NorthPoint - September, 2013

The One Project comes to Newcastle

Over the weekend of 20 and 21 July, The One Project celebrated its third “birthday.” The anniversary weekend was also the time when the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference played host to The One Project, held at the Newcastle City Hall. The One Project has grown from its first meeting of a small group of youth pastors and university chaplains to multiple events in a variety of locations around the world each year. The Newcastle One Project was the second local gathering, and there will be two events in Australia in 2014 — Sydney (19–20 July) and Perth (26–27 July).

With 35 tables that could seat 10 people, the Newcastle event was packed with people aged from their early teens to mid-70s on the Sabbath morning. They had come to worship, share and learn more about Jesus.

The Sabbath morning kicked off with a time of worship before Pastor Eddie Hypolite talked about “Gates and Ways.” As per The One Project format, the talk was followed by a discussion time at the tables. These discussion times allowed attendees to explore and unpack the message that had been shared with them.

Dilys Brooks followed this and spoke about “Jesus: Rabbi. Healer. Chronicler. Rebel.”

Pastor Brendan Pratt explored “Consuming Jesus,” Pastor Sam Leonor spoke about “Jesus, the Heart of Adventist Evangelism,” and Joanna Darby concluded the day’s talks by exploring the theme of “Thy Kingdom Come.” Sunday’s program began with worship before Pastor Tim Gillespie spoke about “The Heresy Response.” This was followed by Pastor David Franklin’s talk on “Phylacteries,” Professor Lisa Clark Diller’s exploration of “Trusting God, Washing Feet,” and a special time of communion led by Pastor Delroy Brooks before the closing blessing from Pastor Japhet de Oliveira.

The conversations, guided by a facilitator at each table, were a strong focus of the programme, and allowed attendees to reflect on and explore with others what they had heard in the presentations. Pastor Jeff Parker, Director of Youth Ministries for the NNSW Conference, says, “The conversations are the power of the event.”

Rick Hergenhan, Associate Youth Ministries Director for the NNSW Conference, agrees, saying, “From the table I was at, the comments were very positive, recognising where we are and looking at making practical changes in our personal life, home life and church life. One of the comments made at my table was, ‘I am so encouraged the church is talking about this stuff.’”

Pastor Parker and Rick attended The One Project in Sydney last year, and say they were inspired by what the event involved and the focus on making Jesus the centre of everything. “We thought we needed to share this event with the people of our conference,” says Pastor Parker. “It was a privilege for our conference to be able to host it this year. People who attended found it amazing and inspiring, and have said it’s challenged them to think about so many things.”

(Continued on page 3)

In

Page 2: From the President: Investing in the young Pages 4: Currawah closed until 2015

Page 7: Indian activist talks about “fresh hope”

Page 8: Messy Church is something to enjoy at Maitland

Headland near Yarrahapinni (photo by Alexandru Tibi Soare)

OUR CONFERENCE From the President: Investing in the young

All through history, God’s work has risen and fallen over this one issue — leadership.

This challenge has been on its way for some time now in the Adventist Church, and at last it seems to have arrived.

In the early 80s, around 180 pastors left the system over a theological conflict when one of our prominent theologians, Dr Desmond Ford, questioned the church’s understanding of prophecy.

It is not my purpose to give a detailed explanation of these events, but if I jump to the end of the story, we lost a lot of people and a lot of pastors in Australia and New Zealand. Some churches, like the one in my hometown of Armidale, have still not returned to their former glory.

It is this generation who would now be in leadership around the country, but suddenly we are seeing a bunch of young guys have to take these spots. It is not that we don’t have great leaders from the Baby Boomer generation, but all of a sudden, there are few left who would even consider taking leadership positions.

Generations X and below are now starting to fill the senior ranks of leadership in conference offices around Australia. Leaders in their 30s or early 40s are now common.

What’s wrong with that you say? Modern leadership is tough and for many the time in these positions will be short. Where are we going to find enough experienced and willing leaders? How has the flame been passed from one generation to another? What will change within the church as we experience generational change?

More than ever, we need to invest in young people who God has called to leadership. More than ever, we need to grow a new generation of leaders who can be faithful to our mission for the Adventist Church in Australia and New Zealand. We don’t have a lot of time, so investing in the young of our churches has to be our highest priority.

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.

Chief Financial Officer’s report: Tithe payer trivia

Pastor John Denne recently brought to my attention research conducted in America (and other countries) on 4000+ tithe payers across many denominations. The research has revealed a number of little-known characteristics of tithe payers. A sample of four of the findings are listed below. The full report can be ordered by going to <www.StateofthePlate.info>.

Most tithe payers donate more than 10 per cent:

• 23 per cent give 10 per cent of their income

• 54 per cent give 11-15 per cent

• 14 per cent give 16-20 per cent

• Nine per cent give 20 per cent or more

Tithe payers are a small percentage of the people in a congregation, but donate the majority of the money. In many churches, those who give $5000 or more per year are only 10–25 per cent of the families in the church, but they provide 50–80 per cent of the funding.

Most tithe payers first started giving when they were young:

• 28 per cent started giving 10 per cent when they were in their childhood/ teenage years

• 35 per cent started giving in their 20s

• 19 per cent started giving in their 30s

• Only 18 per cent started giving in their 40s or older

Tithing Christians are better off financially than non-tithing Christians:

Humanly speaking, it would seem that the more people give away, the less they would have for themselves. This piece of research shows, however, that over the past five years, people who regularly give 10 per cent or more are financially healthier than those who give less than 10 per cent.

