NorthPoint - April, 2014

NNSW hosts Adventist Aviation Association’s 50th anniversary

The Adventist Aviation Association (AAA) 50th anniversary weekend, which was held at Avondale Memorial Church in Cooranbong and Gary Fraser’s Achieve Aviation Hangar at Cessnock Airport over the first weekend in March, was a time for reflection on AAA’s impressive history, sharing personal stories of aviation adventures, acknowledging God’s faithfulness and looking to the future.

Pastor John Kosmeier, the recently-retired President of AAA in New South Wales, says the weekend was “designed to cater for everybody. It was run to the satisfaction of those who took part and those who came along to enjoy the weekend. We express our thanks to the North New South Wales Conference and others for their support.”

Starting with a Friday night vespers program at the church, the weekend’s events were well-attended and thoroughly appreciated. Trevor Robinson, one of AAA’s pilots in North New South Wales (NNSW) who flies a plane called Charlie, took the worship at vespers. “It was totally brilliant,” says Pastor Kosmeier. “He spoke about God opening up the way through the clouds. After that, we had people share mission experiences — it was like a testimony service about what God has done.”

On the Sabbath morning, Avondale Memorial was filled for a special program that featured a variety of interviews, presentations and guest speakers. The wings of the Andrew Stewart, which is the ‘plane that AAA began their work in the South Pacific Division (SPD) with, were set up at the front of the church.

In the Sabbath school program, Russell Gibbs interviewed Pastors Len Barnard, John Lee and Colin Winch about the beginnings of AAA. Pastor Barnard’s work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) inspired him with the idea of using ‘planes to deliver medical supplies and carry missionaries. The Andrew Stewart was dedicated at the Bankstown Airport in June 1964. Its arrival in PNG meant that trips that took up to 40 days on foot could now take only 30 minutes of flying. Pastor Colin Winch says, “We had dreamed of having a ‘plane we could fly for the Lord.”

As well as the blessings the ‘planes brought, there were also many challenges in the life of a missionary family, and all three pastors spoke of these. “It was tough on all the mission wives,” says Pastor Winch. “They never really knew when — or if — their husbands were coming home.”

Another of the highlights of the Sabbath school program was a presentation by Linden Millist, in which he spoke about the injuries he received in an accident in January 2013, the recovery process from that and his faith in God. He said of the accident, in which jet fuel ignited while he was working on a ‘plane, burning him extensively, “These are things that just happen. But God listens, He cares and He answers our prayers. . . . God sustained me through-out.”

(Continued on page 3)

In

Page 2: From the President: Gossip stunts our growth Pages 4: A hearty thanks for a healthy gift

Page 9: “Jesus — Everything” at Macquarie College WOSE

Page 11: Feature: Money — the root of all evil?

OUR CONFeReNCe From the President: Gossip stunts our growth

The evidence is now too overwhelming to ignore. Seventh-day Adventists in North New South Wales (and all of Australia) don’t feel safe sharing personal problems with fellow church members, with their pastor and with local church leaders. This, of course, means that we remain either silent slaves, chained by shame or guilt, or we go elsewhere and talk to others who do not share our faith. I believe this is stopping us from growing more than any other issue in our church.

Who are we kidding here? We all have personal problems of some description — the Bible even says so (Romans 3:23). The Bible gives us direct instruction that we need to share our personal problems so we might pray for one another, and to “confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

It is so important to note that James says we share, we pray and we are healed

We Share:

If we suffer in silence, it is true that we live in slavery to sin and do not receive the real benefits of belonging to a caring community of faith. James seems to infer that this sharing is very personal. No public announcements are made from the front of the church. Gossip has no part in the process! Gossip destroys trust and the presence of God in any congregation. Church should be the safest place on earth to share your problems without fear of recrimination.

We Pray:

What a power comes to the body of Christ when the members lovingly support each other to live Godly lives in Christ Jesus! A new focus comes to the body when the members are focused on supporting others rather than themselves. Again, we can see why gossip is such a killer in the church. Gossip actually destroys prayer.

We Are Healed:

The great promise — “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” — is given in the context of personal victory and restoration from the power of sin. Note that this healing only happens in a trust relationship with other believers holding each other up in prayer. It is easy to see why this sort of trusting spiritual relationship is so important to the growth — and progress — of God’s church.

I hope we can all avoid the curse of gossip and find meaningful, trusting relationships within our church — relationships that are built on prayer and victory.

— Pastor Justin Lawman

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

From the General Secretary: Policies

It seems like my life is overrun with policies!

One of my roles as General Secretary is to be the policy guardian for the church in North New South Wales.

