More than 900 seek the "outpouring of the Holy Spirit" New health initiative shows eating healthy costs less Centenarian celebrated as "resilient and generous"
North New South Wales Conference News
HEALTH LEADERS Retreat NNSW
Split 3 ways between attendee, ConferenceNNSW & local church sponsorship
14-18 July 2025 Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat
South of the QLD border
Inviting health ministry leaders & pastors to come be inspired & equipped through experiencing health outreach programs, plant-based cooking with demonstrations, invigorating exercise sessions, rejuvenating massage & hydrotherapies, and networking with leaders.
advnt.au/nnswleadershealthretreat Scan
North New South Wales
Pastor Cristian Copaceanu NNSW Conference president
Two by two
The phrase “It is not good for man to be alone” extends far beyond the realm of romance or family—it speaks to the core of our design. We were created to live, grow and thrive in community. Our very brains are wired for connection and our faith is strengthened through relationships. This truth is especially vital in mission and ministry. Scripture repeatedly affirms the power of partnership:
• Moses and Joshua—the seasoned leader and his successor.
• Elijah and Elisha—the prophet and his apprentice.
• Jeremiah and Baruch—the visionary and his scribe.
• Daniel and his three friends—standing firm in faith together. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself modelled this principle, sending out His disciples two by two (Luke 10:1). The apostles followed His example— Paul was never alone, always walking with others, whether learning from them or training them. Even Jesus, in His most agonising hour, longed for His disciples to stand with Him in prayer.
Solomon, in his wisdom, echoes this essential truth:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV)
Who is discipling you? Who is speaking into your life, providing wisdom, encouragement, and accountability in your faith and mission?
Who are you discipling? Who are you investing in, strengthening and walking alongside in their journey with Christ?
If Jesus—God with us—saw the necessity of sending His followers out in pairs, why would we assume we can do it alone?
Don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder.
• Seek out a mentor—someone strong in faith and active in mission— and ask them to disciple you.
• Find someone who is struggling or young in faith, and offer to support, guide and disciple them.
• If you’re unsure where to start, ask your pastor to help connect you with someone.
Whatever you do, don’t go it alone—it is not good to be alone.
Faithful at 100 Bubsie retraces 1925 missionary journey
Newcastle Polish church long-time member Stefania Petryk recently celebrated a century of life.
A new evangelistic initiative is re-enacting the first-ever drive around the country, completed by literature evangelist Nevill Westwood in 1925.
Led by independent supporting ministry The Incredible Journey (TIJ), the Right Around Australia project is taking Bubsie, a restored Citroën 5CV similar to the one Mr Westwood drove, across the country to numerous towns and communities, sharing the story of Mr Westwood’s journey and distributing free Adventist literature and Bible courses.
On February 23, Bubsie visited the Hillview Op Shop in Morisset, where a crowd gathered to view the car and participate in a community event hosted by local church members and volunteers. The event included face painting, free books, a sausage sizzle and a display of other vintage vehicles.
“The community response was incredible. There was a real sense of excitement,” said Hillview church member Mary Fedorow.
Later that afternoon, Bubsie visited Hillview Church, where residents from the retirement village attended a special presentation by Pastor Kevin Amos, who is joining the journey across Australia.
AUC president Pastor Terry Johnson encouraged local churches to use Bubsie’s visit as an opportunity for community outreach. “With nearly 270 churches involved, this is an opportunity to connect with the community. We’re encouraging churches to host programs like Bible studies, health events and evangelistic series when the car visits their area.”
To see when Bubsie and The Incredible Journey team will be coming to your city, check at <bit.ly/Bubsie>.
Born in Roznoshyntsi, Ukraine, Ms Petryk faced significant hardship during World War II, including forced labour under Nazi occupation. After escaping to Munich, she translated for Ukrainian Jews and helped protect them from deportation to concentration camps.
She migrated to Australia in 1951, settling first in Bathurst before moving to Medowie. In 1968, a door-to-door Bible study introduced her to the Adventist faith. Despite facing opposition from her husband, she chose to be baptised, saying, “Because I want to go with God’s way.”
