North New South Wales Conference News January and February 2025
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Cambodia transformed by Avondale School students
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Hundreds of youth commit to Jesus at Summer Camps
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Pastor Boris' ordination celebrated at Murwillumbah
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Pastor Cristian Copaceanu NNSW Conference president
Investments Did you know that the faster we move, the slower we age—relatively speaking? According to Albert Einstein’s twin paradox, if one of two twins were to board a spacecraft travelling close to the speed of light and return 25 years later, they would be about five years younger than the twin left behind on Earth. So, it pays to move fast—but watch out for the speed limit! This same principle of relativity also tells us that a perfectly accurate clock is scientifically impossible. A useful excuse to keep in mind the next time someone chides you for being ‘late’! Yet, despite the complexities of time, one thing remains certain: it is the rarest and most precious commodity we have. How we choose to invest our share of time not only shapes our own lives but also influences the destiny of our loved ones, our communities, and even the course of history. Every person born into this world is gifted a finite share of time. Some receive one portion, others two, and some five. In Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), those who invested wisely saw exponential returns and were welcomed into their Master’s joy, while the one who buried his gift in fear lost even the little he had. How Are You Investing Your Time? Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Is your heart set on earthly things—things that can be destroyed by rust or moths, swayed by the fickleness of capitalism, or controlled by the whims of tyrants? Are you chasing fleeting joys that often come at the expense of faith, family, health, and lasting happiness? Or are you investing in heavenly treasure? Are you using your time to: “Preach the Gospel to the poor… heal the brokenhearted… set at liberty those who are oppressed…” (Luke 4:18)? The only treasure that lasts is the treasure we take with us—those we reach, the lives we touch, and the love we share by allowing God to work through us to seek and save the lost. How Will You Invest Your Share of 2025?
January and February 2025
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Teen commits to faith and considers future in ministry Merle Cozens Hillview Church Fifteen-year-old Samuel Smith was baptised at Avondale Memorial Church on December 7, 2024, publicly declaring his faith in front of 120 family members and friends from various local churches. Samuel, who attends Hillview Church in Morisset with his family, shared his decision for baptism, “For me, baptism is more than a tradition—it’s a public declaration of my faith and my commitment to God,” he said. “I want to live in a way that reflects God’s love to those around me.”
He was baptised by Pastor Danny Milenkov, who had studied with him for two years, with assistance from his father, Matthew Smith. During the service, Pastor Milenkov shared that Samuel has expressed a desire to pursue ministry in the future. Following an appeal for others to consider baptism, several young people raised their hands in response. Hillview pastors Les Ncube and Danuta Stockwell participated in the service, which included music led by a string orchestra from Dora Creek Church. Samuel’s parents, Matthew and Diane Smith, sang a song of commitment, Look in Our Eyes and You Will See, written by Mr Smith before Samuel’s birth. 4
Fresh start Anthony Clover Muswellbrook and Singleton Churches The Muswellbrook and Singleton churches came together on January 4 for a special recommitment service, renewing their commitment to God at the start of the new year. The service featured a unique format, with selected New Testament passages read aloud to highlight the principles of Christian living and the new covenant with Jesus. Inspired by Deuteronomy 31:9-13, where God commanded the Israelites to publicly read the book of the law every seven years, the reading interwove scriptures from multiple books, creating a continuous message about faith and discipleship. Following the reading, attendees were invited to reflect on the message and recommit to their faith by considering how they could better reflect God’s character in their daily lives. Pastor Christopher Petersen, who led the service, reminded the congregation that God provides the Holy Spirit to help believers live according to His standards. “God does not expect us to follow these standards in our own strength,” he said. “But He gives the Holy Spirit to empower us when we ask for His help.” He also encouraged attendees not to become discouraged when they fall short, referencing 1 John 1:9 and 1 John 2:1-2, which speak of God’s grace and forgiveness. The service concluded with a fellowship lunch, providing time for both congregations to celebrate the new year and their renewed commitment to faith. A recording of the recommitment service and the full ‘Reading of the New Covenant’ is available on <youtu.be/HWxLuDOm4_0>
Avondale School students serve in Cambodia By Virginia Hosken, Avondale School stage 6 coordinator and secondary teacher A group of Avondale School students recently traveled to Cambodia for a service trip, where they supported local communities through construction projects, education initiatives and cultural exchange activities. As part of their community work, students collaborated with Restore One, an organisation that supports small businesses and infrastructure development. Their fundraising efforts helped build three new amenity blocks for families in Kompong Village. While local builders handled construction, students painted the structures with symbolic designs, joined by local villagers. The group also ran hygiene lessons for 100 public school students. Students led English and art classes and organised an athletics carnival for more than 200 primary school children. “The joy of connection was evident through laughter, hugs and high-fives,” said Virginia Hosken, Avondale School teacher. At the high school, students took part in renovation projects, including varnishing external walls, installing bamboo ceiling panels and removing walls to improve airflow. One of the trip’s highlights was an evening where students cooked meals for five families, spending time with them and experiencing local hospitality. In addition to their service work, students explored Cambodia’s history and culture. They visited the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), a former high school turned into a prison by the Khmer Rouge regime, where thousands of Cambodians were detained and tortured during the late 1970s. They also visited several NGOs focused on sustainable development and community transformation. According to Ms Hosken, the trip provided a unique experience for the students, “They deepened their understanding of global challenges and gained a renewed appreciation for the opportunities in their own lives,” she said.