So familiarity with a range of policies is vital: South Pacific Division Working Policy, Australian Union Conference Working Policy, Workplace Health and Safety Policy, Travel Policy, Human Resources Policies, Corporate Governance Policies, Financial Management Policies — and the list goes on.

Clearly policies are necessary. Policies provide a framework in which organisations can operate consistently. They provide people with certainty as to what to expect from an organisation and how they will be treated. They provide transparency and accountability. They establish a standard against which performance can be measured.

Recently, the General Conference circulated a booklet that they encouraged all leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to read and understand called A Global Commitment to Transparency and Accountability. Leaders were encouraged to commit to the principles contained in the book by signing a pledge to humble servant leadership.

Our natural human inclination is to winch and squirm under the yoke of policies. Our desire is for the autonomy to make choices at our discretion.

One of my favourite quotes from the Global Commitment booklet is: “Policies are servants, not slaves. Policies are intended to serve as administrative guidelines rather than ironclad statutes.” The challenge of leadership is to find the balance between the judicious and considered use of policy, and the empowering and liberating use of freedom.

I like the biblical counsel in Hebrews 13:7, paraphrased in The Message as, “Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?”

In the policies that govern my role and those that have to ensure that I abide by policy, I have to be mindful of this wisdom.

How’s your relationship with policy?

Or more importantly still, how is your relationship with your pastoral leader or the One that is holding you accountable to the policies that are relevant to your life?

— Pastor Paul Geelan

NNSW hosts Adventist Aviation Association’s 50th anniversary

(Continued from page 1)

Linden, who undertook his first flight since the accident on the Sunday of the jubilee weekend, noted that his recovery has been “quite a journey — I had no idea at the time how long it would be. I’m very, very blessed to still be here. I’d rather give God the glory and honour [for bringing me through].”

SPD President Dr Barry Oliver was the guest speaker for the divine service program, and he also presented citations on behalf of the SPD to Pastors Barnard and Winch. He noted that the day was one to “celebrate and acknowledge the huge and varied support” provided by AAA. He paid a special tribute to those who had made the “ultimate sacrifice” in going on mission service, but tragically never returning. He explored motivations for service, and noted, “It is the sense of mission in every Adventist that we are celebrating today. A call to service is a call to come and meet Him.”

The Sabbath afternoon program featured the Avondale Brass Band, who played the AAA March by Ted King, among other items. “Ted was there,” says Pastor Kosmeier. “He’s over 90 years of age now!” The program also featured reports and stories from a variety of missions and conferences, and a talk from Lee Dunstan about the role of Signs of the Times magazine.

This was followed by a “Refueling on the Runway” dinner and trivia night at Avondale School, near where the flying school once was. Catering for this was done by a group of women from Toronto Adventist Church, who used it as an opportunity to raise funds for their quilting ministry. “People went home very full and pleased — refueled and happy!” says Pastor Kosmeier.

On the Sunday morning, the program moved to the Cessnock Airport, where the planes were moved out of the Achieve Aviation Hangar and a BBQ brunch was held. More than 80 people attended the morning, which featured a display of the AAA planes and joy flights. Pastor Roger Millist took worship there, and Gary gave a presentation about the latest information on training and aviation legislation.

The weekend was filmed by HopeChannel, who will produce a one-hour documentary of the jubilee for broadcast on HopeChannel, as well as creating a DVD of the weekend that will contain the major presentations. Pastor John Gate, Director of HopeChannel, says, “Adventist Aviation has been used by God to make a huge contribution to the mission of the church in the past 50 years. The AAA jubilee celebrations were an opportunity to see what God has done thought this ministry.

“The South Pacific Division was the first to use planes in the mission of the church. Papua New Guinea, with its rugged geography and inaccessible areas, has seen the most activity with mission aircraft. But not just Papua New Guinea — the Solomon islands and Vanuatu also have had mission flying programs over the years to challenge the tyranny of distance and isolation. At home here in Australia too, AAA is alive and well. every Sabbath in one conference or another, teams of faithful AAA members take to the skies to visit and minister to isolated outback centres with the Good News.”

— Adele Nash

Photos courtesy of Alicia Cooke, Pastor Clive Nash and Adele Nash

Watch your HopeChannel TV guide to see the documentary, and contact AAA or the HopeChannel office to secure a copy of the AAA Jubilee DVD.

OUR CONFeReNCe

A hearty thanks for a healthy gift

NNSW takes part in Children’s Ministries conferences

On the weekend of 15 February, the three New South Wales conferences combined for their third annual Children’s Ministries Training Weekend at the Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) Office in epping. The weekend saw leaders from across the conferences gather together to be equipped and inspired around the theme of making faith “sticky” so that our children can be discipled.