Ms Petryk spent years collecting and sending clothing to orphanages in Ukraine and supporting children affected by poverty and the Chernobyl disaster. Her humanitarian work earned her recognition from both the Australian and Ukrainian governments.
Ms Petryk currently lives in Wallsend where she cultivates a garden and remains active in her faith, spending time in prayer and Bible reading. “I want to be with God,” she said.
She celebrated her milestone surrounded by family and friends who describe her life as "a testament to faith, resilience and generosity".
Mary Fedorow and Juliana Muniz Hillview Church/Adventist Record
Marta Rutkowska Newcastle Polish Church
Avondale students serve in Thailand
Bailee McLeod Avondale University
Ten Avondale University students and staff members have volunteered two weeks of their time to help at an international school in the Isan region of Thailand.
Half the team built a new fence to improve safety for students while the others served as aides to teachers at the Ubon Adventist International Mission School (UAIMS). The “invaluable hands-on teaching practice” particularly benefited team members studying education, said trip leader Jasmin Ringrose.
Beyond the physical work, the pre-graduation trip fostered meaningful relationships. Each morning, two team members took the UAIMS staff worship. With the help of a translator, the faith-based messages reached “everyone from teachers to maintenance workers and kitchen staff,” said Ms Ringrose.
Avondale Student Life coordinator Pastor Sean Berkeley notes the bonds that developed. “Our students loved learning the language and culture” and “the opportunity to serve in a place that was so hospitable and grateful to have us.” The camaraderie among the “close-knit” students and the warmth of their hosts showed “God shone on us.” The trip, said Pastor Berkeley, inspired many team members to consider future mission work, with some even considering dedicating a year to overseas service.
One team member, Brooke Howard, highlighted the diversity of experiences—from assisting in classrooms and leading after-school programs to joining local church worship—the trip offered. She remembered evenings exploring temples and markets and tasting local cuisine, often led by UAIMS director Udom Saengsawang. “The love of the community we connected with was probably the most impactful experience. We felt at home in Ubon even though we were there for only a short time.”
The trip reaffirmed Ms Howard’s belief that serving others is an important part of our lives as Christians. “I love being able to see different places in the world and how God is working in those places. . . We’re called to serve, and God will always use those who are willing.”
Ms Howard’s sentiment mirrors Avondale’s motto, “for a greater vision of world needs.” Since its founding in 1897, Avondale has empowered graduates and staff to serve the world for good.
Women who lead
Beryl Landers NNSW Women's Director
Twenty-five women’s ministry leaders from across NNSW gathered online on February 2 for the first of three Leadership Mornings scheduled for 2025. Designed to support women serving in local church leadership, the sessions aim to foster connection, encouragement and spiritual growth.
“These sessions provide a safe and uplifting space for women to share, reflect and grow in their leadership roles,” said NNSW women’s ministries director Beryl Landers. “We focus on practical tools, spiritual encouragement and building community.”
The February session featured devotionals, leadership training and resource sharing. In her devotional, advisory team member Dragana Lazic challenged leaders to create a “Not-To-Do” list for 2025—urging them not to waste time, cut corners or replace Bible study with other materials.
Team member Alex Lopez led the “Leaders’ Toolkit” segment, highlighting three key leadership tips: building others up, developing resilience through setbacks and empowering others to take initiative.
The next two gatherings will take place in June and October.
Record attendance at Prayer Conference
Megantha Kiruwi Collaborator
This year’s North New South Wales (NNSW) Prayer Conference saw record attendance, with more than 900 attendees gathering at Yarra Holiday and Adventure parks in Stuarts Point from February 27 to March 2. Since launching in 2016 with 120 attendees, the event has grown significantly, with this year’s program attracting more than 400 first-time participants.
NNSW prayer coordinator Charissa Torossian noted
the increasing engagement in the conference. “It’s encouraging to see so many people hungry for a deeper connection with Jesus and a revival of prayer,” she said.
