The Upside 02 - August, 2017

Enquiries

Changing lives

We’re never too young or too old to get involved in fostering positive social change. It can take many forms, from grand gestures to small, everyday things. But making a difference in the lives of people around us — and further afield — helps to make the world a better place.

We also speak with Kylie Stacey and Tanya Lawrence, who tell us more about a life-changing Ride4Rescue event. Kylie also shares her tips for getting your kids involved in serving others (Page 6).

In this

of The

we find out about how a 96-year-old retirement village resident has inspired staff and others to achieve more, challenging themselves and assumptions others have (Page 7).

Of course, there’s much more than this — read on to explore what August’s Upside has to offer!

A heartfor Kenya

What do a Masai warrior, a director of a children’s academy and two passionate Aussies with a vision for making a difference have in common? A heart for Kenya!

Leon and Carole Platt are members of the Kingscliff Adventist Church, and they recently shared their experience and vision with members of the Ocean Shores Church. Their thought-provoking, heart-wrenching talk and documentary left an impact on the church members, and challenged them to help change the circumstances of impoverished children and their communities in violent, oppressive areas of Kenya.

Director of the Kenya Care Project and, together with Hands of Hope and other humanitarian organisations, provides an opportunity for a safe haven for the poor and marginalised children of Kenya.

encouragement have emerged out of darkness. Children who have been at risk of slavery, sexual violence and hopelessness are now free to be children. More dreams have become reality, with eight new classrooms planned on newly-purchased land. With several different dialects spoken by the local people who were employed to build the rooms, Leon, a building constructor, says, “At times it was like building the Tower of Babel!” But amid the frustrations, there are still times to smile.

As a young girl, Carole was fascinated with stories of Africa, never dreaming that she would one day have the opportunity to visit the continent, let alone be a lifechanger to so many needy, neglected children. A chance meeting in the Nairobi Domestic Airport with a man challenged Carole’s thinking after he expressed to her these sentiments: “All our children need is an opportunity.” With a teaching background, Carole is now

The principles embracing this concept of care model are: Rescue, Empowerment and Transformation.

Eager young faces of those with torn and ravaged pasts now have an opportunity to attend school, receive medical care, learn basic life skills and find out more about God, their heavenly Father who loves them beyond measure. They discover that He grieves with all of us because of the evil in our world, and will make those responsible for wickedness accountable.

In spite of setbacks and moments of despair, many stories of hope and

The Platts summarise their experience via Luke 12:48 in the Bible: “Unto whom much is given, of him much shall be required.” Please pray that many more children can be given the childhood that is rightfully theirs — one free of oppression and fear; one where freedom and justice are realised; one where they can be all that God designed them to be — heirs of the heavenly kingdom.

— Lyn Scarr

To learn more or to make a donation, please visit educationcareprojects.com

“All our children need is an opportunity”

“...freedom and justice are realised”

Riding for rescue

What would inspire you to ride a bike from Parliament House in Canberra all the way to Mount Kosciuszko? A love of cycling? The desire for adventure? A need to boost your fitness? Or the opportunity to help raise funds for two organisations that help people in need in Vanuatu and Cambodia?

For Kylie Stacey, who was one of the riders who took part in March’s Ride4Rescue cycle challenge, the chance to raise money for Restore One (Cambodia) and the Blossom Project (Vanuatu) was too good to pass up. “Knowing the whole point of Ride4Rescue was to raise money for worthy causes was good,” says Kylie. “Both of these projects are women’s projects, and that’s exciting. I was also really inspired by other women who had signed up to do the ride,” says Kylie. “I found out about Ride4Rescue through Faye Saville, who I go to

changes

Lakeside Adventist Church with. At first I thought, ‘There’s no way I’d do that!’ But when I heard Faye was doing it, I thought, ‘I should give this a go — let’s give it a shot!’ It was for a good cause and would motivate me to exercise. There was also the personal challenge of doing something crazy like this for someone my age.”

When I spoke to Kylie in May, she’d just gotten a massage. Why? Well, she was still unwinding from the Ride4Rescue event. “I had sore knees and sore thumbs!” she jokes. But any soreness was more than worth it, with a total of $40,000 raised by the riders for Restore One and the Blossom Project. Restore One is a Cambodia-based organisation headed up by Tanya Lawrence, while the Blossom Project is a Vanuatubased project coordinated by Lousie Ginn. The Blossom Project provides reproductive health information and support to young women in Vanuatu, where there is a teen pregnancy rate of six to eight per cent. It aims to raise awareness on gender issues and women’s rights, building resilience and providing education.