On Friday evening, Terry Williams was the guest speaker. Terry works for Scripture Union, and he shared the challenges of young people disengaging from the faith and possible strategies to turn this around.

Asian Aid would like to thank everyone who responded to the recent Give the Gift of Health appeal, which saw more than $89,900 given to support Asian Aid’s Women’s Health Project in Nepal.

“Thank you so much to all the donors who have made contributions to the appeal,” says Doctor Angela Basnet, who works for Asian Aid’s implementing partner COSAN in Nepal. “It all makes a huge difference in the lives of these ladies who have suffered in silence for many years, physically and mentally.”

All support given — whether gifts of $50 to pay the daily wage of a doctor in rural Nepal, $300 to help a woman receive an operation, $450 to run a free medical screening clinic for a rural community, or other amounts — will go a long way in helping Nepalese women who have suffered pain, shame and isolation due to uterine prolapse.

To continue helping the Women’s Health Project and help women in Nepal who are suffering from uterine prolapse, please visit www.asianaid.org. au, call (02) 6586 4250 or email contact@asianaid.org.au to make a donation.

On Sabbath, the group was joined with KidsReach for their annual NSW Children’s Ministries Network Conference. Julie Weslake, Director of Children’s Ministries for the South Pacific Division, and Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries for the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, both presented workshops. Terry spoke in the plenary sessions on the theme of connecting and mentoring children into a relationship with Jesus. Terry mentioned in his presentations that he was impressed with the Adventist Sabbath and that was something that every family needed.

On Sunday, attendees were back at the conference office, where a number of excellent presenters shared Adventist-specific training, such as GraceLink (Mitzy Camillo), Sticky Faith Principles (Pastor Craig Vanas, Director of Children’s Ministries for the GSC), Family Worship (Katherine Darroch, Director of Children’s Ministries for the Victorian Conference), Shaping Faith (Julie), Memory events (Pastor Pratt) and Safe Places (Suzanne Hadfield). The weekend also saw the launch of some fantastic new resources, including the “Faith Shaper” initiative created by Pastor Pratt and Julie, and the Family Worship Story Bags developed by Katherine. A brand new evangelistic program written by Amanda Bews and Pastor Brendan Pratt was also launched, which shares our fundamental beliefs in an age appropriate manner. Kids Preach 2, which was written by Amanda, was also launched.

Pastor Pratt says, “It was great to see conferences collaborating across boundaries once again to bring the best training to our churches. I am also impressed with the talent amongst our conference Children’s Ministries leaders in the Australian Union Conference, evidenced by the wonderful resources they have produced that will impact not just our union, but the world-wide church.

“I am excited that children’s retention in the faith and their discipleship is now a red hot topic that will see much discussion, along with the productions of resources and strategies to grow them spiritually. This is indeed Children’s Ministries in the style of Jesus.”

On Saturday, 1 March, many of the NNSW Conference’s northern church Children’s Ministries leaders travelled to Brisbane for the annual Ignite meetings. This is huge interdenominational conference, providing training for leaders and teams in the church.

Pastor Pratt presented three workshops on the Adventist Church’s new “Faith Shaper” initiative, along with some ballooning skills. Julie presented a workshop outlining the church’s emphasis on children in service. The plenary speaker was writer and Children’s Ministries practician Michelle Anthony, who presented on the theme of churches and families growing together to disciple our children. Neil Marks (Director of Children’s Ministries for the South Queensland Conference) displayed all the wonderful resources that the Adventist Church has produced in the area of Children’s Ministries, which was impressive and created a lot of interest from other churches on the day.

Pastor Pratt says, “We can be proud of Adventist Children’s Ministries. In many ways, we are leading the pack when it comes to our resources and strategies, and it was great to share this with others.”

— Pastor Daron Pratt

— Sonja Larsen

These sisters of the Tamang people in Nepal were both were married by 20, had 10 children each and eventually suffered from uterine prolapse. After more than 30 years of suffering in silence, the sisters heard about and attended a health screening camp run by Asian Aid’s partner COSAN. It was here the women finally received treatment for their condition. At a recent follow-up camp, the 67 and 64-year-old sisters were extremely happy to report how healthy they are feeling now because of the help they have received.

Strong attendance for Pathfinder Leadership Award weekend

From 21 to 23 February, the Youth Ministries Department ran Pathfinder Leadership Award (PLA) training sessions at Yarrahapinni, which were well-attended by Pathfinder leaders and Master Guides from around the conference. Rick Hergenhan, Director of Youth Ministries for the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference, says, “PLA is part of the Youth Department’s ongoing commitment to training and equipping people. Part of the PLA is specific training of Pathfinder clubs and covers the core skills of Pathfindering — things like risk management, Pathfinder committees, marching drills and so on — and different child safety elements.”