Themed “Power Unlimited,” the conference featured guest speakers Pastor Pavel Goia, editor of Ministry magazine, and Melody Mason, prayer coordinator at the General Conference in Maryland. They emphasised the importance of prayer, surrender and “seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit”.
Many delegates shared testimonies about the challenges they faced in attending the conference. According to Mrs Torossian, health issues, car troubles and financial difficulties created obstacles, “but God’s providence was evident throughout”.
Among those who faced difficulties was a group of 20 women from Papua New Guinea, who shared their experience on Sabbath evening. Originally, 80 women had planned to attend, but visa complications prevented most from travelling. Those who made the trip described their months of fasting, prayer and fundraising in preparation for the event.
On Sabbath afternoon, the community outreach program, introduced in last year’s conference, returned with 30 volunteers visiting Stuart’s Point and Macksville to offer prayer and distribute literature.
The children’s program engaged more than 100 children, led by NNSW children and family ministries director Colleen Savage. Centred on the theme “Experiments in Faith” (inspired by Hebrews 11), it featured interactive activities, music and storytelling.
While plans for next year’s conference are yet to be announced, Mrs Torossian said the team is already preparing. “We are praying that God will continue to grow this movement of prayer and revival.”
TESTIMONY
When school and church work together
By Chelle Elliot, Blue Hills College Year 6 Teacher
When our family moved from South Africa to Australia in 2023, we weren’t sure what to expect. But we quickly found that Goonellabah, with its peaceful surroundings and welcoming community, was the perfect place to start this new chapter.
From the moment we connected with Blue Hills College and Alstonville Adventist Church, we felt an overwhelming sense of belonging.
Our son, Carter, who is naturally reserved, felt an immediate connection at Blue Hills College. The school’s focus on values such as kindness, integrity and respect provided a safe space where our son could grow, both socially and spiritually. The teachers and staff took a personal interest in his well-being, helping him adjust to the new environment with care and patience.
It wasn’t long before Carter started talking about his faith in ways that were new to us, showing a growing curiosity and understanding of God’s love. At the same time, the church community played an equally significant role in our journey. The warmth and kindness we received from the congregation made us
feel embraced from the start. The church’s emphasis on service and spiritual growth, combined with the engaging Sabbath services, deepened our connection to our faith. Jarred and I began attending Bible studies and participating in church events, where we learned more about the teachings of Jesus and what it meant to live according to God’s will.
Before long, both Jarred and I realised that we were ready to make a deeper commitment to our faith. The support we received from the school and the church made it clear that baptism was the next step for us. We were guided by loving mentors, and the nurturing environment around us made the decision feel natural.
On a beautiful Sabbath, surrounded by our new church family, we were baptised—an act of faith that we will cherish forever. In just a short time, Blue Hills College and Alstonville Adventist Church didn’t just help us feel welcome; they helped us rediscover and strengthen our faith. Through their support, we not only found a sense of belonging but also experienced a spiritual transformation, one that brought us closer to God and to each other as a family.
Students make spiritual commitments at Year 7 camp
By Leighton Heise, Central Coast Adventist School Senior Chaplain
Year 7 students at Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) recently attended a spiritual camp at Yarra Adventure Park in Stuarts Point, New South Wales, supported by a team of Year 11 student leaders.
Held earlier this term, the camp combined outdoor activities with nightly worship programs coordinated by the Year 11 leaders. CCAS campus pastor Jack Ryder delivered messages around the theme The One, pointing students to Jesus as the source of hope, purpose and unity.
At the end of the camp, students were invited to respond spiritually. According to CCAS senior chaplain Leighton Heise, 52 Year 7 students and nine Year 11 students made decisions to accept God into their lives, with 43 younger students and five leaders expressing interest in Bible studies. Seventeen Year 7 students also requested baptism.
“These camps create space not only for friendship and growth but also for powerful moments of connection with God,” said Mr Heise. “It’s been encouraging to see our senior students step up as mentors and spiritual leaders.”