January and February 2025
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Indigenous ministry focus of Australia Day service at Avondale Memorial church Keith Stockwell and Wayne Boehm Avondale Memorial Church Avondale Memorial church (Cooranbong) held its annual Australia Day worship service on Sabbath, January 25, led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) team. The program highlighted ATSIM’s work across Australia, sharing key milestones, inspiring stories and messages of faith. NNSW ATSIM director Pastor Keith Stockwell reflected on recent achievements within the conference, including the 10-year anniversary of the Brewarrina church plant. He also shared a story from Grafton Church, where his sister and her husband were baptised. At a similar time, in Port Macquarie, a young man who was recently baptised started a Bible study group, which has now grown to 30 attendees in just a few months. The service also highlighted the national ATSIM camp held in Brisbane in January. Pastor Jack Ryder,
who served as the primary/junior division speaker at the camp, extended an invitation for children to follow Jesus, and in response, all accepted the call. The Sabbath school panel discussion, featuring special guests, focused on faith, culture and the role of ATSIM in local communities. The main service continued with a focus on the national work of ATSIM. Pastor Richie Reid, from Wahroonga church presented a special children’s story and ATSIM National director Pastor Darren Garlett presented the main message. He shared insights into ATSIM’s work across Australia, emphasising the ministry’s role in connecting with Indigenous communities. The service concluded with a message of encouragement, acknowledging ATSIM’s ongoing efforts to serve Indigenous Australians and the impact of its ministry in churches and communities nationwide.
ANZAC DAY 25 April 2025 Big Camp
We extend a warm invitation to current and former ADF members join us for the ANZAC Day dawn service at Big Camp. For those currently in service, we would be delighted to have you attend in your service dress. To receive a formal invitation for your Chain of Command, please reach out to Melinda Mason at melindamason@adventist.org.au
Our Work in Aged Care 2023/24 Independent Living
Brisbane
Home Care
Gold Coast Byron Bay
Coff s Harbour
6
Villages
953
Residents
729 Units
Unit & Resident Numbers by Village 250
536 Clients
9
Regions
Newcastle
Sydney
Home Care Package Clients | 274 Commonwealth Home Support clients | 252
200
FFS / NDIS / Transitional Care | 10
150 100 50 0
Avondale Alstonville
Wyee Point
Unit
Jewells
Tweed Heads
Sugar Valley
Residents
Corporate
Residential Care
3
Facilities
474
Staff Employed
54
Volunteers
3 Chaplains 2 Social Workers
221,796 | Meals Provided 4.5 Tonnes | Laundry Completed 648 | Worship Services Held
January and February 2025
Total of 74,000 occupied 216 Beds nights.
> Alton Lodge, Avondale House, Alstonville
Fun Facts 18 | Carers & Support Groups per year Including - International Women’s Day afternoon tea, Dying to Know Day Expo, and an RUOK day
5268 | Maintenance Requests Completed
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Shanna Duke and Juliana Muniz Associate Editor, NorthPoint
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undreds of young people committed to following Jesus during the North New South Wales (NNSW) youth, junior and teen Summer Camps at Yarra Adventure Park in 2025. Held from December 17 to January 19, the four camps saw 335 attendees decide to follow Jesus, 225 request Bible studies and 178 ask for baptism. Prepared every year by the NNSW Youth Summer Camps team, the program for each camp is designed to encourage faith and connection through worship,
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spiritual discussions and outdoor activities such as water skiing, high ropes, mountain biking and abseiling. Themed “Make Room,” the camps challenged campers to create space for God by eliminating distractions, focusing on His Word and embracing His promises. Speakers for each event were Bowral church (South NSW) pastor Daniel Oehlmann, Murwillumbah church associate pastor Jared Chung, Newcastle University church pastor Lawson Walters and Murwillumbah church senior pastor Boris Jovinov.