“There was also the personal challenge of doing something crazy like this...”

riders’ energy levels up, assist with bike repairs and much, much more. “It was hard yakka!” says Tanya. “There were dramas that happened at the last minute too, including our chef getting sick and a support driver being unable to participate. I’m used to running trips to Cambodia and could do that with my hands tied behind my back. But a cross-country bike ride was something else to tackle.”

Despite the challenges, Ride4Rescue was a success. “Every day was different, every day was a challenge,” says Tanya. “But we were lucky because the weather was fantastic! The ride takes your breath away — it’s an opportunity for all ages to experience the beauty of the Australian countryside.”

lives

Restore One works to break people in Cambodia out of the poverty cycle by providing education and opportunities. They work in a poor village in the middle of the country’s Killing Fields, running a school with around 250 students. “We asked the village chief what they wanted, and he said a primary school,” says Tanya. “We organised buildings and teachers. Then a couple years ago, we noticed that all the Year 6 girls had gone to work in Phnom Pen. A lot of the time, they end up being sexually abused and sometimes never come back. There’s no chance of high school. So each year, we add another Year of the school. In November, we’ll open Year 10. Last year, we also included a pre-school.”

“A cross-country bike ride was something else”

Both Tanya and Louise worked hard to organise the Ride4Rescue event, along with a team of others who helped plan routes, organise accommodation, cook food to keep the

To prepare for Ride4Rescue and seeing so much of the Aussie countryside, Kylie did lots of bike riding around Bonnells Bay. “I tried to do about 20 kilometres per day, building up over time and going out around four or five times per week. I probably should have done a whole lot more, because we rode about 60 to 70 kilometres per day! Most of it was mountain biking and most of it was uphill. It was quite intense,” says Kylie. “For me, it was the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done. I remember thinking to myself along the way, ‘This is a beautiful hell!’”

“We rode about 60 to 70 kilometres per day!”

“Kylie is a real champion,” says Tanya.

Her four boys — Jaxon, Ryan, Corbin and Nash — joined her on the final day of the ride and have said they want to do the whole thing next year. Kylie says, “They met us down at Jindabyne. Jaxon was really good — he did a whole lot more than I anticipated he would! Even though the last day was on bitumen, the wind factor was extreme — you’d be holding on for your life!” Kylie will undertake the ride again next year, as Jaxon has signed up to do it. “I need to support him!” she says. Reflecting on this year’s ride, Kylie says she loved the positive team vibe. “There were two groups of riders,” she says. “The men were super-fast and it was a breeze for them, and then

there was the rest of us who found it challenging! But the men were really encouraging all along the way. They never criticised us.”

Tanya agrees, saying, “Although we had 30 riders, there was also a team of 15 volunteers to help make it happen. Like anything you do well, it’s a real team effort.” Kylie adds, “This is what makes life interesting. As Christians, we’re called to do what we can to help those less fortunate. Ride4Rescue is a fun way to do that. We could have just given money as a donation ourselves, but this was an experience and brought its own sense of satisfaction in having a personal challenge.”

Ride4Rescue is on for 2018 if you want to get involved or donate to the cause. Tanya says, “We’ll do two levels next year — The Gun level, who will do about 80 kilometres per day, and The Cruisers, who will more likely do about 40 kilometres per day along an easier route.”

— Adele Nash

Connect with Ride4Rescue via www.ride4rescue.org

Find out more about the Blossom Project at adra.org.au/ project/blossom-project/ and Restore One at www.restoreone.org.au

for getting your kids involved in serving Kylie’s tips

Support your children in their endeavours to help others

“We’re going to the Restore One project in Cambodia in November with a few other families,” says Kylie. “It’s important for the kids to raise money for this themselves!

My son Corby wanted to raise money for it, so we did some cooking — well, I did most of it! But he got $900 of orders. All my kids and the other kids at church did a big cook-up the other month too. My boys have also gotten paper rounds to help pay for things. I want my children to put in an effort, not just have things handed to them. It’s not about how much they raise, but that they make an effort to contribute.”

Encourage your kids when they contribute

When your children get involved in things, encourage them! “Tanya says that all the kids have a role to play,” says Kylie. “They can all contribute. Tapping into what that can be is part of the challenge!”

Start small, but dream big too!

Kylie suggests looking at the little things that can be done in your own local area, but to not be afraid of thinking bigger. “I’m a big believer in kids being exposed to the way others live,” she says. “You get a good sense of that when you go to other countries, which are so different. Children need to see and experience the differences.” She also suggests being open and willing and looking for ways to reach the marginalised, wherever they may be. “Our gospel is good news to the poor, and if the poor don’t come into our equation of the gospel, we need to look at what we’re doing.”