PLA training also involves studying nationally-recognised subjects through the Youth Ministries Department’s Registered Training Organisation. These contribute to Cert III in Outdoor Recreation.

New Associate Youth Ministries Director Michael Chapman (Chappo) ran worships on the weekend. He explored this year’s theme of “Overflow,” which comes from Matthew 5:6. Chappo says, “As someone new to Pathfinders, the commitment shown by the Pathfinder leaders is exceptional. It was really eye-opening. I learned a whole lot more than I previously understood, and it was good — I liked what I saw.”

In addition to the worship programs, Pastor Daron Pratt, Director of Children’s Ministries for the NNSW Conference, shared information about child safety with attendees. Graeme Fraunfelder was also on hand to train 38 Master Guides. Rick says, “Master Guides is a program to train leaders as a step up from Pathfinders — it’s the transition from Pathfinders to Pathfinder leadership. It involves a commitment not only to Pathfinders, but also to growing their spiritual life, leadership skills and physical skills. It’s a comprehensive, rounded leadership program.”

In addition to the PLA group and Master Guides, there was also a group there to do the Pathfinder Speciality Award (PSA). Again, the PSA involves studying nationally-recognised subjects, contributing to a Cert IV in Outdoor Recreation.

Rick says of the weekend, “We also had presentations from some of the Pathfinder clubs about things they’ve been involved with. It was a good time for fellowship, and the food was awesome — Noo always does a great job. On the Saturday evening, we had a demonstration of some of the latest outdoor equipment, which was great. Our thanks also go to the Maitland Pathfinder Club for providing the praise and worship elements of the programs.”

— Adele Nash

OUR CONFeReNCe

Conference hosts new local church treasurers’ orientation day

All new local church treasurers in the North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference were invited to an orientation day at the NNSW Conference Office on Sunday, 23 February. The objective was to introduce our new local church treasurers to their role, and to cover “best practice” procedures in reporting and financial management.

Local church treasurers form a vital part of the conference’s operations, and we are constantly reminded of their commitment, diligence and efficiency.

Several presenters attended from the South Pacific Division (SPD), and from the Treasury and Human Resources departments at the conference office.

Virgilio Cadungog, Manager of Investment and Financial Services for the SPD, and elton Coltheart, from CMF operations at the SPD, explained the use and operation of the Cash Management Facility Bank Account.

Jonathan Hale, Assistant Manager for the SPD’s Risk Management Services, went through several aspects of local church insurance policies and covers. Bob Stratford, a retired SPD auditor and local church treasurer at Kanwal Church, gave valuable insights into maintaining treasurer function integrity.

Gillian Knight, Coordinator of Human Resources for the NNSW Conference, explained the legal requirements in the workplace for local church employees.

Other topics included “What Does the Local Church expect of the Treasurer?” “Why ‘Best Practice’ Principles and Who Says?”

“Understanding the Financial Report,” “Treasurer Function Integrity,” “Confidentiality,” and “Banking Options.”

15 local churches were represented, with many attendees travelling some distance to be present.

The orientation day was co-ordinated by the Local Church Services Department at the NNSW Conference. Greg Fowler, Belinda Vaughan and John Schulz also presented topics that answered some general questions that arise during the monthly report processing throughout the year.

The Local Church Services Department operates within the Treasury Department at the NNSW Conference Office, and was established primarily to provide support, resources, guidance and training to all local church treasury teams.

It is our plan to run the new local church treasurer’s orientation day as an annual event.

— John Schulz (Director of Local Church Services Department)

OUR CHURCHeS

CHIP excitement in erina

Last year, the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) was run in erina at Central Coast Adventist School. There were some great results and people were excited to take part in the program.

Ken Boehm was just one of the people who joined in the CHIP series held in erina and he loved being part of it. The group had a lot of fun learning about a healthy lifestyle with Team CHIP, which featured Daniel the CHIP Security Guard (pictured above). The following is Ken’s story:

As a young primary school student, I remember the signs outside the corner shop, “Peter’s Ice Cream, Health Food of the Nation.” Also, if we boys were grizzly or started quarrelling, out came the castor oil bottle and salt tablets. Then once in trade school, now University of Technology, we were instructed in “Work flow methods to reduce labour effort and costs, increasing profits.”

