NorthPoint - May, 2023

Kingdom Come premieres

Big Camp 2023 was a special event for a number of reasons. One of them being the world premier of episodes 2 and 3 of the Kingdom Come trilogy. This documentary film series covers key aspects of Bible prophecy. Episode 1, which was released in 2016, focuses on Daniel 2. Episode 2 deals with Daniel 7, while the final film in the trilogy covers the topic of the United States in Bible prophecy and is based on Revelation 13.

God has blessed this project which was the initiative of former NNSW president Pr Justin Lawman. Episode 1 has had more than 20 million views and has been translated into 8 languages. It has been screened on free to air television in many locations around the world. The trilogy has been funded by generous donors and has been a major project of the Big Camp appeal offering.

All three episodes are available free and can be accessed at the website <kingdomcome.com.au>. We would encourage you to share the link with any and everyone via your social media accounts, word of mouth and any other means. Additional material and a Bible prophecy study series will be linked with the films and available shortly. Adventist Media is partnering with the Conference to promote and market the films.

We praise God for His protection and His rich blessing at Big Camp this year. A number of individuals made decisions for God across the different divisions. Three separate baptisms were held on the second Sabbath afternoon for individuals who had been having Bible studies. A huge thank you to all our staff and especially volunteers without whom Camp could not operate.

Pastor Adrian Raethel NNSW Conference president

The Kingdom Come Trilogy is a documentary film series that explores key aspects of Bible prophecy. It is an independent project and supported by generous donors and the Big Camp appeal offering. To further the reach of these films, you can access and share them for free at the website <kingdomcome. com.au>. If you would like to support this project and its continued efforts, you can make a donation through the eGiving app or website <egiving.org.au> by searching for "Big Camp Appeal (NNSW Conference)." Your contributions will help promote and distribute these films to a wider audience.

For the delegates of the Session

April 16, 2023 saw the Selection Committee convene for their scheduled meeting, to choose the Nominating and Constitution Committees as outlined in the North New South Wales Conference Constitution. The meeting was chaired by the Australian Union Conference President, Pr Terry Johnson, who was also visiting NNSW as a special guest speaker hosting the morning devotionals in the Connection Tent at Big Camp.

The meeting was a great success, and a Nominating Committee has been appointed to begin their work on May 7, 2023 with subsequent meetings on 4 June and 18 June.

So what happens next?

Registered delegates were informed on how to engage with the Nominating Committee through the committee chair. The first meeting will take place on Sunday, May 7, addressing their initial agenda. Subsequent planning stages will involve regular email updates and distribution of a meeting booklet containing the Constituency Meeting agenda and pertinent reports from each department and incumbent. If you're a delegate nominated by a local church and haven't registered yet, please get in touch with Jodie Bird at <JodieBird@adventist.org. au> to register promptly.

If you have any enquiries regarding the process or whether you think you should be receiving communications and are not, again, please make contact with Jodie Bird at <JodieBird@adventist.org.au>. We want to encourage delegates and local church members to ask questions and feel that there is total transparency in the process of planning this important meeting.

This quadrennium has marked some major changes in the planning process to ensure that all delegates provide their correct contact information and take responsibility for their delegate status. Some relevant feedback was provided after the Special Constituency Meeting held on April 17, 2022 on the registration and seating of delegates and thus the birth of a new system that is still in harmony with the constitution.

Thank you again to all those that are participating in this process. In the coming months there will be communications about the logistics of travel and accommodation – so keep an eye out!

Please continue to hold the work of the 2023 Nominating Committee in prayer as they labour through the burdens of recommending the future leaders of our Church.

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13).

NNSW Incumbents 2019 - 2023

Officers

Adrian Raethel President

Abel lorgulescu General Secretary

Russell Halliday CFO

Departmental Dir.