Let me conclude with a well-known scripture, which is God’s challenge to us in the area of tithe paying. Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (NIV).

— Russell Halliday

— Pastor Justin Lawman

The One Project comes to Newcastle

OUR CONFERENCE

One Project reflections

Japhet de Oliveria, University Chaplain at Andrews University:

In three years, I have changed a lot in my life. I am recording my life, which I never did before, jotting down the positive things that happen, wanting to see the healthy progression in my life. Am I a better person? Am I seeing Jesus working in my life? I have seen it happen in the personal and work lives of each of our team members. This for us is joy.

(Continued from page 1)

“There were some excellent helpers and volunteers at The One Project,” says Rick. “Rod Long from Sydney did a huge amount of work on it, and Jo and Leighton Darby went the extra mile.”

Pastor Parker adds, “The Darbys’ attention to detail was amazing. They spent hours working on making the concert hall a place that inspired worship and conversation. It was also great to have our youth involved in leading worship.”

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, is glad the conference was able to host The One Project. “I love their focus on Jesus,” he says. “He is the reason we exist, and the Word of God promises that when He’s lifted up, all men will be drawn to Him. The One Project is a fantastic initiative and we’re glad to fully support it.”

There will be two One Project events in Australia next year. To book or find out more, visit <http://the1project.org>. If you want to watch videos from the weekend, you can find them at <http://new.livestream.com/FindJesus>.

— Adele Nash/Nathan Brown

Photos courtesy of Lloyd Turner

A feature article by Jo Darby about The One Project can be found on page 11.

And it is from this that we speak. What we say publicly, we have a lot of responsibility for and I want to make sure that we are encouraging the church, bringing people to Jesus and that will build the church. At each gathering, I hear many different stories of what it means to people. We explored further on our journey with Jesus and what this means. I saw people fall in love with Jesus. People were changed by the experience.

The local leadership was incredible, more than we have had anywhere else. The Newcastle team has been incredible. Every element of the programme was taken to a higher level.

I hope that the 350+ participants go back to their contexts with refreshed content and are able to change how they are as employees at work, as members of their family and leaders in their church. So many people were writing in their journals and taking down things that they will continue to reflect on and will have an influence in their lives.

My vision for The One Project is that we shape our personal lives, the church and our communities. We don’t have a monopoly on this conversation, but we believe this is an important conversation. We believe we are falling in with the vision that Jesus has for our church — to fall in love with Jesus and to be changed by that. We have a lot still to learn and I am looking forward to it.

Lisa Clark Diller, History Department Chair of Southern Adventist University:

This has been one of the most locally-visioned and led The One Project gatherings we have been involved with. There was an element of play or playfulness alongside the serious worship, conversations and presentations, made possible by the intention and attentiveness that were part of this event. The One Project had a more focus on the application to and benefit to the world. How does this focus on Jesus make a difference to our ministry and service?

Eddie Hypolite, Senior Pastor of Avondale College Church:

The clarity of what The One Project was all about was more evident in the preaching. There was something almost prophetic about who Jesus is to our church and who Jesus really should be. Three years on from the very first meeting, our voices had a clear ring — Jesus came back for the anniversary.

What The One Project has done for me in my local setting has given the preaching a real platform for what “Jesus.All.” looks like; what reaching out looks like with a Jesus focus. The One Project is the theory and our local church is where we do the practice.

My hope is that the people who leave will leave with an affirmed sense of who they are in Christ and I hope that will translate to their local churches. That their Jesus story is not only affirmed by Christ, but also by their church. What we have heard this weekend is actually who we are as Adventists.

— Nathan Brown

OUR CONFERENCE

Online church treasurer’s training now available

Currawah closed until 2015

At the 7 August, 2013 meeting of the Currawah Adventist Aboriginal College (CAAC) Board of Directors, the decision was made with deep regret to close CAAC, effective immediately. The college will remain closed until the commencement of the school year in 2015. The voluntary closure was enacted following a failure to comply with a number of areas highlighted by the New South Wales Board of Studies.

While CAAC is temporarily closed to students during this period, work will be undertaken to ensure that the college will be ready to re-open for the 2015 school year.

For the first time in our conference’s history, we have launched a new interactive online training facility, aimed at developing and improving the skills and knowledge of our local church treasurers and their assistants.

This is a fantastic investment in our volunteer church treasurers, who give tirelessly of their time and skills each week to aid the mission and growth of our church. While it is important for the church to trust its members, treasurers and other leaders, there is increasing pressure on churches to manage finances in a more professional way.

According to Saward Dawson Chartered Accountants, a recent fraud survey revealed that out of 645 not-for-profit organisations interviewed, 77 organisations have encountered fraud within their organisations. The report also revealed that there is a gap between the perception of likely fraud occurrence and actual occurrence in the not-for-profit sector. “It will never happen here — our people are trustworthy” — 87 per cent of respondents identified the likelihood of fraud occurring within their organisation as low.

The recent discovery of fraud in one of our own local churches in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference has highlighted the need to review, upgrade and strengthen our internal controls and church treasurer training in order to reduce the risk of similar incidences occurring in the future.

The online training course will add a new layer of value to our current training methods by allowing church treasurers and their assistants to read a section of the NNSW Conference Church Treasurers Manual in the comfort of their own home, and to then attempt some multiple choice questions to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts.