Now retired and back in school, CHIP has changed all that! Along with more than 20 other CHIP students getting near my age, we have learnt that to live a happy, healthy life to the full, we must walk more and eat natural foods — “a rainbow everyday.”

After some heart-wrenching battles for replacing juice with water, cutting back on oils and converting to “cashew cream” instead of dairy products, my results are lower weight and a smaller waist — all under the leadership and “acting” of our TV facilitators Daniel Morss, Kim Clarke, Kynika Clarke, Kayma-Ree Clarke, Nicci Warwick and her little daughter, and also under the guidance of helpers Cheryl Ivan, Bernice Brown and Marcia Townend.

These people have lifted our burdens, making our day far better than Channel 9 hosts Lisa and Karl ever could! And there was no comparison for “Sergeant” Daniel’s demonstration on how to get rid of guilt and live the free life in the saving grace of a loving, heavenly Father!

It was evangelism at its best — CHIP-style!

Thank you to the facilitators and teams, along with Doctors Darren Morton, Hans Diehl, John Kelly, Andrea Avery, Merlene Thrift and the Sanitarium Health Food Company for providing the most up-to-date health science provided with Choice! That is what CHIP Life is all about — “Making the right choice now and for eternity!”

— Ken Boehm/NorthPoint

Karate champ-turned-evangelist reaches out in Mongolia

Brad Hoffman does not readily fit the appearance profile of an evangelist. In fact, his face fits the profile of his previous career as the world’s Number 5-ranked karate champion. However, God called him to evangelise, knowing that the discipline and concentration that karate requires would make Brad an effective evangelist.

Thus, Brad turned away from the warm Australian summer to go to Mongolia in December last year to run a nine-night series in the remote and barely attractive city of erdenet, an industrial town right up near the Siberian border. This involved much planning, fundraising, and the support of the Avondale Memorial Church and the Australian Union Conference, but finally Brad and son Teton flew to Mongolia to face the -30 winter and the determined wiles of Satan, who has long held the Mongolian people in the awful grip of shamanism.

You really hit the ground running as a visiting evangelist and the moment of first exposure to a strange audience in a strange country was soon upon Brad as he spoke through a translator of his love of the Lord Jesus and the secret of eternal life with Him. The program strengthened during the week as the coldness of the temperature was offset by the warmth of the Holy Spirit working on the lives of young people. Brad was totally moved by the faithfulness of the church members, despite their extreme poverty. Seeing an old woman without any heating in her hut led Brad to procure a load of wood, which was sawn and split at her doorstep. Teenage girls with a sincere prayer ministry came to pray with Brad and Teton.

Just pause a minute and reflect on this: In all of our western sophistication, we have often become somehow conditioned to the Holy Spirit working on the hearts of people. Imagine with me, the impact of hearing the Good News of Salvation for the first time. No appeasement offerings, no pleasing of the shamanistic spirits, but simply accepting that God Himself paid for our sins and that Salvation is free. God’s salvation simply flies in the face of Satanic philosophy of slavery to evil. When this message falls on the ears of the Mongolian people, the transformation and rejoicing is complete but they achieve this knowing that they might face rejection from family, friends and employers as a consequence.

By the end of the series, 10 young people had made a commitment to Christ and six were baptised in a moving service. Conversion is a miracle and the rite of public baptism in a country like Mongolia produces many tears of happiness.

Brad has returned to Avondale to continue his training in Ministry. Will he be willing to go back to Mongolia? You had better believe it. In fact, you might like to join him next time.

— Dr John Hammond

Kids’ club at Coonamble

Kids’ club at the Coonamble church plant kicked off for the first time on Sabbath, 15 February — and not without a few hiccups along the way.

Door-to-door personal invitations were made to families in the community for three days leading up to the program. Naomi Revelly and a team from Lakeside Adventist Church were due to fly out with the Adventist Aviation Association on the Sabbath morning to run the major part of the program for the day.

However, storms and much-needed rain activity over the Great Divide kept them grounded, leaving three hours for a Plan B to come together to make sure there was a program to run.

A few phone calls and texts later, by 9.30am a team assembled together at Coonamble. At short notice, willing church members from Baradine and Coonabarabran bought themselves and their talents to lend a hand to help run what turned out to be a fun day for both young and old.

The children from the community were visibly happy to be there and joined in with all the activities. When asked whether they would like to come along again, they all responded with an enthusiastic yes, with one of the girls asking whether we could “do it all again tomorrow!”

A big thanks go to Matt, Lisa, Lydia, Gwen, Barb, Ian and Vicki for their Christian example, and their valued ministry.