Persevere

“Be stretched, show perseverance, do something to help others and hope that it somehow sticks in the hearts of your kids!” Kylie says.

ENID INSPIRES RETIREMENT VILLAGE STAFF TO ACHIEVE

Nonagenarian Enid Webster is somewhat of a celebrity in Cooranbong, in particular to fellow residents of her Avondale Lifestyle Community retirement village. Since making her debut in the 14 kilometre Sydney City2Surf road race in 2014 at the age of 93 and competing successfully in the same event every year since, Enid has unknowingly inspired staff across her Adventist Senior Living-run village to step outside their own comfort zones and take up the quest to challenge themselves in their own endurance events.

Not having swum since she was a child, village Social Worker Megan Cousins completed her first two-kilometre Ocean Swim at the end of last year, raising funds to support resident causes close to her heart. At the same time, Felicity Pittaway from Sales and Marketing signed up for a relentless 30-kilometre, six-hour mountain trail run in New Zealand, followed shortly after by the equally brutal 45-kilometre Six Foot Track marathon trail race in the Blue Mountains. Not to be outdone, Adventist Senior Living CEO David Knight successfully took on the Blackmores Sydney Half Marathon in 2016, and then upped the ante by completing the Port Macquarie Half Ironman this year, a gruelling 113 kilometre combination of swim, bike and run. In May, two of the village residential aged care facility staff members, Miranda Crow and Lynelle

Shotter, completed the challenging Ultra Trail Australia 22-kilometre race in the Blue Mountains. Both were first-time runners and both said “never again” upon completion! All staff have admitted to using the mantra “if Enid can, I can” at various points throughout their respective races.

As a corporate leader with a passion for both personal and corporate wellness, David applauds not only the efforts of Enid, but also those of his staff. He believes everyone can learn lessons in mental toughness by challenging themselves. He says, “No matter the length of the event or even the type of event — from park run, to marathon, to ironman, to a daily lunch-time walk or swim, or even regular gym workout — there comes a time, despite fitness levels when you have to push past the hurt, the doubt, the lagging motivation, to get to the end. That represents real personal achievement and accomplishment, the spinoff of which can be greater happiness in your own life.”

Staff agree, saying the achievement is addictive, and that, thanks to Enid, they have been inspired to do things they never expected of themselves, with the reward being the joy and the satisfaction of the

effort itself. They admit that it is definitely hard work — even boring at times — but when the finish line is reached, the feeling of achievement is electric. So powerful in fact, they believe they not only become better partners, parents and friends, but also happier, more productive employees.

Ask Miranda and Lynelle now, and one is already considering entering the 50 kilometre event next year, while the other wants to repeat the 22 kilometre and pull off a better time. If Enid can, we can!

As for Enid, at 96 she is taking on the City2Surf again this month, walking with four generations of her family. She is delighted to have inspired other achievers and counsels that it is not about the finish time, but about the achievement and what you find out about yourself along the way that is important. “I am often too busy to train,” says Enid, “but always make time to complete 10,000 steps a day.” She plans to take things one year at a time moving forward, to continue to challenge assumptions about what we can achieve as we grow older — and to just keep walking.

— Felicity Pittaway

Seussical, Avondale School’s 2017 musical, was a sight to behold and an experience of a lifetime! Based on the children’s books of Dr Seuss, the musical showcased some spectacular talent from the school’s students, highlighting titles such as The Cat In The Hat and Horton Hears A Who amongst the favourites. The school orchestra provided the musical foundation for the 75-minute program. The combination of music, singing, dancing and bright costumes brought the colourful rhyming stories to life. “It’s an honour to have a team of capable, committed and talented staff who give countless hours to making a production like this happen,” said Benton Craig, Head of Secondary. “Sure,

I’m super-proud of our kids and their talents, but my director and choral supervisor Shelley Cooper, orchestra maestro Natasha White, stage manager Sarah Morton, and choreographer Mary Fahey are simply phenomenal. The show is a testament to their incredible work.” The cast involved 50 students — predominantly from the secondary campus — and 38 orchestra members, plus numerous other staff and students who worked behind the scenes. Their hard work and effort culminated in three performances from 22 to 24 June, attended by more than 1600 people, inclusive of 700 students and staff for the Friday matinee — and a lot of proud parents! — Colin

Chuang

Left to right: Miranda Crow, Enid Webster, CEO David Knight, Lynelle Shotter and Felicity Pittaway

Digital disciple, music minister recognised as

faithful creatives

Children’s Pastor And Singer/Songwriter Receive Manifest’s Most Prestigious Award

A children’s pastor using Facebook for advocacy and a singer/songwriter making a living from music are recipients of Manifest’s most prestigious award this year. Pastor Daron Pratt and Melissa Otto receive the Gabe Reynaud Award for demonstrating excellence in faithful creativity. Pastor Pratt is the first denominational employee — he is Director of Family and Children’s Ministries for the Adventist Church in northern New South Wales — and Melissa the first solo singer/songwriter named as recipients.