This course will up-skill and empower treasurers in the important areas of the Role of the Church Treasurer, Transaction Processing, Risk Management and Compliance, Budgeting and Reporting, Church Growth Grants and Loans, and Tithes and Offerings Online.

Each of the six modules will take around 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and the training session can be saved at any time and continued at a later date. On successful completion, the participant will automatically receive a Certificate of Completion.

Church treasurers, assistants or others wishing to register for this free course can start the online training immediately and following this link: <http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/treasury>.

If you do not have access to the internet and would like to make other arrangements, or have any other questions or suggestions regarding the online training facility, please contact John Schulz, Director Local Church Support Services, on (02) 4951 8088 or via johnschulz@adventist.org.au.

— Russell Halliday

CAAC is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New South Wales, and was officially opened in June 2011.

Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the North New South Wales Conference, says, “The great tragedy in Currawah Adventist Aboriginal College’s temporary closure is the impact it will have on students who have been attending the school, but it is for their sake that we have to complete this work.

“The investment and personal sacrifice made by so many people in establishing Currawah is too great to walk away from. We will do everything in our power to ensure that we continue our commitment to the support and education of Indigenous students in this region.”

Pastor Lawman also acknowledges the “tremendous work” done by the staff of CAAC. “I thank them for their energy and focus,” he says.

— Adele Nash

Christmas in July at Wyee Point

Sounds of laughter and fun rang out again from the Community Centre at the Wyee Point Lifestyle Community.

Last time it was the Biggest Morning Tea for Cancer Council NSW (see the July issue of NorthPoint) — this time it was Christmas In July with the local “Know Your Neighbours Group.” Guests included groups from the local community, a bus-load of residents from Avondale Lifestyle Community and members of the local Bush Fire Brigade.

Nearly $1700 was raised at the event to support the local Bush Fire Brigade. Those who attended demonstrated their gratitude to the volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise to support and protect our community.

The event received a range of donations from local businesses supporting the event. Businesses from Mannering Park, Wyee, Morisset, Catherine Hill Bay, Lake Haven, Bonnells Bay and Doyalson provided a variety of items to be raffled and auctioned.

Mark Denton, a representative of the Bush Fire Brigade, was happy to receive the contribution and indicated that without support from the community, the Brigade would be unable to provide the service and protection we all depend upon.

The evening culminated in a visit by Santa Claus and his helper.

The “Know Your Neighbours Group” were very grateful to all the residents from the Wyee Point Lifestyle Community for their hospitality and support for this special occasion.

— David Knight

OUR CONFERENCE

NNSW assists with outreach in sister conference Fiji

The Fiji Mission is the sister conference of the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, and in July, Pastor Justin Lawman, President of the NNSW Conference, conducted an evangelistic series in Suva for two weeks.

Pastor Lawman says, “I had an amazing time running an Ancient Mysteries outreach series for the Fiji Mission. The work was intensive — I preached four times on the first Sabbath there — but so worthwhile. At every church I’d go to preach, I would find groups of ladies out the back praying. They would pray the whole time, and it was such a blessing. There was also a ‘Power House Prayer Room’ at the Civic Centre in Suva, which is where we ran the Ancient Mysteries series. Prayer makes a big difference to the outcome.”

At the beginning of the Ancient Mysteries series, the Civic Centre hall, which seats around 800 people, was about three-quarters full. But by the time the series ended, it was completely filled each night. The programmes were live-streamed to more than 70 sites around the country. The live-streams were also watched by people in other countries, including Iran.

Another thing that drew attention to the series was the use of an inflatable Daniel 2 statue, which the NNSW Conference has donated to the Fiji Mission. Pastor Lawman says, “It’s thanks to Lyn Price’s hard work that the statue got there! When it was put up outside of the Civic Centre, it got coverage on the news and people driving past each day were very curious about it.”

He adds, “The programme got better and better as it went along.” The final Sabbath of the series saw the programme move to Vodafone Arena. Pastor Lawman says, “We had about 6000 people there, and it usually seats about 3000 to 4000. At the end of the series, we were blessed to have 300 baptisms at a pool near the Vodafone Arena, with another 200 or so baptisms happening at sites around Fiji. In total, 526 people were baptised, and more baptisms are planned for 26 October for those who are still completing Bible studies.

“We had 10 pastors baptising people at the pool, and it was amazing how long it takes

to baptise 300 people. It was an awesome day. It was also a blessing that people who were attending the series at the local sites that live-streamed of the programme and were then baptised will stay there to be nurtured and looked after by church members they’ve already connected with.”

Planning for the series commenced last year, and earlier this year, Colin Hone and Blake and Malvinas Penland went to Fiji to run a lead-up programme and training. Colin spoke about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and Malvinas and Blake shared their personal testimonies. Blake says, “I [also] taught a practical lesson on how to prepare for an evangelistic series by focusing on the importance of prayer and personal relationships, which leads to bringing people to the meetings. The Holy Spirit was seriously convicting hearts and all the attendants were very engaged in the presentation, as many of the members were writing down notes throughout.”

They were also blessed by attending a concert to raise funds to purchase The Great Hope books. More than 1000 people attended and enjoyed more than 20 musical performances, which featured beautiful Fijian music.

— Adele Nash/Blake Penland

Attendees “Refueled” by camp at Yarra

Pastor Don McPhaull was the guest speaker for the 21 to 23 June Refueled Camp weekend, held at Yarrahapinni. There were 78 people in attendance, with young people from all over the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference joining together to enjoy a weekend of worship and learning. Susan Manson, Secretary for the NNSW Conference’s Youth Ministries Department, says, “We even had some people there from the Greater Sydney Conference, and from as far north as Kingscliff.”