— Shaun Hepworth

OUR CHURCHeS

Outreach in Moree

Around a dozen adults and 15 to 30 children attended evangelistic meetings conducted in Moree by Pastor Don Fehlberg, Associate Director of Western Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) for the Australian Union Conference. The meetings were all held in Arunga Park, which is in one of the Aboriginal areas of Moree. Pastor Fehlberg says, “A rope was tied up between a pole and a tree in the park, and a big sheet was tied to the rope to make a very effective screen. A power cord was brought in from a neighbour’s house to supply electricity for the projector and sound system.”

Lyiata Ballangarry and Brenda Nichols, who are both Mamarapha College students, organised the series, and took Pastor Fehlberg to visit family and friends. Charlie Groves, another Mamarapha College student, assisted when he returned from the college. Another student, Howard Gilon and his wife Darlene attended and assisted with the meetings.

Pastor Fehlberg says, “early on in the series, a number of people had already been touched by the Holy Spirit, both from the meetings and the visits. We pray that as the series unfolds that decisions will be made for Jesus and His truth.”

— Pastor Don Fehlberg/NorthPoint

Central Coast Community Church celebrates baptism

Friends and family of Zach Cannon celebrated at Toowoon Bay on Sabbath afternoon, 11 January as Zach publicly declared his desire to follow God.

His mum Odette spoke of her pride for this special son, along with his grandfather, Peter Brewin. The crowd of 70 people heard how his mate Logan Hansen studied with him to bring him to the decision.

Central Coast Community Church’s (CCCC) associate pastor Nimrod Maua told how this was made even more special since Logan himself was only baptised last year. Many spoke of their heartfelt love for this young man, who “never complains” and made the decision in his own time. CCCC’s senior minister Pastor Wayne Krause performed the baptism, accompanied by Nimrod and Logan. The CCCC members hope and pray that God richly blesses Zach as he embarks on a journey toward eternity.

— John and Melissa Sanburg

OUR CHURCHeS

Day of celebration for Brewarrina’s first baptism

Sabbath, 7 December, 2013, was a special day of celebration in Brewarrina — one hour from Bourke — when two precious souls, Auntie Joyce and Uncle Les Doole (pictured below), were baptised. These were the first baptisms in Brewarrina, and first in more than 20 years in the Bourke region.

God has no doubt been working on their hearts for many years, and He has used many Adventist and non-Adventist Christians to encourage them on their journey in committing their lives to Jesus.

Auntie Joyce recalls her days when she lived on the Brewarrina Mission as a child and remembers seeing a family there who worshiped on Saturdays. Auntie Joyce also went to school with an Adventist, Neil Dawson. He and his wife were present at the baptisms. Special thanks also go to those who came from near and far to celebrate the baptisms, especially the Adventist Aviation team, Pastor Justin Lawman, and Pastor John Lang and his wife.

Throughout their married years, Uncle Les and Auntie Joyce occasionally tried various churches together and individually. However, they were not satisfied, but continued to have a desire for Jesus in their lives. Auntie Joyce Nolan (Auntie Joyce’s auntie), who is Adventist and lives in Dubbo, invited Uncle Les and Auntie Joyce many times to come to church.

I believe there was a divine appointment between my wife, Danuta, and Uncle Les. They met outside the police station in November 2011 and started talking. My wife felt impressed to ask if Uncle Les had a belief in God. He responded with a huge smile on his face, “Oh yes, and He is coming very soon — it’s not long now!” At the time, Uncle Les had not attended any church for eight years.

My wife introduced me to Uncle Les and Auntie Joyce soon after, and we continued regular visitations. It wasn’t until May last year on one of our visitså that Uncle Les showed more interest and requested baptism, so we started having Bible studies. They were both hungry for God’s Word. Auntie Joyce often had her Bible verses marked when we would open our Bibles for the studies, a clear evidence of the Holy Spirit’s leading to passages that they had read throughout the week. Many times they were already convicted on the topic we were about to study that day. This confirmed to me that they were studying their Bibles and were serious about their walk with Jesus.

We started having church in their home on Sabbaths from July last year. We would sing hymns from the Adventist Hymnal, and this brought back many memories of Auntie Joyce’s childhood years. After church, we had combined lunch and fellowship in their home.

In November last year, Uncle Les retired from 25 years of work as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer for the local police, as his desire is to “work for the Lord.”

— Keith Stockwell

Bible studies and baptisms at Coffs Harbour Memorial

A series of Bible studies entitled “Live Loud” were conducted over a period of six months in 2013 by the church’s assistant pastor Abel Iorgulescu. These studies focussed particularly on the young people of the church.

Following the series, two of the church’s young women made the decision to follow our Lord in baptism and commit their lives to Him.

