Pastor Cristian Copaceanu NNSW Conference president
All throughout high school, my friends and I mercilessly teased our IT teacher for working on Apple computers (in good jest, of course). Until year 12 when that same teacher offered me a deal I couldn't refuse on an Apple MacBook Pro, and I was hooked. Once you go Mac, you don't go back (no, I don't get a commission).
One of Apple's newest gadgets, the Vision Pro, lets you strap ski-like goggles to your head, creating a visually immersive experience. The headset also allows you to see the world around you while still displaying various apps and notifications – much like a heads-up display (HUD) available on newer cars.
Whether Vision Pro or other devices, these gadgets are designed to augment or enhance our view by providing more content or information than the human eye can naturally access.
The Bible talks about a different kind of sight that allows us to experience life to the fullest.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7)
"Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen" (Heb 11:1)
When we accept the abundant life Jesus offers, He gifts us Pro Vision – the ability to see life as He sees it. In the church, we see each other through the eyes of "humility, valuing others above ourselves" (Phil 2:4). In the world, we see God's children who Jesus came to "seek and save" (Luke 19:10). In obstacles, we see opportunities we see opportunities. In trials, we see triumph. In problems, we see possibilities.
Seeing through Jesus' eyes, we become pro-people, pro-reconciliation, pro-hope.
Photo: Chris Curry/UnsplashWhat do we see in the church? What do we see in our community? Do we see as Jesus sees? Do we see and live life through the lens of faith?
Teresa Robinson
Central Coast Community Church
Central Coast Community Church (C4), in Wyong on the Central Coast, celebrated Easter Saturday on April 15 with a special event that combined artistic activities with spiritual teachings. The day began with a welcoming social gathering, hot drinks and musical performances by local artist Blake.
The main message, presented by Pastor Kevin Robinson, focused on the resurrection of Jesus—a fundamental belief that highlights the significance of Easter.
In conjunction with the message, attendees participated in a symbolic soap carving activity. Each participant carved a soap into the shape of a cross, a representation of the cleansing of sins and Jesus’ sacrifice.
According to participants, the activity was a great way to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, “The seemingly ordinary bar of soap took on a deeper meaning—it represented the cleansing of sins, a central tenet of our faith. As we carved, a multitude of unique crosses were formed, a powerful symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf,” they said.
Kimberly Houliston
Abide Family Ministries
The children’s devotional series Bible Buddies recently celebrated its 100th episode milestone. Designed to guide little ones in prioritising God in their lives, Bible Buddies is part of The Worship Project, an initiative by the Adventist Church in Australia that aims to foster daily worship among families. The initiative came as a response to alarming results from a global church survey that found that less than half of respondents engage in family worship weekly. Bible Buddies addresses relevant Bible-based topics for children and families in episodes lasting 3-5 minutes. You can access them in video format or as a podcast on Spotify. For more information, visit <theworshipproject.org.au>
Newcastle Spanish Church
Newcastle Spanish church members held a fundraising event on March 3 to support victims of the recent fires in Chile, which destroyed more than 3000 homes and killed more than 120 people. They sold traditional Chilean hot dogs, known as completos, in front of Avondale Memorial Church in Cooranbong, raising $4200. The Newcastle Spanish church thanked Memorial Church for the venue and all involved for their participation and donations.
Record staff
Adventist Record
Central Coast Adventist School hosted a Mother’s Day breakfast and an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea bake sale on May 10. Staff and parents ran the event which catered to the primary school students and parents. Pancakes were given freely as a Mother’s Day celebration, however there were also baked goods and hot drinks for sale which raised money for the NSW Cancer Council. All up the school raised $1309. Organiser Katie Tipple said of the day, “I’m so proud of the school community that we have here at CCAS.”
Thirty-three members of the Alstonville church embarked on a two-week mission to the Vugalei Settlement in Fiji on January 7.
The mission group, including 17 teens and 14 adults, was warmly welcomed by the local community, who had traveled three hours to greet them. The visitors were ushered to Vugalei in a vibrant bus ride filled with hymns and anticipation.
During their stay, the group undertook significant renovation projects at the local church, which included rendering the interior walls and preparing the structure for additional improvements. Their efforts were supported by community members.
“The church is not just a building to us; it’s the heart of our community, built by our pioneers,” said a local elder reflecting on the importance of the church.
In addition to physical labor, the mission included a Vacation Bible School (VBS) aimed at deepening children’s knowledge of Christian teachings through the theme of the Fruits of the Spirit.
As the mission concluded, the church not only saw structural enhancements but also experienced a spiritual and community revival. “This trip wasn’t just about building walls; it was about breaking them down and coming together in faith,” said one of the mission leaders.
The mission was funded by church members and friends.