The weekend, which was described by one attendee in an email as “really powerful,” had the theme of “The Miracle of Life.” Pastor McPhaull explored this through the Bible’s stories about Lazarus, Jairus’s Daughter, the Widow of Nain’s Son, the Demoniac of Decapolis, the Woman at the Well and Jesus. Susan says, “God answered so many prayers about the weekend, especially that those who needed to hear Don’s message would be there.”

The Refueled weekend was also blessed by fantastic praise times, which were led by Sarah Buckley, who is the President of the Newcastle Adventist Students Association this year. Pastor Jeff Parker, Director of Youth Ministries for the NNSW Conference, says, “This year, the worship was a mix of new and old, with classic favourites and some newer pieces.”

As well as worship, the attendees enjoyed social time together, celebrated four birthdays and made the most of the perfect weather on the weekend. Pastor Parker says, “We’ve only had four Refueled Camps — our first was in 2009. But we want to see Refueled grow even more, and some of the youth have suggested holding it on the October long weekend in future. It provides a good opportunity for our youth to meet other Christian young people.”

— Adele Nash

Photos courtesy of Alexandru Tibi Soare

OUR CONFERENCE

2013 Big Camp audio online

2014 Camps

Big Camp — 18–26 April

Grey Nomads — 9–17 May

The Hawaii Five-0

Audio from a selection of presentations, sermons and worships at the 2013 North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference Big Camp is now available on the NNSW Conference website. You can listen to the files or download them at <http://nnsw. adventist.org.au/big-camp-2013>.

Presenters include Pastor David Asscherick, Pastor Garry Blanchard, Pastor Ty Gibson, Warwick Pascoe and Pastor Tim Gillespie.

If your church, school or Pathfinder group is looking for ways to raise funds, there are two contracts available for tender for Big Camp 2014. The contracts are for catering and the Camp Store. Catering involves providing a cafeteria-style lunch and dinner, as well as a takeaway service, for the duration of camp. The Camp Store involves planning and running the general store for the duration of camp. For more information and to receive a document outlining the tender specifications, contact Debbie Head at the NNSW Conference Office on (02) 4944 3220.

Big Camp 2014 will run from 18 to 26 April. Grey Nomads will be held from 9 to 17 May.

— Adele Nash

Students help create dairy display

When seeking to commission a work of art, the school classroom is not always the first port of call. The Wingham Museum however, was pleasantly surprised when they stumbled upon the talented art students at Manning Adventist School.

When the Wingham Museum was seeking a mural recently, it was indeed “little hands” that provided the perfect piece. The Years 3–5 students painted a large mural for the museum’s upcoming dairy display. Though still in the planning stages, the display will showcase the large collection of local dairy-related equipment housed at the museum.

“We want to bring our exhibits to life,” said Barbara Waters of the Manning Valley Historical Society. “We are delighted that children have been involved in the process.”

The children are delighted too. The whole project was conducted during art classes for the Years 3–5 students. As parents of the students can confirm, the artworks produced by the small group of students are quite extraordinary. Art teacher Mrs McMahon worked closely with the group while everyone got to paint something. They strung string to make fences and spray painted for effect. If you look closely enough, you will see a magpie sitting on the fence post. This magpie is the fine work of one particularly proud student. You would have to agree that this display is a rather amazing piece of artwork.

On Sunday, 21 July, a group of 50 people from the Central Coast Ukulele Club (who could well be described as the Hawaii Five-0) performed at the 43rd Annual Ukulele Festival in Hawaii. Included in this group were five members of the Erina Adventist Church: Ivan and Debbie Caldwell, Trevor and Carol Sayers, and Glenda Harker (who took her husband, Pastor Harold Harker, along for moral support). The Central Coast group was well received at the festival, which featured groups from all over the Pacific — Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, California and, of course, the place where the instrument was developed in the 1880s, Hawaii.

One of the highlights of the Festival was seeing the band of more than 800 school children playing their ukuleles, showing that practice makes perfect. The Central Coast Club also performed on the following day at the huge Ala Moana shopping centre in Honolulu.

Pastor Harker’s presence was put to good use early one morning at a quiet little ceremony on Waikiki Beach, where the leaders of the Central Coast Club, Liz and Robert Kitney, renewed their marriage vows.

— Malcolm Bull

Inverell Kid’s Club stands strong for God

Inverell Adventist Church may be small, but a group of 14 adults and teens have a big heart when it comes to sharing the Good News with children in their local community. The dedicated Children’s Ministry team at Inverell Church, led by Sonya Findlay, gave a week of their July school holidays to run an exciting, interactive Kid’s Club for children aged five to 12 years. There were about 30 children from the community that attended over the week. The theme this year was “Kingdom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong for God,” which brought the stories of Bible kings and queens to life, and led the children on an epic journey to know and trust God.

At “Kingdom Rock,” the kids participated in memorable Bible-learning activities, sang catchy songs, played teamwork-building games, made delicious snacks, experienced epic Bible adventures, collected Bible Memory Buddies to remind them to stand strong and tested Sciency-Fun Gizmos at Imagination Station. The kids learned how to look for evidence of God all around them through “God Sightings.” They also had the opportunity to join an international mission effort to share God’s love with children in India.