The digital disciple

Pastor Pratt receives the award for his use of Facebook to promote the value of ministering to children and families. He creates content — often posts expressing an opinion that may challenge the denomination or championing children’s ministries creatives and leaders — and curates content — often from outside Adventism. He uses his influence to increase the reach of other’s posts. And he is an early adopter of the social media and social networking service’s new features. “He’s a digital disciple who proves you don’t have to a narcissist to master the medium,” says Manifest Co-Convenor Brenton Stacey.

Facebook is a “personal pulpit” Pastor Pratt uses to speak for those whose voices are muted. “People tell me because circumstances in their churches or in their relationships prevent them from saying anything about their situation that what I write online speaks into their personal situations.” He hopes the experience of sharing a post or a comment “will help empower these people to speak up, particularly about issues of justice, fairness and equality.” Pastor Pratt is well-connected. He is CoChair of the New South Wales Children’s Ministry Network and

The music minister

Melissa Otto received the award for her long-term commitment to full-time music ministry. The Novocastrian released her first EP, Patio, at age 20. Three albums — Opened (2007), Blue Sky (2011) and The Journey Home (2014) — have followed over the past 13 years, the most recent supported by a six-month tour of the United States. Donations and sales not only helped Otto and husband Jason Hinze — and their two young daughters — cover their costs, but invest in their ministry.

These “God adventures” are an important part of Melissa’s ministry — she has previously toured the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and Brazil. “We went over to the US on this tour with only about 20 dates booked for concerts, but by the end of the tour we’d performed 70 concerts.” The experience strengthened the couple’s trust in God. “The right person would be there ready to help us

a member of the Inter-Church Commission on Religious Education in Schools, which supports special religious education in New South Wales public schools. Pratt has taught scripture in schools since the beginning of his ministry. He sees these connections as a means to an end. “By forming relationships with other churches, we as an Adventist Church can influence the national agenda, which can bring about much more change than going it alone.”

Children, though, remember Pastor Pratt not for his advocacy, but for his animals. He is School Liaison Officer for the Central Coast Poultry Club and, outside of this role, uses chicken hatching to teach about creation. A self-taught balloon artist, Pastor Pratt also presents a ministry he calls Balloon Kaboom in churches and schools and presents a segment of the same name on the Abide Family Ministries series Arnie’s Shack. “My mind is always thinking about balloons and how I can use them to tell the story of the gospel. I’ve got to the stage now where I think of an animal or an object and the twists I need to make it just appear in my head.”

when our old van broke down and a beautiful family would welcome us into their home when we needed a rest from being vagabonds.” Parents and siblings Jonathan, Billy and Sarah have all encouraged Melissa to continue developing her gift as a singer/songwriter. Husband Jason is now the driver, “literally and figuratively.”

Others have recognised Melissa’s talent, with the Australian Independent Music Awards, or MusicOz, naming her Best Christian/Spiritual Artist in 2010. She writes and sings to help people connect with God and to bring healing and peace. “Most of my songs have come from darker days struggling with anxieties and depression. As God helped me see who He really is and who I really am, I felt so much relief, so much happiness.” The style of her music — an organic, acoustic sound and soothing melodies — helps, too. “I try to make music that is healthy, so I try to make it in harmony with how I understand the laws of nature.”

— Brenton Stacey, Public Relations Officer, Avondale College of Higher Education

The pioneering filmmaker

The award Pastor Pratt and Melissa received honours Dr Gabe Reynaud, an Avondale College of Higher Education alumnus who became the Adventist Church’s first professionally-trained film director. He made programs such as Keepers of the Flame, The Search, Digging Up the Past and Chasing Utopia, eventually becoming Senior Producer at the then Adventist Media Centre and pioneering a filmmaking unit at Avondale. Dr Reynaud died in a motorbike accident in September 2000. His vision, according to brother Daniel: for the church to recognise the power of art, “not to preach so much [but] . . . to testify to [God’s] wonder and awe and mystery, and for artists to use their talents in all genres to testify to a God who is the embodiment of creativity.”

Previous recipients include artist Joanna Darby; academic, composer and writer Dr Robert Wolfgram; the interactive, outdoor drama Road to Bethlehem; clown, storyteller and trainer Graeme Frauenfelder; and entrepreneur and publisher Jeremy Dixon. “All five recipients challenge our understanding of what it means to be a faithful creative, particularly in the church,” says Brenton.

