10 years of a living nightmare, my heart is outraged at the life that has been stolen from so many girls at such an early age. These are often girls who have been trafficked by relatives, friends and

partners, and left in bondage to the brothels they service men at — sometimes 20 a day. Some things just aren’t meant to be. That’s why I’m passionate about the AntiHuman Trafficking Program in India that Asian Aid funds.

Last year, I had the privilege of visiting and witnessing some of the incredible work they undertake in rescuing and rehabilitating women and children who have been the victims of human trafficking. The impact is almost tangible — but only made possible by the efforts of many people.

Together, acknowledging the reality of trafficking, I believe we can all make a difference in the lives of women and children in India.

Here are some simple ways you can help:

> Pray — For the women and children trapped in bondage, for a change of heart in the people involved in the business, and for those involved in rescuing and rehabilitating.

> Advocate — Be a voice for those who have none. Buy a copy of the Asian Aid’s newly-published photography book Seasons of Hope, and advocate for and support vulnerable women and children in India. Books can be ordered at www.asianaid.org. au for $30.

> Donate — Commit to giving regular sustainable donations to Asian Aid’s AntiHuman Trafficking Program (online — www.asianaid.org.au — or over the phone (02) 6586 4250).

Help shape someone’s future today so they can escape a living nightmare. Let’s believe that it can be different.

— Sonja Larsen (Port Macquarie Church)

Market Day Southlake returns by popular demand

Positive community response to the Avondale College of Higher Education’s first Market Day Southlake, hosted on the College’s Lake Macquarie campus in Cooranbong in October 2012, means the event is here to stay.

The fair-style market gave local fresh produce growers, artisans, artists, cooks, gardeners and business owners an opportunity to showcase their goods, products and services, while providing the community with a fun family day-out.

“We have wanted to share the Avondale experience and our beautiful campus with the great community around us and were excited to invite the Southlake community onto our campus for the first Market Day Southlake last year,” says Alyssa Faith, Avondale College’s Marketing Assistant Manager. “But the very positive response and the many requests from people living in our community to have more such events took us by surprise a little.”

Alyssa says the College will organise two Market Days this year. The market will be on two Sundays — 25 August and 10 November — and the preparations for the 25 August market are well underway. “If you would like to book a stall at the August 25 Market Day Southlake, contact us quickly, because space is limited and filling up fast,” she adds.

This year’s Market Day Southlake events will again feature a variety of stalls showcasing local goods and services, free activities for the children — including a jumping castle, a petting zoo, and pottery painting — and live entertainment. Stalls are $25. Visit www.avondale.edu.au/marketday, email bruna@btpublicrelations.com. au or call 0413 084 214 for more details.

— Bruna Tawake