Each day concluded with a “Fanfare Finale” — a celebration that gets everyone involved in living what they had learned. Family members and friends were invited to a concert and lunch on the final day, where the children sang the songs, recited the Bible promises and reviewed the stories of the Bible Kings and Queens for their families.

Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries for the North New South Wales Conference, was on hand for the final day to join in the activities with the children and provided much delight to the children and their families with some royal balloon creations during lunch. Everyone was blessed by this opportunity to share the love of God, touching the lives of the children and their families with the message to “Stand Strong” with the help of God’s love, family and friends, prayer, trusting God and the Bible.

Kid’s Club in Inverell has been creating strong positive relationships with families in the community for more than five years, with many of the children returning each year. There were many positive comments and interest about the children sharing the messages from Kid’s Club with their families.

— Evelyn Hoey

— Linda Stuart/Manning River Times

OUR CHURCHES “Gold Rush” at Port Macquarie Church

In the July school holidays, Port Macquarie Adventist Church again ran their Vacation Bible School (VBS) (also known as Kid’s Club) programme. This extraordinary VBS was created by the team at Answers in Genesis in the USA, and is different from other VBS programs in that its shows kids that God’s Word connects to every area of their life .It helps them to see that the Bible is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago, so they will know its amazing message of salvation is true.

This year, there were 140 children in attendance at the VBS programme, the majority of them from other churches and many without church connections. People travelled from all over the state to attend the event, which is the fourth the Port Macquarie Church has conducted.

It was a case of “Howdy partners! Grab your bandana, dust off your boots, and get ready to mine for true gold as we head to the Old West in Answers In Genesis‘s Gold Rush : Discovering the Rock of Ages.”

Margaret McKay, who organised the programme, says, “This year was spectacular, and we had so many adults and young people come from other churches to help. A lady who is a member of the Baptist Church was a helper at the VBS and wrote to me to say the following:

“Experiencing those five days with my wonderful group of children and the two special helpers has again deeply convicted and reinforced to me the absolute urgency and necessity of teaching children from the youngest age the solid foundation of our faith — Jesus Christ our Rock — and the authority and inerrancy of the Word, from Genesis to Revelation.

“This was certainly accomplished at the VBS, and the tragic reality for me is that the children (and all of us) learned more in those five days than many adults who have sat in their church pew for 30 years! . . . No participant was in danger of going home without a thorough grasp of foundational truths that every believer should be armed with, but tragically today isn’t. In the five-day programme, Jesus Christ was honoured,

confessed and proclaimed without compromise. The written Word of God was upheld and revered. I would go as far as to say that many adult Christians I know would benefit immensely from participating in the VBS.”

Margaret adds, “This year we certainly broke down so many barriers that exist with Christians from other denominations and the whole atmosphere had to be seen to be believed. The children were so well-behaved and had so much fun. It was a huge amount of work, but well worth every minute of it. We will never know how many lives were changed forever and will be seen in the Kingdom as a result of this incredible week. Next year we are off to the ‘Incrediworld Theme Park’ to see God’s amazing creation including the many (up to 50) kinds of dinosaurs!”

— Margaret McKay

Indian activist talks about “fresh hope”

“mothers” from supposed “orphanages” for as little as $1 a day for begging purposes, and young girls who have been stashed in hidden cupboards and rooms.

The many stories and confronting experiences about the realities faced by many young children in the hands of heartless traffickers impacted many people who heard Anita speak. “The horrific and disgusting behaviours of traffickers, often-times women, are indescribable,” says Rosalie Needham, the organiser of the Uncaged Program hosted by NEST, a ministry for women in the Port Macquarie area on 10 August in the evening. “Anita, an incredibly power-packed lady, shared the reality for helpless girls and children who are conned into a ‘better’ life and then treated worse than animals. I feel better informed about this issue now, and are compelled to help.”

When Anita Kanaiya, the associate-executive director of Asian Aid’s partner Oasis India, spoke against human trafficking at churches, schools and Women Ministries events, and through radio programs in North New South Wales, people stopped to listen.

“Human trafficking — whether for purposes of sexual exploitation or forced labour — is a concealed, lucrative and pervasive issue that happens not only in India, but also within Australia’s borders,” said Anita during her many speaking appointments during her visit to Australia between 28 July and 18 August.

Anita first became involved in the issue of human trafficking eight years ago when she was called late one night to rescue two young Indian girls who had escaped from their trafficker. The girls’ rescue touched Anita more than anything she had experienced before. Since then, Anita and the Oasis India team have been passionately involved in rescuing children who are part of begging syndicates, babies who have been hired by

The 100 people from the local church and community who attended Uncaged were compelled to help too and raised more than $3700 for Asian Aid’s Fighting Human Trafficking Project that Oasis India implements.

“I am energised when I share about fighting against human trafficking and about what we can do to impact this issue if we work together,” says Anita, whose passion for disadvantaged people comes from her faith in God. “I believe that God’s Spirit is allowing us to set the captives free to the truth of who God is — one who gives us fresh hope every day.”

— Sonja Larsen

For more information about the Fighting Human Trafficking project (also known as the Anti-Human-Trafficking project) or to make a donation, visit <www.asianaid.org.au> or call (02) 6586 4250. You can also support this project by purchasing Asian Aid’s recently-published hardcover photography book — Seasons of Hope — for $30 from the Asian Aid website.

OUR CHURCHES

Messy Church is something to enjoy at Maitland

Messy Church is a powerful way for everyone to be included in church and a valued way to connect with families beyond the usual church community. It involves whole families, with parents, carers and children enjoying activities that focus on a Bible theme and share Christian values. Messy Church is always fun!