Presented at Manifest’s creative arts festival between 2011 and 2015, the award returned after a one-year hiatus as part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greater Sydney’s Digital Discipleship Conference on 15 July. Manifest has increased its support for the Digital Discipleship Conference, in this the conference’s second year. In addition

to the presentation of the Gabe Reynaud Award, two Manifest alumni — Shelley Poole and Nathan Brown, Assistant Convenor and Co-Convenor of the creative arts festival — presented workshops. Shelley spoke about “Super Charging Your Creative Project,” while Nathan discussed the potential role of the church as a creative centre for its community.

Manifest is an Adventist Church in the South Pacific-led movement exploring, encouraging and celebrating faithful creativity.

VIGOUR AND PASSION ON DISPLAY FOR POETIC JUSTICE

There are many qualifiers in our environment that show that the youth of today are as passionate and driven. Sure, many may not understand new trends, styles of fashion or music and the incessant need for technology. But what the youth of today have — in spades — is a voice that they are willing to use. This was witnessed by 60+ individuals who recently attended Poetic Justice 2017 run by Asian Aid and Avondale School.

Young people from four different schools from Erina to Newcastle came together and put their voice to use in the most vulnerable and creative ways — through poetry. Performance poetry — or “spoken word” as it’s more popularly known — is advocacy in the most raw and beautiful form.

It involves combining vigour and passion to a tool and medium we use daily to communicate the most mundane and patterned aspects of our lives. Yet, what this group of 12+ poets shared with the audience was that 1) vigour and passion can fuel the ability to harness the voice to accomplish great things, and 2) doing that purely for the purpose of advocating on behalf of someone else is a noble and powerful thing to do.

Asian Aid sees this event as a great space for our youth — our Australian future — to build the confidence and the focus required to change the world for the better. Often, we think,

“How can I change the world, I have no skills?” but Poetic Justice and the participants prove that the only skill required is harnessing your voice.

“Poetic Justice has been running for three years, and I’m amazed each year at the level of engagement and passion that comes with each student. As a parent of young children, it eases my mind about the future state of the world knowing that youth are developing selfawareness and the value of being selfless,” says Joshua Moses of Asian Aid.

Creative expression and a little bit of willingness can be an incredible tool for positive and tangible change in the world. We’re looking forward to seeing this event grow and engage the wider local community. If you know of teachers or students at neighbouring schools, please refer this article to them and get in contact with Asian Aid — <hello@asianaid.org.au>.

Our future is in good hands, so long as we facilitate a space for them to grow, learn, challenge the status quo and sharpen their perspective. We thank Asian Aid and Avondale School for facilitating this event, all poets who performed and all those who came out to support them. See you next year!

— Joshua Moses, Asian Aid Australia

out of the woodwork

Damon Lemke did the Blue Hills College community very proud during the opening of the Shape 2016: Showcase of HSC Technology Projects at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney on Friday, 24 February. He was one of the students whose work was selected to be displayed at the museum. Shape 2016 showcases a selection of outstanding major projects of Year 12 students in 2016. These exemplary student works have been selected from three subject areas: Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design.

These student works have been selected from a total of 10,467 students across NSW. Among the 36 works on display are a universal coffee pod recycling tool, a hand-held peak flow meter for young children with asthma, and a hollow-body electric jazz guitar designed and built by Damon here in our humble Wood Technology classroom at Blue Hills College. Only five woodwork projects were selected and Damon’s was the only one from the Northern Rivers area. Damon has played guitar for 10 years, so he wanted to know what makes the instrument work. The curve, size, shape, wood and finishes all affect a guitar’s aesthetics and final sound.

He researched the tools, materials and processes for the build, and consulted many master luthiers (guitar makers) to learn the best ways to accomplish certain tasks. The top and back pieces alone took around four months to carve by hand. During that time, many blisters and calluses were

formed, but the patience and discipline paid off. Blue Hills College Principal Carel Neuhoff says, “On behalf of all the staff, School Advisory Council and Blue Hills College community, I would like to congratulate Damon on his outstanding achievement.”

However, it does not stop there, because both his project and that of Mitchell Nabbe, another Year 12 student from last year, were selected for display in the InTech 2017 display to be held at the Sydney Timber and Working with Wood Show at Olympic Park, Homebush. This exhibition took place from 23 to 25 June. Carel adds, “We would like to thank Tony Coombs, our Wood Tech teacher, who guided both students during the process and the amazing outcome of both their projects. We are ecstatic to have had two such excellent wood tech students at Blue Hills College. Well done!”