For many, camp was a place of spiritual renewal. Shana Duke, NNSW youth department assistant, recalled a “particularly moving moment” during Junior 2 camp’s Friday evening program, where she prayed with a group of 10 children who had just made decisions for baptism. “They were deeply moved by the realisation that God wanted them on His side,” she said. “After we prayed, they asked such sincere and genuine questions. Moments like these make all the preparation worth it.” According to NNSW Youth Director Pastor Ashley Smith, one of the reasons summer camp is spiritually impactful is the intentionality behind every aspect of the program. “Every element of camp, from morning devotionals to evening worship, is designed to help young people encounter God,” he said. “The staff are committed to creating an environment where campers can explore and deepen their faith.” This year’s camp also marked the final summer camp for Pastor Dana Howard, who has led the NNSW youth department for seven years. His dedication to youth ministry was recognised with a standing ovation from campers and staff. Reflecting on the impact of summer camps, Pastor Smith noted that many young people return home changed, ready to take their next steps in faith. “Our churches have an opportunity to welcome them and continue that journey with them,” he said.
January and February 2025
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2024
6 MONTH REPORT
Proverbs play a vital role in shaping culture and guiding societal values, serving as a bridge between generations by preserving wisdom, traditions, and moral lessons. These concise and often metaphorical expressions encapsulate the collective experiences of a community, offering practical advice on life, relationships, and ethical behavior. A few examples are: “Actions speak louder than words”; “Rome wasn’t built in a day”; “Better safe than sorry”; “Strike while the iron is hot” etc However, the proverbs in the Bible hold a deeper meaning, offering insights that connect us to our work and purpose on earth. For example, in Prov 21:31, we are told: “A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord. (Prov 21:31)
This serves as a reminder that while God alone grants victory in the battle against evil, we, as His children, have a role to fulfill in “preparing the horse for battle.” While God accomplishes the extraordinary, He calls us to be faithful in carrying out the ordinary.
Thank you for your generous contribution, which has helped us raise over $600,000. These funds have been strategically invested in innovative evangelistic initiatives to prepare our region for Christ’s soon return.
Allow me to share with you how the funds have been distributed:
SOCIAL MEDIA EVANGELISM Funds allocated have been used to launch a Digital Outreach Centre focused on empowering local churches to conduct social media evangelism. Spearheaded by Kyle Vincent as project leader, and working closely with local churches, the goal is to transition online contacts to in-person discipleship experiences. To date the Centre has developed an online onboarding and training platform being piloted with Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Hamilton and Wyee churches. The platform equips churches with tools and processes for creating engaging content and following up contacts effectively. Assistance is also being provided to churches to develop their own production hub for ongoing content creation. Public campaigns reaching the community across regions serviced by pilot churches will be launched in the first quarter of 2025.
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$250,000
FAITH FM MINISTRY
$100,000
Faith FM continues to grow in reach and influence with the NNSW produced Monday-Friday nationally syndicated Breakfast Show adding an additional half hour to reach even more commuters. The Breakfast Show, commencing at 6:30am daily can now reach the 1 million plus Australians who tune into Faith FM across the country (source: McCrindle Research). Funds from the Big Camp Appeal have continued to keep this and other locally produced shows on air reaching more people than ever before with the everlasting Gospel.
SUPPORTING CHURCH PLANTS
$200,000
Appeal funds have continued to significantly contribute to the growth and development of fledgling church plants across NNSW:
Evan Heads
Pottsville
Newcastle University
Central Coast Samoan
Family Connection (Cardiff)
The average attendance increase across these church plants has increased by more than 50% in the last 12 months with each experiencing seeker attendance, Bible studies and baptisms significantly higher than the average for established churches.
RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM Although a budget of $50,000 was allocated to this ministry, unforeseen circumstances have prevented the program from proceeding as planned. As a result, the funds will now be reallocated to support other Conference evangelistic initiatives.