Based on a concept that has brought life back into many English churches, Messy Church is found across the world and across denominations. Children love Messy Church because its programs are based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. The two Adventist churches in Maitland both have a Messy Church program. Nikki Court, Children’s Ministries leader at Maitland Adventist Church, coordinates an event there every second month at 11:00am. She says, “Messy Church is a fun and exciting way to bring Jesus to all ages. It engages young and old to be a part of church life together, and it is a great avenue to invite anyone from the community to join in. All our crafts and activities focus around the theme, and Messy Church is enjoyed by all who were involved. Everyone is excited to experience God in a tangible way, and look forward to next one!”

Children’s comments include: “Messy Church was a really fun way to learn about God and all the activities were lots of fun, but my favourite was decorating the cookies!”

A moving statement for Jesus Christ

On Sabbath, 25 May, Philip Hosken was baptised by Pastor Brad Rea in front of supportive friends and family at Wallsend Adventist Church. Philip’s father Brad, mother Anne, sister Jenny and brother Michael were proud to see him make this important public commitment to follow God.

Philip had been studying for baptism with Pastor Rea and Brock Goodall (Youth Minister at Wallsend Church) for more than one year, and was very happy to make a stand as a follower of Jesus Christ. Philip has attended Macquarie College since Kindergarten, is a keen Pathfinder and an active participant at church.

Philip said, “Jesus is my best friend. He is always there for me and He has forgiven me, made me new and helped me in many ways. I want people to know that He can help them in their life too.”

Thinking about the day, Philip said, “My baptism shows that I love God, and want to follow Him and serve Him in my life.”

— Pastor Brad Rea

(Cayla), “I enjoyed Messy Church with my friends, the activities, singing and learning about God. I liked the energy to make us have a good time worshiping God.” (Darcy) and “My favourite part was the blindfolded obstacle course — it was pretty hard. I liked making cookies! I can’t wait to have Messy Church again!” (Bryson).

myCHURCH is a church plant in one of Maitland’s growth suburbs, where church programmes start at 3:00pm and connecting with the newly-established neighbourhood is the primary focus. During 2013, myCHURCH has held Messy Church on the first Sabbath of every month.

Children’s programme leaders Sue Martin and Lisa Crisp choose a focus story, and use drama, stories, food, art and craft to share the Gospel in a real and remembered way. Following Messy Church, tea is provided — a time of sharing ideas and making new friends. In August, messy church at myCHURCH invited everyone to a family bonfire. The myCHURCH leadership team see Messy Church as central to the vision of establishing a new worship community, and includes Messy Church in the evangelism budget of the church plant.

— Russell Schulz

Friends and neighbours introduce God’s love and truth

It was a wonderful day at Kanwal Adventist Church on 11 May when Paul Baker and Joyce Reid were baptised. Pastor Raymond Dabson, who studied with both, baptised them before a large number of family members and friends. The service was followed by a lunch where Joyce and Paul were welcomed into church fellowship.

Paul always believed in God and attended church on Sundays. About four years ago, he learnt of the teachings and beliefs of the Adventist Church through discussions with his new Adventist neighbours, Jenny and Ken McLeod. “I began attending Kanwal Church, and there found the message and friendship that I was searching for,” says Paul. “My recent baptism made me feel I belong to the people of God. At the age of 84, I have a new purpose and hope in my heart. Praise God!”

Joyce first became acquainted with the Adventist message when she joined a singing group “Christian Singers,” which ministers to aged residents in nursing homes. One of the group invited her to the Kanwal Church.

“I have never been so happy and loved by my church family,” says Joyce. “It was a wonderful experience to follow my Lord through the waters of baptism and to be welcomed into the Adventist Church.”

In the service prior to the baptism, Joyce sang Now I Belong to Jesus, a song that expresses just how she feels.

— Barbara Sutton

Crystal Creek baptism for TVAC student

On Sabbath, 25 May, Tweed Valley Adventist College student Brooke Pearson braved the cold waters of Hart’s Hole at Crystal Creek to make a public declaration of her love for Jesus.

This has been in the making for nearly 12 months as Kingscliff’s Pastor Marcus Mundall has taken her through the Bible studies for baptism. At the end of the studies, Brooke was determined to take the final step.

There were many witnesses on the day, with family, friends and classmates to support Brooke in her decision. Pastor Peter Howard conducted the baptism and welcomed her into the fellowship of Murwillumbah Church.

— Tweed Valley Adventist College News

Kingscliff celebrates four baptisms

OUR BAPTISMS

Spanish Church sees grandmother and granddaughter baptised

When Violeta Zarrasqueta started visiting the Newcastle Spanish Church, she commenced Sabbath School lessons for visitors, as well as baptismal classes given by the Newcastle Spanish Church’s leader Roberto Velasquez.

Soon after, Violeta decided to give her heart to the Lord and she was baptised together with her 12-year-old granddaughter Kimberley, who was also touched by the Holy Spirit through a video that Roberto gave her. Through the video, she understood the plan of salvation, which led her to decide to be baptised without knowing that her grandmother had also made the same decision.

It was an emotional occasion that was full of joy when they were baptised at Toronto Church by Pastor Juan Qiuroga on 29 June.

In May, Violeta attended a health seminar after being invited to by Elisa Gomez, one of her friends who is a member of the church. After the seminar, they also attended an evangelistic campaign in June, which was organised by Roberto and Mayra Velasquez, which reconfirmed their desire to be baptised.