— Carel Neuhoff

AVONDALE SCHOOL CELEBRATES VOLUNTEERS

On 20 June, Avondale School hosted the Cooranbong area’s annual Volunteers Luncheon to thank all the community volunteers for their contribution to the local region. The event was attended by 80 people, and was organised to recognise those who went above and beyond in their service to the community. Avondale School’s hospitality students provided the meal as part of their Vocational Education and Training (VET) course, requiring them to do a certain amount of hours for their assessment. “Students planned, prepared and cooked a three-course set menu exceptionally well, and are to be commended for their amazing skills displayed throughout the entire function,” said Donna Nevell, Head of VET at Avondale School. It was a much-appreciated event for all the volunteers who attended.

— Colin Chuang

MEET OUR

Ministry Team

Pastor Brad Rea is the Chaplain at Macquarie College, Newcastle. He and his lovely wife Christie have four daughters — Mischa, Breanna, Summer and Catya. Christie is a paediatric occupational therapist and loves working with kids. Prior to becoming a chaplain, Brad worked as a solicitor. “In 2004, God called me into pastoral ministry,” he says. He has worked at Macquarie College for about 13 years, but extends his ministry beyond the school by using social media to share God, with more than 2 million YouTube views and more than 100,000 followers for his pages on Facebook.

What led you to become a school chaplain?

Ever since I was young, I had a strong interest in ministering to other young adults, teenagers and kids. I was involved in summer camps, which I loved. Around 15 years ago, I formed a team and together we ran an evangelistic teen ministry at Charlestown Adventist Church called “Wild Yak.” During that time, I began volunteering at Macquarie College, where I was then invited to become a chaplain.

What does your typical school day look like?

My typical day involves: telling worship stories, connecting with students and staff, pastoral care, supporting families and staff in times of crisis or grief, Bible studies, resilience programs, ministry and event planning, and prayer, prayer and more prayer! I also run weekly chapel programs.

You work to organise a lot of events for the school that aim to introduce kids to God. Could you explain some of the main events for the year and what they involve?

The biggest event on my chaplain’s calendar is our annual Week of Prayer called FLAG Week (Fun Learning About God). I try to design a fun-packed memory event that’s Bible-based, worshipful, full of stories and activities, and that the kids will remember. I make sure the kids have an opportunity to commit themselves to being followers of Christ during the week.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing kids today and how do you respond to them?

The landscape of today is vastly different to what we faced even 10 years ago. It’s a rapidly-changing and toxic mix of

confusing and fear-driven elements that young people face! I respond by showing young people that they’re valuable and that God loves them unconditionally. I teach resilience programs, which help kids deal with stress and anxiety, and encourage positive factors to be developed in their lives. Our school staff all work together to support young people and we pray for them each by name. I am encouraged to see Adventist parents following principles from the Bible, and helping their kids rise from strength to strength under God’s hand of protection and blessing.

What do you do to build community connections?

I have 30 to 50 parents and grandparents attend our chapel programs weekly. I make a point of meeting and connecting with families, finding our their needs and offering help. It’s called “incarnational evangelism” — that’s what chaplaincy is all about.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of the work you do?

Schools are a dynamic and social working environment, and there are interesting things that I do every day. However, leading a person to Jesus is the best part of the work I do. Seeing a person take their first steps as a disciple of Christ is simply the best.

Do you have a most memorable moment from your time as a chaplain?

There are many moments where I have seen God’s intervening, miraculous hand at work in someone’s life. Many of these moments still make my heart stop when I think about them.

Bad news sells, and unfortunately we can’t avoid it. In the media, our communities and personal lives, we are constantly reminded of things that are going wrong. On the upside, the Bible shows us what can go right and offers hope in seemingly hopeless situations. To learn more, simply post this completed form to receive FREE “The Prophetic Code,” an ongoing series of beautifully-illustrated lessons. Topics include “The Secret to Success,” “Life After Death” and many more. Experience this lifechanging opportunity, obligation FREE, today.

NAME (MS/MISS/MRS/MR):

ADDRESS:

STATE: POSTCODE:

PHONE:

MY DETAILS

NAME (MS/MISS/MRS/MR):

ADDRESS:

STATE: POSTCODE:

EMAIL:

OR SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO SOMEONE SPECIAL (please also fill out your details above)

NAME (MS/MISS/MRS/MR):

ADDRESS:

STATE: POSTCODE:

MAIL TO:

If you’re new to working out, knowing where to start can be daunting. There’s nothing more intimidating than walking into a busy gym and not having a clue what to do or where to start. So let me save you the hassle — these seven exercises can be done anywhere, gym or no gym.