Hillview Church in Morisset recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special program that attracted more than 300 past and present members, including founding members and former pastors. The event, held on April 13, was themed “The Celebration of 50 Years of God’s Grace: honouring our past, shaping our future.”
The day began with a Sabbath school program that highlighted three overseas mission projects supported by the church. One of the highlights was a testimony from Leeboy Tobias, a Papuan who was assisted by Operation Food for Life and is now a chaplain for the Hillview Pathfinder Club and a student at Avondale University.
The main service showcased Hillview’s diverse and multi-generational congregation and included a special citation for each of the founding members. NNSW president Cristian Copaceanu delivered a sermon emphasising the church’s role as the body of Christ, involving children in his presentation.
Attendees enjoyed a meal of packed lunches and hot soup served in the church courtyard, providing a chance to socialise and reminisce. A historical display in the church foyer offered further insights into the church’s past.
The afternoon session reviewed Hillview’s history as an active, mission-minded church, detailing its involvement in community health expos, markets, and health programs, as well as mentoring its Adventurer and Pathfinder Clubs. The day concluded with testimonies from four recently baptised members and congregational singing led by Pastor Leslie Ncube.
Around 3300 people gathered at Yarra Holiday Park in Stuarts Point for Big Camp 2024. Held from April 19 to 27, the event featured programs and activities for all age groups, attracting people from all over the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) and interstate.
This year's camp featured a line-up of local and international speakers who presented daily messages based on the main theme "Mind of Christ". Some of the speakers included former General Conference secretary Dr G T Ng, Portland Sunnyside church lead pastor Dr Seth Pierce, Light Bearers director Pastor Ty Gibson and Vic Conference associate youth director Pastor Jonathon Gillard.
NNSW secretary Pastor Abel Iorgulescu explained that while the Church initially held big camps as a method of evangelism, today, they are a method of reviving and inspiring church members.
"Big camp has become a family tradition for many families. It's a time when, especially young people, get to hear incredible and inspiring Bible-based messages. And they make a decision to be baptised or to begin a journey of Bible studies," said Pastor Iogulescu.
Juliana Muniz
Long-time attendee Melissa Hinze has enjoyed the tradition of Big Camp for many years, "I love the village. Since I was five, I've come to the NNSW Big Camp, and even though you don't know everyone, you still feel like part of the same clan, so it's very special," said Mrs Hinze. For her, this year's camp highlight was Pastor Gibson's messages at the young adults tent.
In addition to the evening meetings at several program tents, big camp also featured a number of spiritual-focused activities such as morning devotionals, workshops and panels on how to share your faith in a secularised society, real love in Last Day events, Sabbath school curriculum training and more.
"The overall focus and emphasis on drawing closer to God was pretty cool," said Avondale University student Taine Stevens.
Other activities and workshops included water sports, basket weaving and Aboriginal painting, women's ministries fundraising Dinner en Blanc, watercolour as art therapy and gardening lessons. Children's ministries tents also ran several activities for the little ones.
"There's a lot of work that goes into organizing Big Camp. We start planning the year before, as early as August. And we are happy to do it because we want to create a space where church members can be inspired, connect with others and reconnect with God," said Pastor Iorgulescu.
Big Camp attendees and local dignitaries gathered by the flagpoles at Yarra Holiday Park for the Anzac Day dawn service on April 25 to honour and remember the sacrifices made by Anzac soldiers.
The event brought together attendees to reflect on the themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace, honoring the spirit of the Anzacs within the community context of the Big Camp.
The service incorporated traditional elements such as wreath-laying, the recitation of The Ode, “The Last Post,” a minute of silence, and the lowering of flags. Royal Australian Air Force Sergeant Jesse Stanfield delivered a brief address highlighting the historical significance of ANZAC Day.
NNSW evangelism director Pastor Lyle Southwell delivered a sermonette linking the sacrifices of the ANZACs to Christian teachings on sacrifice and reconciliation. The service concluded with the Australian National Anthem and a benediction, emphasizing the community’s collective remembrance and respect for those who have served.
Children with neurodivergence had a special place to go to at this year’s Big Camp. For the first time in an Australian Big Camp, the NNSW Children’s Ministry introduced a dedicated program tent for children with Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia and other neurodivergent diagnoses.
The Hyperactive Faith tent was designed to teach children aged 6-16 about Jesus, while meeting their needs. It provided a calming corner with a sensory swing, various breathing strategies and instrumental calming music to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve focus and engagement in activities.
With the main theme based on creation, the tent featured a number of sensory activities with rice, play dough, puzzles, Lego, drawing and colouring, fidget toys, etc.