NNSW Adventist Education general manager for mission Marty Benard added, “This is a great example of how our schools can combine fun and faith to create lasting impact. We’re seeing students make real decisions for Jesus.”
By Marty Benard, NNSW Adventist Education General Manager for Mission
As the 2025 school year began, staff, students and families across the 10 schools in the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) gathered for dedication chapels and welcome worships.
“Our schools are intentional about placing God at the centre,” said Marty Benard, NNSW Adventist education general manager for mission. “Staff week devotionals were a powerful way to refocus before Term 1 began.”
Dedication events took place in various formats, with chaplains and leaders encouraging staff and students to seek God’s guidance for the year ahead. “It’s a blessing to start the year united in prayer and purpose,” Mr Benard added.
Starting with prayer New principal for PMAS
NNSW Education
Peter Lindsay has been appointed as the new principal of Port Macquarie Adventist School (PMAS).
He brings extensive experience in Adventist education, having served as deputy principal and, most recently, head of the Bible department at Avondale School.
NNSW Adventist Education said the appointment reflects Mr Lindsay’s strong background in spiritual leadership and education. “We look forward to the contributions Peter and his wife Glenda will make to the Port Macquarie school community,” a representative said.
Mr Lindsay will begin his new role in Term 2.
#GYD: NNSW youth inspired to "Be the Sermon"
Blair Lemke NNSW Young Adults Director
Youth from churches across the New England and Newcastle regions participated in community service activities for Global Youth Day (GYD) on March 15, joining thousands of young people around the world in outreach under the theme “ACT: A Community Transformed.”
In the New England region, youth from Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and surrounding areas gathered at the Armidale Seventh-day Adventist Church for a regional program that included worship and breakout groups.
“The goal was to help young people see themselves as agents of change in their communities,” said North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) youth director Pastor Blair Lemke. “We challenged
them to put their faith into action.”
In the Newcastle area, Newcastle Multicultural Adventist Church hosted a regional GYD event that launched the Youth Week of Prayer. The program featured testimonies and prayer sessions focused on personal transformation and community impact.
Reflecting on the day, Pastor Lemke added, “It was encouraging to see so many youth embrace the invitation to serve and seek ways to live out their faith all year round.”
Resources for Global Youth Day 2026 have already been released by the General Conference Youth Department, allowing churches and youth groups to begin planning for next year’s outreach initiatives.
FoodSAVE shows how to cut grocery costs by 20%
Erin Keegan NNSW Health Director
The North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) Health department promoted the first FoodSAVE Facilitator Training at Gosford Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 16, equipping local Health Ministry leaders to help communities make nutritious food choices on a budget.
Led by Margot Marshall, Kym Fowler and Kaysie Vokurka, the training challenged the perception that healthy eating is expensive. Using the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, participants learned how to apply its food group proportions—such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables, legumes, and protein—to everyday grocery shopping.
A highlight of the session was a supermarket tour comparing the cost of whole foods and processed items. “It was eye-opening to see the price difference,” said NNSW Health departmental assistant Kate Garriga. “A bulk bag of oats cost just $1.90 per kilo, while highly processed individual cereal packs reached up to $85 per kilo. These kind of comparisons help explain why some people feel they can’t afford fresh produce.”
The day also included a budget-friendly cooking class, where participants learned how to prepare simple, healthy meals at home. “We made a complete lunch—including dessert—for just $3,30 per person,” said Ms Garriga. “It’s a practical example of how eating well can be affordable.”
A budgeting workshop rounded out the day, helping attendees understand how to save up to 20 per cent on groceries by prioritising core food groups like vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and legumes.
Further FoodSAVE Facilitator Trainings are scheduled for July 20 in Mullumbimby and September 28 in Kempsey.
Consulting Editor Cristian Copaceanu
Editor Henrique Felix
Associate Editor Shanna Duke
Editorial Support Juliana Muniz
Cover Megantha Kiruwi
26 April 2025
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