In fact, your body will already be familiar with these moves, because they are based on the seven functional movements of the body. What are they? Squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting and the gait (aka running).

Next time you see a toddler, take a moment to observe its impeccable technique on these exercises. They, in fact, often do them better than us grown-ups, because we’ve usually had to compensate for some sort of injury or imbalance over time.

Unleash Clean Living | Fit Living

— Alisha Christie

www.unleashfitliving.com

These functional movements involve the use of the major muscles, making them compound exercises (as opposed to isolated muscle exercises). By strengthening your body using movements that we mirror every day, you will find less aches and pains, and more strength and ability to perform everyday activities, such as carrying the groceries from the car, moving furniture or running to catch the bus. Functional strength training not only develops stronger, leaner muscles — it also raises your metabolism and the body’s ability to burn fat.

These exercises can be performed without any equipment. However, using a simple set of dumbbells, kettlebells or a resistance band will increase your strength quicker.

7 EXERCISES FOR FITNESS BEGINNERS

For a simple workout routine, complete the following. Warm up for four minutes. Rest for 30 seconds between each exercise. Repeat circuit two to three times.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. You can place your hands behind your head, or hold them out in front of you to help keep your balance. This will be your starting position. Begin movement by bending your knees and hips, sitting back with your bottom. Continue down to full depth, thighs parallel with the ground if you are able, and then reverse the motion until you return to the starting position. As you squat, keep your head and chest up, and your knees pointing out.

Stand with feet should-width apart. Step your left leg forward and lower yourself by bending your front knee until your thigh is parellel to the ground. As you bring yourself up again, step your left foot back in so you’re standing upright again. Repeat by taking your right leg forward. Alternate between left and right legs.

Get down on the floor on your hands and toes (knees for beginner) on the ground while facing down. Make sure your arms are slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Maintain a straight back as you lower body under constant control by bending at the elbows until the chest is just above the ground (aim for chest to be between your hands). Push up until body elevates to starting position (arms fully extended). Maintain a straight back throughout repetition. Start on toes, drop to knees when fatigued.

In standing position, hold weights in front of you, palms facing backward. Raising your elbows, bring weights up between your chin and chest, keeping your elbows higher than wrists. Lower and repeat.

Sit on the floor with legs out in front of you, slightly bent at the knees. Lean back slightly. Rotate your torso to the right with your hands clasped together in front of you (or holding a weight), and touch your hands to the ground on the right hand side of your hips. Twist to the left and repeat on the on the other side. For more difficulty, bring your feet off the ground and cross your ankles.

OATMEAL WITH HONEY-ROASTED APPLES

Winter is here and it’s the perfect time of year for some cosy comfort food, particularly on those cold mornings! Oatmeal is a popular breakfast staple around the world, and is known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol due to its beta-glucan content. And let’s not forget about its high complex carb and watersoluble fibre content!

Ingredients

Honey-roasted apples:

– Two apples, cut into eighths and cored (two apples serves two to three people)

– A generous tablespoon or two of honey

Two tablespoons of water

A pinch of cinnamon

Oatmeal: prepared as you prefer

Optional additional toppings per bowl:

– A spoonful or two of yogurt — regular or dairy-free (coconut yogurt pairs nicely with oatmeal, for example)

– A sprinkle of nuts and/or cacao nibs

– Medjool dates, halved

This can be done with a barbell, kettlebell or dumbbells. Push the hips backwards, maintain a flat back and bend forward. Keep the weight close to the body as you bring it down toward the shins, while pushing your bottom back and maintaining straight legs as much as possible. Keep the chin and chest high. Stand up straight again.

7

Run as fast as you can on the spot, using your arms and switching your core on.

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees Celcius.

2. Combine the honey, water and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing them thoroughly to combine them.

3. Wash the apples, then prepare them by coring and cutting them into eighths.

4. Put the apple slices into the bowl with the honey mixture and coat them thoroughly.

5. Line a baking tray with baking paper and put the apple slices onto it, drizzling any remaining honey mixture over the top of them.

6. Bake the apple slices for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they’re cooked through and slightly caramelised.

7. While the apple is baking, prepare your oatmeal and any toppings you want to add.

8. Serve the oatmeal with the toppings and honey-roasted apple slices.

Note: If you want to “veganise” this recipe, you can swap the honey for maple syrup. For a gluten-free option, you can replace the oatmeal with quinoa or buckwheat porridge.

Share your breakfast photos with us on the North New South Wales Conference Facebook page — facebook.com/NNSWconference

book review

MAN-EATERS OF MALEKULA BY ROY BRANDSTATER

Reading Man-Eaters of Malekula is like discovering a time capsule of the earliest days of Adventist missionary work in the South Pacific, particularly that in the New Hebrides, now Vanuatu. Notably, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of these Christian pioneers, this story begins with the first missionaries from the London Missionary Society in the mid-19th century, pre-dating the first Adventists by more than 60 years.