NNSW family and children’s ministries director Colleen Savage explained the importance of initiatives catering to this group. “Parents tell me the children, the families, are lonely. They don’t feel they can go to a Sabbath school, Pathfinders, Adventurers or church camps because they feel judged because of the children’s behaviour.”
The tent was run by Pastor Peau Afoa and his wife Julianne with the help of trained volunteers. The couple, who have a son on the autism spectrum, wanted to do something for parents and children facing similar challenges.
“Attending the NNSW Big Camp for the past four years, our son never fitted in any of the tents. So my wife and I wanted to do something about it. We shared our vision with Colleen and what we wanted. She took it to the committee at the conference, and they also loved the idea,” recalled Pastor Afoa.
Running activities for most days throughout camp, the tent reached its capacity of 15 registered children.
According to Mrs Savage, the initiative made a difference. “I had one parent come to me in tears saying that this is the first time her child’s been able to make friends at Big Camp because he found someone that’s similar to him.”
“Our main goal is to let the parents and the children know that they are precious and they are valued,” said Pastor Afoa.
After years of anticipation and challenges, The Heights Learning Community in Gillieston Heights officially opened its doors on May 2, marking a new chapter in the history of Adventist education in the region.
The opening ceremony included speeches from students and special guests. Among the attendees were Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, NNSW Conference and Education representatives and national director of Adventist Education Dr Jean Carter.
Originally opened in 1984 with 20 students as Maitland Adventist District School and later known as Valley View School, the institution was closed after a decade. Despite the setback, the local church used the site as a community centre, hosting several community programs and services. The dream of reopening the school was nurtured over the years and finally realised in 2024.
The newly reopened school hosts nine learners and is supported by a dedicated team comprising an educator, a teacher aide, and the principal. Reflecting on the challenges overcome to reach this point, including navigating a global pandemic and local regulations, Principal John Venegas expressed a deep sense of relief and joy at the school’s reopening.
“The community’s response has been incredibly positive,” said Mr Venegas, emphasising the active and enthusiastic involvement from local residents. The school’s focus is to provide a Christian-centered education that not only fosters academic growth but also builds character among students.
Future plans include expanding the school’s facilities and student body to offer a complete Kindergarten through Year 12 educational program. Plans are underway to initiate construction of a primary campus within the next three years and gradually introduce additional grades.
Northpoint staff
The North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) held its annual Grey Nomads camp from May 10 to 18, gathering 500 retirees at Yarra Holiday Park. This year’s theme, “Looking Beyond,” featured engaging presentations tailored for the senior community.
Pastor Clifford Goldstein, editor of the Adventist Adult Sabbath School Lesson since 1999, was the main morning speaker throughout the week. Reflecting on the event, Pastor Goldstein said, “It [was] a privilege to be at this camp meeting. I’ve had a good time every day here. Just seeing the positive reactions of the people from what I was preaching made me feel good.”
Evening sessions were led by Pastor Randy Roberts, senior pastor at Loma Linda University Church, who shared insights grounded in his experiences both as a pastor and educator.
The camp included various social and recreational activities, providing attendees with opportunities to engage in both spiritual learning and leisure.
NNSW Conference president, Pastor Cristian Copaceanu, preched on Friday evening, encouraging the senior attendees to connect with younger generations and share their wisdom, highlighting the importance of legacy and intergenerational exchange.
Northpoint staff/Joëlle Weekes
ARISE Australia
The ARISE Australia class of 2024 celebrated the end of the three-month program with a special graduation ceremony at the Kingscliff Seventh-day Adventist Church on May 11. Forty-three students concluded the program this year.
“We definitely saw God working in their lives during their time here,” said girls dean Joëlle Weekes.
Besides spending time in the classroom, the students went door knocking, meeting people in the local community, “and some of those interactions led to Bible studies,” said Mrs Weekes. Through those Bible studies, two community members decided on baptism and were baptised at the ARISE graduation.
The students also gave Bible studies at Tweed Valley Adventist College, in Murwillumbah, “which was a wonderful opportunity for some who had never given a Bible study before,” said Mrs Weekes.
Three plant-based cooking workshops took place at the Kingscliff church where the students helped out in various roles. The students also got busy organising an evangelistic series hosted at the church and presented by Pastor Robbie Berghan from FaithFM Radio.
“As staff, we are so excited to see where God will lead all the students after the program,” said Mrs Weekes. According to her, a few of them will be volunteering with young people in Zambia and Cambodia. Some will start studying and get involved in their local churches. Others have decided to do Bible work, and eleven graduates will take part in the ARISE for Life program, where they will be Bible workers for the next six months at local churches in North New South Wales.
“Please keep the students in your prayers as they start the next season in their lives,” concluded Mrs Weekes.
Consulting Editor Cristian Copaceanu
Editor Henrique Felix
Cover Big Camp Communications Team
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