— Lilian Rodriguez

Courtney commits to Christ at CCCC

The Kingscliff Adventist Church community was thrilled to witness four of its young people commit their lives to the Lord on Sabbath, 1 June. Eli Brinsmead, Angus Weekes, and brothers Levi and Riley Johnson were baptised during a ceremony at Cudgen Creek. Levi, who is 16 years old, says it was exciting to show people his love for Jesus.

“Getting baptised wasn’t really a difficult decision,” he says. “Being brought up a Christian, I knew what it was about — it’s something I have thought about a lot, and I felt that God was pressing on my heart that this was the right time to make decision,” he says.

Pastor Marcus Mundall and Youth Pastor Yong Shin Chee have been studying with the boys and both officiated on the day.

“The baptism was awesome of course, but as a pastor, the blessing is also to be able to carry it through. I’m still going to continue studying with them because baptism is not the end of a journey — it’s the start of a journey,” Pastor Yong Shin says.

“I noticed that night on Facebook they were talking about how they’d just given their lives to Jesus forever, so that was absolutely incredible,” he says.

— Summer Lockley

It was a perfect afternoon for a baptism on the last Sabbath of June, as around 60 people witnessed Courtney Mallon giving her heart to Jesus at Jenny Dixon Beach.

Pastor Brian Reed, chaplain of Avondale High School, spoke of Courtney’s decision, saying she made it recently and that it had to be done now! Tiyana Grant and others led out in song while Courtney played the guitar. Many spoke of their love for her and their happiness on the occasion.

Courtney spoke of how she lost her father when she was in Year 7. She said, “It was the toughest year of my life. But even though I had lost my Dad, I wasn’t alone because I knew that He (God) was with me.”

She then spoke of the great commission in Matthew 28:19 and 20 — “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

— John and Melissa Sandburg

FEATURES

Reflection: Medical houseboat floats again in PNG

The work of the SeventhDay Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea has been characterised by a holistic programme, which included a strong medical work. This work has been implemented by the operation of hospitals, the training of nurses and the running of clinics. One of these clinics is the Pathfinder Houseboat Clinic based at Ambunti on the mighty Sepik River. The Sepik is a very large river, rising in the mountains and then running and meandering through very extensive plains. The villages along this river are now very populous and the people are in need of medical care. The only way of travelling between villages is via the river.

In order to provide the medical care the people of the Sepik need, the Pathfinder Houseboat was built. The first Pathfinder commenced the work and then was finally replaced by Pathfinder 2, which was built by David Lundstrom and completed in 1971. The boat was 48’ x 12’, and was fitted with living quarters for the boat crew and the nurses. The boat was skilfully constructed with twin steel hulls which were sheathed with aluminium. An inboard motor was fitted to power the boat. This floating medical clinic had a bimonthly trip of 340 kilometres of the main river and then up many smaller rivers by speedboat. These clinics cared for more than 2000 children plus at least 200 pregnant women, at any one time. As the boat visited the various villages, anyone else who was sick at the time could be treated as well. Due to the ravages of time and unusual decisions, the inboard motor was replaced with two outboard motors. Eventually the boat was floated onto the river bank during a flood and has remained there for the past 10 years.

The decision was made to repair and refloat the Pathfinder Houseboat 2, enabling medical clinics to once again be held along this area of the river. As I had worked on the Sepik River for six years — about four of those on the Pathfinder Boat — I knew the people would not be getting the medical help that they need and deserve. The past five years have been a time of much prayer. There was money to be raised and a special team needed to be found to do the work necessary on the boat.

We are grateful to several churches, both in New South Wales and Victoria, for their financial contributions, and also to several individuals and friends who have donated hundreds of dollars. Graham Fraser from Burwood Community Church in Victoria was able to find a man at Lake Eildon who was a houseboat builder and was keen to be part of a team. Peter McKernan and two other men went up in April 2012 to assess the condition of the boat, and also to work out what needed to be purchased. They all came back very excited since the boat could be given a “new life.” We had no idea if we had enough money to purchase all that we needed, but we went ahead in faith and with much prayer. God definitely provided. As different companies were approached for various items, some donated items or sold them at a discount price. We estimate that items worth $30,000 were donated.

Peter gradually assembled a team, consisting of his 80-year-old father (an electrician), two brothers, his son and Tony, an out board motor specialist It was amazing to see what an 80-year-old could do and the local people just loved him. Tony was able to set up the outboards so that they could at last be controlled from the wheelhouse. Although these men were not members of our church, they were loved and accepted by all the national people at Ambunti. Two more men completed the team. The members of the team donated their time, and their board, lodging and travel expenses were provided from the funds raised.

There was much repair work to be done. The roof had been leaking. Termites had gotten into some of the decking and roof timbers. The aluminium hulls had to be

cleaned and repaired in some places. All the old paint work was removed and the boat, including the hulls, was repainted. Water tanks were fitted and connected and the bathroom was refurbished. Cupboards were repaired or replaced. Solar panels were fitted to the roof of the boat, as well as to the clinic building. As well as the repairs to the boat, a slipway had to be made so that the boat could be rolled back into the river. Many of the local people, including little children, helped to remove the mud and clay for the slipway.

It was such a joyful occasion to see the Pathfinder Houseboat go back into the water on Thursday, 11 July. There was much rejoicing among the local people who had gathered for this very special event. This medical boat will be staffed by two local Papua New Guinea nurses, Martina and Michealyn, and then a boat driver. Many of the diseases that we suffer here in Australia, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and even cancer are more prevalent up there now.