But the early Adventist missionaries were nonetheless pioneering, confronting serious risks from isolation, difficult travel and communication, disease and hostile tribes, many of whom continued to practice cannibalism. Man-Eaters of Malekula tells their stories over a number of decades, charting the church’s slow, difficult and often uncertain progress. The largest portion re-tells the story of Norman and Alma Wiles, with heartbreaking real-life narration excerpted from Alma’s diary.

But this book also gives a glimpse back to the missionary endeavour of those leading the growth of the church in the Pacific in the 1970s. The manuscript that became Man-Eaters of Malekula was completed in 1981, before the author’s death in 1983, but was only submitted for publication in the past couple of years.

As such, these mission stories offer a closer connection to the previous generations of missionaries than a similar book that might be written today. This makes Man-Eaters of Malekula an important historical artefact, a genuine old-time mission story. Its descriptions of violence and dangers are not for the youngest readers, but the sense of missionary purpose and self-sacrificing service are inspiring. Many people paid a high price to bring better health, education and hope to the islands of the Pacific, and their stories are worth our remembrance.

—Nathan Brown, book editor, Signs Publishing

$5 VOUCHER

Redeemable in store only on any full price item over $25. This excludes any Ellen white SOP items.

You’re on fire! Have you ever watched a fire start and grow? While a fire is warming and comforting in winter, it’s not the safest activity for children — but pretend ones, “fired” by your imagination, can be just as fun!

Take your sticks outside and paint them. Let them dry in the sun.

Place the sticks inside the old basket, in a tipi shape.

1 2 3

Use a piece of lace or string to wrap around the top of the stick tee-pee, to hold them all in place

TIP Use a paper cup or disposable bowl for your brush water so you can just throw it out when you’re done!

WHAT YOU NEED:

Thick sticks, cleaned and not too long

Paint

Paint brush

Water and water container (for cleaning brushes)

Old basket

String or lace

Lace, fabric or paper/cellophane strips

Wire (or old plastic-coated coathanger)

Old scissors

Stress, Depression and Anxiety

with Pastor David Stojcic

It’s estimated that 45 per cent of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.1 Three million Australians are living with depression or anxiety.2 On average, around one in six women and one in eight men will experience some level of depression.3 The extent of the problem may not be fully known, as men are less likely to seek help than women, with only one in four men who experience anxiety or depression accessing treatment.4

What is it about our “lucky country” that affects the mental health of Australians to the extent that around eight people every day decide to take their own life?5

Thread the wire through the lace, fabric, paper or cellophane strips (if you need to cut the wire, use a pair of old scissors — or pliers if Dad will help you!)

4 5

Scrunch it up to look like flames, and place under and around the sticks

Well-known Australian researcher and author Hugh Mackay points out a few “factors that have been propelling us in the direction of becoming more fragmented, more individualistic, more competitive, more aggressive, less cooperative and therefore more anxious society.”6 He talks about our disconnectedness, loss of community, inability to cope with the winds of change in society, and the selfish “all about me” mentality that feels entitled to happiness and success — even if it is achieved at the expense of our fellow humans. It is logical that this kind of lifestyle will lead to ever-increasing levels of stress, which, according to Christian Psychologist Archibald Hart, is a major cause of depression and anxiety.7

NOTE Always be careful and check with an adult when using scissors and paint (and, of course, make sure you wear paintworthy clothes!).

By Michelle Villis, Amelia

Magazine 2017

While the initial use of prescribed medication may be necessary, Dr Hart suggests that the lasting solution is found in dealing with the causes of one’s stress and in balancing one’s life.

He says, “The only way we can survive in the pace of modern living is by developing effective habits of rest and relaxation.” He urges his readers “to rediscover the importance of Sabbath-keeping” and he says, “if you want to live a rich and fulfilling life that retains a measure of tranquility with an abundant supply of natural tranquilizers, a well-honed immune system, and a healthy mind, you have to build time for rest into your life priorities.”8

Knowing our makeup better than anyone else, our Creator has inbuilt rest into our weekly cycle. In the Fourth Commandment, He reminds us to “keep the Sabbath holy,”9 to rest from our everyday activities, and thus recharge our physical, mental, social and spiritual batteries. The biblical Sabbath is a great gift from God to humanity, and a great antidote for stress, anxiety and depression.

1 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts

“...the lasting solution is found in dealing with the cause of one’s stress and in balancing one’s life”