On 23 November, 2013, Kate Dorman was baptised by Pastor Bob Manners, assisted by Abel (pictured below). The congregation joined in singing the words of Kate’s chosen hymn “He Hideth My Soul” as this happy event took place.

Kate was born in Coffs Harbour and church members have seen her grow up into the lovely young woman she is today, delighting in her love for her Saviour. Many family and friends also witnessed this happy occasion.

Francoise Muhoza (pictured above) was baptised by Pastor Manners, assisted by Abel on 7 December, 2013. Having completed her time in Pathfinders, she was baptised in her uniform while the congregation sang her chosen hymns, “Lord I Want to Be a Christian” and “Whiter Than Snow.”

What a long way Francoise has travelled to come to her joyous decision to commit her life fully to God. Born to Adventist parents in the refugee camps of Central Africa, she arrived with her mother and siblings in Coffs Harbour in 2008. The local church family immediately embraced them. It was to be nearly five years before her father was located in the USA and reunited with them in Coffs Harbour.

It was a very happy occasion with many friends and family travelling long distances to witness her baptism. Coffs Harbour Memorial Church members wish Francoise God’s blessing as she pursues further education at Avondale College in 2014.

— Margaret Hivon

“Jesus — everything” at Macquarie College WOSe

OUR SCHOOLS

Stories shared at Avondale School’s Week of Worship

In early March, Macquarie College ran a Week of Spiritual emphasis (WOSe). Warwick Sawyer, Senior School Chaplain, says, “Just when you think something can’t get any better, it just seems to jump up and prove you wrong. Last year’s WOSe was amazing, and then God turned it up a notch this year, making it one of the highlights of my 16 years in ministry.”

The theme this year was “Jesus — everything” and the team were determined to show the students how to uplift Jesus in all areas of their lives. Chapel bands from Years 9 to 12 prepared songs to fit the theme. Dedicated student leaders planned ice-breakers to start each morning with a bang. With the generous help of George Norris, the WOSe team turned up on the Sunday morning to set up the hall and make it look “amazing,” according to Warwick.

Pastor eddie Hypolite, the minister of Avondale College Church, was the guest speaker for the week. “He did a sensational job of bringing us to a deeper understanding of the relationship God wants to have with each of us,” says Warwick. “He told stories from his colourful life, which so many of the students related to, and from that more than 80 students have signed up for Bible studies.

“It was an amazing week and we want to say a special thank you to both the staff who gave up their time and were flexible with their schedules, and the students who went above and beyond. Most of all, thanks to eddie for giving his time and blessing each of us.”

— Warwick Sawyer/Macquarie College Newsletter

Avondale School held the first of its two annual Week of Worship programs from 17 to 21 February. The Year 12 class led out in the week with the theme of “Stories.”

Dr David Faull, Principal of the school, says, “every day saw a different Year 12 student stand up before their peers and boldly speak about their faith in Jesus. each student told a story from the life of Christ, and related it back to their own story and the journey they are on with God.”

The stories highlighted were the thieves on the cross, the Parable of the Sower, the Rich Young Ruler vs. Zacheus, the vine and the branches, and finally the feeding of the 5000.

Dr Faull says, “Through these stories, the students and staff at Avondale were encouraged to let go of the past and go now with God into the future; allow God to create good soil in your life; understand that God’s got your back even when you give up everything; be connected to Jesus and let Him work through you; and finally to give what you have even if it seems like a little, and God will make it beautiful.”

The speakers were supported by a great Year 12 worship band, and a variety of other Year 12 students who performed items, decorated the stage, and ran visuals and sound.

At the end of the week a call was made for a commitment or recommitment to Christ. As a result of this week, more than 40 students will be starting Bible studies. “Thank God for His story, and for the journey of life He is taking us on as we walk with Him and our students at Avondale School,” says Dr Faull.

— Dr David Faull/NorthPoint

OUR SCHOOLS

Macquarie College builds a heritage of service

In 2013 — for the fifth year running — the graduating class from Macquarie College have forgone lazy beach days and the Gold Coast scene in order to serve their Pacific neighbours. In November last year, Principal Dr Bruce Youlden joined 40 students from the class of 2013 as they spent nine days in the small village of Olwi on Vanuatu’s efate Island. The students spent their time fixing classrooms, building equipment for the children, hosting kids’ club activities and laying effective drainage around the Olwi School buildings. As young people growing up in an increasingly hedonistic culture, a service trip of this nature stands as a significant rite of passage into altruistic adulthood.