It had been 38 years since I had left Ambunti. I was amazed at how much the villages that I saw and heard about had grown over the years. Our mission has made great progress along the Sepik River and many of its tributaries. It was my privilege to go to one village on the last Sabbath I was there where a new church is being established. Another village, well up the river, has just asked for our mission to go there. This village has been known for many years for its practise of witchcraft.

Please pray that this very special boat will not only help the people with their physical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.

— Lyn Anderson (a member of Avondale College Church)

Something (it must be Jesus)

There was certainly something about this event. Something about the planning, the anticipation, and the gathering itself.

The whole process began with and became characterized by furiously speedy emails, late-night Skype sessions to team members in Sydney and the USA, and countless phone calls. Oh the phone calls….

As with any big event, there were too many nights doing ridiculous and odd tasks, such as scrubbing antique bottles salvaged from under old sheds, stitching hundreds of pieces of paper and potting succulents (true story. The oddities abound).

From the outset, we had been very intentional about knitting together a gathering that sang the name of Jesus in every way. In order to present Jesus with integrity and consistency, we endeavoured to serve delicious nutritious food, minimise the impact of the event by making as many sustainable, fair and ethical choices as possible, and finding as many avenues as possible to re-use and recycle.

We also concentrated on personal interactions — people were greeted at each session, welcoming chalk artworks were displayed around the venue, the prayer space was made comfortable and inviting, and there was deliberate focus on creating time and space for authentic conversation during the recalibration sessions. It was important to us that each point of peoples experience beat with the heart of Jesus.

Working with new people — particularly over long distances — can be an exciting and daunting frontier. The friendships had already been built over months of emails, but to finally all be together in one room was something quite spectacular — laughing and working together in assembling registration packs, writing on chalkboards and moving boxes.

It was a seamless transition from email to real-life, and as team members and speakers rolled in the months of conversations continued as we all meshed together in a way only the Holy Spirit can fashion. Much fun (read: effects of jetlag) and productivity ensued. There was so much anticipation and joy before the gathering had even begun.

ADRA Appeal moves to “Knocktober”

FEATURES

It was an exciting and hilarious process — and we felt privileged to be part of the process and part of a team so purposeful about uplifting Jesus.

Over the gathering weekend, as we saw all the details of the planning and programme come together we were amazed to see the way the Holy Spirit had prepared hearts, and prepared speakers, and made all things work together in ways that our planning and programming could never have constructed. I don’t know why we always get so surprised when God works like that? He does it a lot.

There were a few breathtaking moments throughout the gathering — incredibly insightful teaching, carefully crafted presentations that challenged and inspired, and clarity in worship. But beyond that, perhaps some of the most profound joy was in looking out across the room and seeing so many people in one place that we loved, respected and had worked alongside of in various ministries over the years.

Of course there were new faces too — new people we met and many that we didn’t get the chance to chat to. But naturally, it is the people closest to you that you most wish to share special moments with and that you get to reflect and debrief with. And we were so encouraged to hear — overwhelmingly — that they too had thought there was something about this gathering.

At one point I was stopped in the bathroom by a close friend who grabbed me by the shoulders and said, “I’m so glad you made me come!!” followed by ridiculous girly crying (in the toilets, of course) about what it has meant to be part of the conversations and why the timing was just right. We recall the power of chatting to a lifelong friend who says that this gathering has changed their life. And receiving a text message late at night saying, “ I was ready to walk away from Adventism. The One Project has given me hope for our church.” Weeks later, we are still hearing the reverberations and echoes through other people who weren’t even there.

Our hope is that this One Project gathering will continue to impact individual lives, ministries, schools, pulpits and communities across Australia and New Zealand. We are particularly excited to see its influence roll out in our home conference. It was such a privilege to host this gathering here, and we are still praying that we will see transformation as more and more people join the conversation, and pursue with passion the development of our church to further and more fully celebrate the supremacy of Jesus Christ — not just in word and on paper, but in practice.

— Jo Darby

Find out more about The One Project, including upcoming meetings in Australia, at <http://the1project.org>.

For the first time, Adventists across the country will be knocking on doors at the same time as the annual ADRA Appeal moves to October — or “Knocktober.”

“The common time across the country isn’t just about a catchy name — it will the ADRA Appeal more effective,” said Mark Webster, ADRA Australia’s CEO. “But we’re also encouraging people to think about more than just knocking on doors — it’s a month to have fun, connect and make a difference.”

With ADRA’s backing, church groups across the country are set to be shaking cans in shopping centres, running car-boot sales and other public fundraisers in a move that will see “Knocktober” become a nationally-recognised, month-long event. Last year, more than $1 million was raised as part of the ADRA Appeal. These funds have allowed ADRA Australia to implement projects including new refugee settlement and community meals programs in South Australia, mentoring and education support for young people in Macquarie Fields and Redfern, and access to improved food and water sources for communities in Vietnam and Cambodia.

“If every Adventist is Australia raises just $40, we can impact an additional 13,000 people,” said Mark. “This year’s ADRA Appeal funds will help provide the basic necessities, such as education and training, for communities across Australia and around the globe.”

For more information about the ADRA Appeal, contact Nathan Hawkins, Director of ADRA Services for North New South Wales, on (02) 4951 8088.

— Braden Blyde

More at <www.adra.org.au>.