We look forward to sharing more details, stories and testimonies at Big Camp 2025 highlight the significant missional impact made possible by your generous financial support. Abel Iorgulescu General Secretary | NNSW Conference
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2025 NNSW Pastoral Staffing Alstonville Armidale Avondale Memorial Avondale Memorial Associate Avondale University Avondale University Associate Avondale University Associate Ballina Bay Community Boolaroo Bray Park Byron Bay Camden Haven Casino Central Coast Community Central Coast Samoan Cessnock Charlestown Coffs Coast Community Coffs Harbour Dora Creek Dorrigo Family Connection Forresters Beach Forster Tuncurry Gateway Gateway Associate Glen Innes Gloucester Gosford Grafton Gunnedah Guyra Hamilton Hillview Hillview Associate Hunter Aboriginal Inverell Kanwal Kempsey Kempsey Associate Kempsey South Kingscliff Kingscliff Associate Kingscliffe Associate Kyogle Lakeside
Dada Fialho Luke Reeves Steve Magaitis Nathan Andreoli Norman Hurlow Aubree Harrington Morgan Vincent Dada Fialho Sau Finau Danny Milenkov Kolia Afamasaga Joel Slade David Price Tim Kingston Leticia Moreno Asovale Isitolo Grego Pillay Kim Parmenter Ben Rea Ben Rea Uriah St Juste Nicholas Conduit Joseph Skaf Andrew Pratt Graham Stewart Michael Chapman Trent Keegan Kevin Robinson Graham Stewart Andy Matthes Greg Fernance Marcial Hernandez Luke Reeves Justin Torossian Leslie Ncube Danuta Stockwell Keith Stockwell Ted White Phil Bishop Steven Teale Nicholas Conduit Quintin Dutlow Quintin Betteridge Lyndon Parmenter Ryan Cuff Adam Cinzio David Kosmeier
Lightning Ridge Lismore Macksville Maclean Maitland Moree Mullumbimby Murwillumbah Murwillumbah Associate Murwillumbah Associate Muswellbrook Nambucca Heads Narrabri Nelson Bay Newcastle Multicultural Newcastle Samoan Newcastle Spanish Newcastle Tongan Newcastle University Ocean Shores Ourimbah Port Macquarie Pottsville Raymond Terrace Mission Regional Mentor Regional Mentor Regional Pastor South West Rocks Swansea Tamworth Taree Tenterfield The Haven The Vine The Well Toronto Tumbulgum Upper Clarence Wallsend Wallsend Associate Wallsend Associate Warners Bay Wauchope Wingham Woy Woy Wyee
Pastoral Staffing list as of 12 February 2025. For the latest updates, visit advnt.au/pastoralstaffing. 12
Beulah James Daniel Maher Tim Turner Adam Cinzio Blair Lemke Peauvasa Afoa Duane Suffolk Boris Jovinov Jared Chung Mark Sutherland Christopher Peterson Tim Turner Peauvasa Afoa Darren Cheers Darren Cheers Talai Mohr Roberto Velasquez Sau Finau Lawson Walters Kolia Afamasaga Uriah St Juste Jameson Pulelisi Kolia Afamasaga Danny Milenkov Tim Merritt Bradley Cooke Mike Parker Quintin Dutlow Steve Yu Marcial Hernandez Mike Collum Kevin Robinson Jack Ryder David Stojcic Steven Teale Susan Magaitis David Stojcic Tim Kingston David Riley Ian Cangy Rebecca Cheers Harley Southwell David Price Mike Collum Grant Faatoia Nathan Andreoli
Pastor Boris Jovinov ordained at Murwillumbah Church Henrique Felix Editor, NorthPoint Family, friends, and church members gathered at Murwillumbah Seventh-day Adventist Church on January 11 to witness and celebrate the ordination of Pastor Boris Jovinov to ministry. The service was led by North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) president Pastor Cristian Copaceanu, who delivered the ordination message, alongside NNSW general secretary Pastor Abel Iorgulescu, youth director Pastor Ashley Smith and Australian Union Conference general secretary Pastor Jeffrey Masengi. The special occasion was followed by the baptism of Pastor Jovinov’s son, Moses. Pastor Jovinov began his ministry in 2008 as a Bible worker in the Greater Sydney Conference before serving in outreach, evangelism and teaching roles at the Mission College of Evangelism in Oregon, USA. In 2012, he accepted a call to the Northern Australian Conference as Global Mission pioneer, where he worked as a church planter and chaplain. In 2017, Pastor Jovinov and his family moved to NNSW, where he served as outreach coordinator and evangelist for Arise Australia, senior pastor at Warners Bay church and church planter for Newcastle University church. He has been an associate pastor in Murwillumbah since 2021 and is currently the senior pastor. Reflecting on his ministry journey, Pastor Jovinov credits God’s leading at every stage. “If any good has come from my ministry, all the glory belongs to God for His unfailing faithfulness,” he said. Pastor Jovinov is married to Marlena and they have four children— Noah, Moses, Yelena and Anna. January and February 2025
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New name, same mission Jim Rennie and Record Staff OFFL President Operation Food for Life recently celebrated 25 years of impactful mission work during a celebration at Hillview Adventist church, Morisset. During the event, the organisation unveiled its new name: Operation Life. President and CEO Jim Rennie emphasised that while the name has evolved, the mission remains unchanged. The rebranding aims to streamline communication, enhance fundraising efforts and support future growth while maintaining continuity with the organisation’s legacy. Founders Dennis and Marjorie Perry, along with David and Elaine Woolley, were honoured for their extraordinary dedication and compassion in serving underprivileged communities in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific islands. Through their tireless efforts, they have fed thousands, shared the love of Jesus and created programs that continue to transform lives. Their vision lives on through Operation Life, which now operates a child rescue sanctuary, two schools and a food outreach program that provides meals to more than 500 people daily. OFFL is an independent ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Discover more by visiting <operationlife.org.au>. 14
Hillview offers relief after heavy storm Mary Fedorow and Juliana Muniz Hillview Church Hillview Church in Morisset, NSW, opened its doors to help residents who lost power after a severe storm hit parts of the state on January 15. The heavy rainstorms had left many households in Cooranbong and other areas without electricity for several days, creating an urgent need for practical support and a safe gathering space. The North New South Wales Conference office in Cooranbong was also impacted by the power outage, requiring the office to close for two days.