The college is extremely proud of the year-long commitment that the students demonstrated toward their goal of serving in Vanuatu. More than $10,000 was raised through milkshake days, “slave” auctions, cake stalls, and donations from corporates Northrop and ADW Johnson. This kind of student led community action has created a strong culture of service, which younger students are able to assimilate into their developing value systems.

As service trips of this nature become popular with Year 12 groups, it is important not to normalise the experience. Aaron Williams, the Macquarie College Vanuatu STORM Co Coordinator, explains, “The students feel that this is an opportunity that they have chosen to take up, and they are happy about sharing and giving back to others.”

The Vanuatu STORM Co trip has now become an integral part of the Macquarie College student journey, with younger siblings growing up hearing stories from their older brothers and sisters.

Aaron has been very intentional in creating a strong heritage around the trip and by the time students reach Year 12, they are looking forward to being part of the Vanuatu STORM Co for themselves. Anyone interested in vicariously experiencing the 2013 Vanuatu Trip can access a short film available online courtesy of elms Media via http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=WcI0-tsGXX0.

— Joshua Brown Photos courtesy of Elliot Swift

FeATUReS

Money — the root of all evil?

Money seems to have become a taboo subject in many of our church worship services and Bible study groups in recent years.

Perhaps people have thought that the Bible teaches that money is the root of all evil and therefore we should not talk about the subject in our religious gatherings. But hang on a minute — what do the Scriptures actually teach? 1 Timothy 6:10 says “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

You see, money in itself is neither good nor evil. It is amoral and is merely a medium of exchange. It’s the LOVe of money that the Scriptures warn is dangerous behaviour for the follower of Christ.

If money was to be an off-limits subject that we are not to talk about in our spiritual context, then someone forgot to tell Jesus Christ and the Bible writers. 15 per cent of Jesus’ recorded words in Scripture concern money and possessions. There are more than 2500 verses in the Bible that talk about money, compared with only 500 on faith and less than 500 on prayer.

So why does the Bible have so much to say about money?

Well, for a start, God knew that earning money and a living consumes so much of our time. God also understood that money is a major cause of friction and stress in interpersonal relationships. Finally, God knows that how we manage and spend our money is a measure of our commitment to Him. You can fake many areas of your spiritual life, but you can’t fake what you do with money. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

So let’s start educating ourselves on what the Bible has to say about money and stop avoiding this important issue.

Did you know that God has given specific messages in Scripture for our generation about money?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 says, “. . .in the last days, people will be . . . lovers of money . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” We believe through prophecy that Revelation 3:17 has a specific message about money for our generation represented by the Laodicean Church — “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” In addition to Scripture, our generation has received numerous messages from ellen White about money.

In Testimonies for the Church Vol 6, she writes, “The Lord created every tree in eden pleasant to the eyes and good for food, and He bade Adam and eve freely enjoy His bounties. But He made one exception. Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they were not to eat. This tree God reserved as a constant reminder of His ownership of all. Thus He gave them opportunity to demonstrate their faith and trust in Him by their perfect obedience to His requirements. So it is with God’s claims upon us. He places His treasures in the hands of men, but requires that one tenth shall be faithfully laid aside for His work. He requires this portion to be placed in His treasury“ (page 386). Our generation, above all others in history, has been given so much information on money, tithing and possessions. The question for us is not how much information we have, but what are we doing about the information we have been given and is it making a difference in our lives?

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.’”

— Russell Halliday (CFO, North New South Wales Conference)

To find out more about the North New South Wales Conference’s Treasury and Stewardship departments, visit http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/treasury and http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/stewardship.

easter: More than a symbol

Is easter merely about chocolate eggs, bunnies and a holiday? Or is there more to it?

Signs of the Times is urging church members to share the real meaning of easter with their community this year, with the help of two flyers from their Goodwill Flyer series.

The “More than a Symbol” flyer gives the meaning of the Cross in the context of the great controversy while “Thoughts on easter” explains the origins of the tradition and summarises the most important aspect of salvation — Jesus’ resurrection.

“While we might not officially endorse the celebration of easter — especially in its current forms — we also recognise it is a time when people’s minds are open to spiritual things,” says Lee Dunstan, editor of Signs of the Times

“Both flyers explain the importance of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and emphasise the need for people to have a personal relationship with Him. It makes a great gift to visitors at a church’s easter program and is also small enough to slip into mailboxes.” You can find out more about Signs of the Times easter flyers (which come in packs of 100) at www.signsofthetimes.org.au/flyers.

— Melody Tan

To order, contact 1800 035 542. The packs of 100 flyers are available for $22 for a single pack; $20 per pack for orders of two to nine packs; and $18 per pack for orders of 10 or more.