According to the NNSW Conference Work, Health and Safety coordinator Melinda Mason, two trees were uprooted during the storm, falling on the conference office car park and limiting access. No damage was reported. Hillview invited community members to charge their mobile phones, take hot showers and share warm meals at the church. According to church member Mary Fedorow, these practical measures were an important source of relief. “We knew people were in distress and wanted to do our part to help.” She added that the hospitality offered by Hillview went beyond the practical services offered. “It became a reminder that in times of hardship, a caring community can make all the difference.” Mrs Fedorow said.
Consulting Editor Cristian Copaceanu Editor Henrique Felix Associate Editor Shanna Duke Editorial Support Juliana Muniz Cover Henrique Felix
Avondale Missionaries Lunch Welcomes PNG Prime Minister Joy Buttler Avondale Memorial Church Missionaries and church members gathered for the annual Avondale Missionaries Lunch on December 7, 2024, reconnecting and sharing experiences from their time in the mission field. The event was attended by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, who expressed gratitude for the influence of missionaries in his life. Speaking earlier that morning at Avondale Memorial Church, Mr Marape reflected on how Seventh-day Adventist missionaries shaped his upbringing in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. At the luncheon, he met with past and present missionaries, many of whom had served in the Pacific. The gathering featured a historical presentation on missionary ships, led by Joy Butler, with photos sourced from the Adventist Mission History—South Pacific Facebook page. Attendees shared memories of various vessels, identifying each ship and recounting stories from their time at sea. Some of the well-known mission boats included Diari, Ka Seli, Malalagi, Light, Dina, Day Star, Leleman, Kambubu I and II, Varivato, and the MV Portal, famously known as the boat that would not burn. According to attendees, the Malalagi, based at Kukudu in the Western Solomons, is believed to be the only church-owned mission boat still in operation. The event also provided an opportunity for missionaries to share personal experiences and reflect on individuals who had significantly influenced their time in the field. Names such as Joseph Mave, Wilfred Billy and Julia Ryan (Wallwork) were mentioned as people who left a lasting impact on those who served. The Missionaries Lunch, held annually during the Avondale University graduation weekend, has been a long-standing tradition since the 1990s. Originally coordinated by Pastor John and Beth Kosemeier, leadership later passed to Ken Boehm and Warren Martin—both sons of missionaries. Following Ken Boehm’s passing, his brother Ray Boehm and Warren Martin have continued organising the event, bringing together former and current missionaries for fellowship and storytelling. January and February 2025
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Publisher The NorthPoint Bulletin is printed 6 times per year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (North New South Wales Conference) Next Edition & Submission Deadline We would love to share articles from your local church in NorthPoint. Send your news to advnt.au/NewsSubmission. The next edition will be available in churches on 12 April, and the submission deadline is 19 March. Disclaimer Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The North New South Wales Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church acknowledges our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We acknowledge you, Lord, because you are the creator, provider and supreme owner of all things. Read the full acknowledgement at advnt.au/AckCountry
Phone (02) 4951 8088 Email nnsw.conf@adventist.org.au Website nnsw.adventist.org.au
GREY NOMAdS CAMP 2025
LIFT UP
Your
HEADS Luke 21:28
Yarra Holiday Holiday Park Park || 2nd–10th 2nd 10th of Yarra of May May Register online on the NNSW conference website nnsw.adventist.org.au/greynomads