Blair Lemke

Camila Skaf

Colleen Savage

Dana Howard

David Haupt

David Knight

Executive Committee

Colin Hone

Douglas Cloete

Eva Race

Justin Stafford

Karen Davis

Kevin Johnson

Dean Bennetts

Jonathan Valls

Joseph Skaf

Keith Stockwell

Lazio Crescentini

Lyle Southwell

Norman Hurlow

Sharon Rusterholz

Sherryn Bailey

Silvia Pedzisi

Stuart Tipple

Wallsend Youth take a stand

The Wallsend Church recently held two baptismal ceremonies, resulting in ten youth being baptised—three young ladies on February 4 and seven young men on March 11. The church boasts a large and vibrant youth group that leads and provides music in their own Sabbath school and during worship services, all while being passionate about their faith in Jesus.

On February 4, Mila, Lizzie, and Mischa were baptised at Catherine Hill Bay with the assistance of youth leader and mentor Stacie Whittaker. Mischa was baptized by her father, Chaplain Brad Rea, while youth pastor Adam Schulz officiated over the baptisms of Mila and Lizzie.

The seven young men, Rain, Jasper, Sam, Harri, Jed, Jackson, and Jacob, were baptised at Green Point on Lake Macquarie on March 11. The baptism was performed by youth pastor, Adam Schulz and assisted by mentor Lucas Gibson.

It was a joyous occasion to see three sets of brothers, two of whom are also cousins, join their close friends in baptism.

Baptism milestone: Fifteen teens commit at Big Camp

Kiruwi Associate Editor, NorthPoint

At the NNSW Big Camp, a total of 15 young people, including Isaac Hayden, dedicated their lives to Jesus through baptism. Isaac's journey began after witnessing a baptism at last year's Big Camp, inspiring him to make the same commitment. Over the past few months, he studied the Bible with NNSW youth director Pastor Dana Howard, who had the honor of baptising him.

Following Isaac's baptism, 14 more young people from various churches across the region, including the Central Coast, Macksville, Bourke, Tamworth, Wauchope, and South Kempsey, were baptised a week later. Many made their decision after participating in summer camps, camporee, and previous Big Camps.

Pastor Howard emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for youth to make decisions about their faith. Statistics show that younger individuals who decide to be baptised are more likely to remain committed in the future.

The 15 baptisms serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith and the impact one person's decision can have on others. The event encourages those who have yet to decide on following Christ, demonstrating God's grace at work in the lives of young people.

PHOTO: (Left to Right) Baptismal candidates Mila, Lizzie and Mischa.

Joy Guy Wallsend Church

Megantha

TOP: Isaac Hayden being baptised by pastor Dana Howard on the first Sabbath.

LEFT: Grassy Head Beach welcomes Bulah, Kristy, Marndah, Isaiah, Nathan and Caleb into the family.

RIGHT: Pastor Luke Reeves prays over baptismal candidates Jessie and Georgie from Macksville.

A SPIRITUAL FEAST AT BIG CAMP 23

Megantha Kiruwi Associate Editor, NorthPoint

Thousands gathered at Stuarts Point Convention Centre for the annual NNSW Big Camp from April 14 to 22. The theme of the camp was ‘Proclaiming the Gospel’ and attendees were treated to a spiritual feast that included informative workshop sessions, inspiring testimonies and wonderful night programs.

The main speaker in the Big Tent was Canadian businessman, Herb Larsen, who shared several messages encouraging the congregation to proclaim the gospel. Attendees were also blessed with the beautiful music of a full orchestra of musicians from our Conference and abroad.

The Connections tent was a huge success, where intergenerational audiences gathered to hear Pastor

Tim Gillespe, senior pastor of Crosswalk Church, speak on the theme of the camp. Local church pastor and volunteer in the Connections tent, Darren Cheers, shared that it was a huge blessing to many. “Each night, the tent was full and overflowing with people keen to experience the worship and the message. Connections took a relaxed style with a personable look at the book of John that inspired many.”

Pastor Rome Ulia, senior pastor at Auburn Adventist Academy Church in Seattle USA, challenged young people in the Young Adults tent with the theme ‘This Gospel’ which is based on the key text in Matthew 24:24. Many young people were given the opportunity to make decisions for baptism, Bible studies, pastoral visits and chances to serve in their local church.

In the High School tent, Pastor Robbie Berghan, Content and Promotions Manager at FaithFM, spoke to young people about the importance of being bold in sharing their faith with others. Sixteenyear-old Matthias Scanlan, a volunteer in the high school tent shared that his experience at Camp was refreshing and fun. “I really enjoyed the podcasting session when Pastor Robbie engaged with the audience and involved us.”

Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed a variety of workshops run by local ministers, guest speakers and even representatives from ADRA and ELIA Wellness. Some of the workshops included ‘Stewardship’ presented by Dr Erika Puni, ‘Emotional Resilience’ by Pastor David Haupt, ‘The Lovumentary’ by Pastor Pablo Lillo and ‘Empowered and Purposeful Living’ with Dr Geraldine Przybylko.

Super Sunday was also a success with around 50 stalls selling food and promoting Adventist ministries, including fundraising by eight Pathfinder clubs who each raised at least $1000. Children enjoyed activities such as face painting, a petting zoo, and the pinnacle challenge. There were also three ATSIM booths showcasing art, culture, and outreach with Pastor John Beck welcoming all to Dunghutti country with a digeridoo performance on the main stage.

The Camp also offered some noteworthy activities such as a special women's ministry pamper session, a delightful family BBQ, and an opportunity to learn Indigenous painting and weaving. These activities provided campers with a chance to socialise and enjoy the Camp even more.

God’s blessings were poured out in abundance throughout the duration of Big Camp 2023 and many people left camp feeling inspired to proclaim the gospel in their communities.

Kingdom Come lauched at Big Camp

Kyle Vincent Kingdom Come Trilogy Producer

On April 15, 2023, the epic documentary trilogy Kingdom Come premiered its next two films at the North New South Wales Big Camp, captivating audiences. The series explores Bible prophecy themes through stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and expert insights, aiming to inspire and challenge viewers globally.

The project began as a response to former NNSW President Pastor Justin Lawman's ambitious vision. The first film, Kingdom Come: Destiny, garnered widespread success, leading to the creation of the subsequent episodes. The film has been translated into eight languages and reached nearly 20 million online views.

President Adrian Raethel discussed the series' inspiration, stating that the goal is to create a documentary that speaks to people's hearts and minds, helping them understand the Gospel's good news through Bible prophecies. "Kingdom Come offers a message of hope and unity in a world filled with confusion and division," said Pastor Raethel.

The launch event, attended by hundreds, garnered excitement and praise for the series' potential to inspire and encourage viewers in their faith. NNSW communications coordinator Henrique Felix commented that the series is a powerful evangelism tool, enabling church members to share the message of salvation. "This is media outreach at its best and I'd encourage our church members to not only watch it but also share it with others," Mr Felix added.

The films are available for free at <kingdomcome.com.au> and will be distributed to churches, broadcast networks, and Christian organisations worldwide. The producers hope that the series will spark conversation, inspire ministry ventures, and serve as a catalyst for sharing the message of salvation. The unique blend of experts, historians, authors, and commentators promises to engage audiences around the world.

ABOVE: New episodes filmed Europe and USA.

BELOW: Acclaimed author and biographer Eric Metaxas shares insights in an interview for both episodes. BOTTOM: Pastors Joel Slade and Casey Wolverton during the Big Camp launch event.

To stay updated with the series and learn how you can use the films, sign up for the Kingdom Come newsletter using the QR code.

South West Rocks Church expansion

South West Rocks Company Church is set to open its doors to a public venue on May 13, expanding its reach in the local community. Previously held in a member's home, the congregation has grown significantly and now requires a larger, more accessible location to accommodate its increasing numbers.

The church will meet at the RSL Sub-Branch Hall, 41 McIntyre Street, South West Rocks, boasting air-conditioned facilities and a well-equipped kitchen for its renowned fellowship lunches. The new schedule includes Bible study from 11am to 12pm, fellowship lunch from 12pm to 2pm, and sermon/presentation from 2pm to 3pm. This timing aims to encourage guest speakers and leaders from Kempsey and nearby churches to support the ministry's growth.

With over 6000 residents in South West Rocks, the church is committed to sharing the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ.

THE GREAT FLOOD : FIND-A-WORD

Bob Manners Pastor, South West Rocks

Children’s Sabbath at Murwillumbah

The children of Murwillumbah Church showcased their talents in a special service on Sabbath, March 4. From toddlers to senior students, they shared songs, stories, dramas, and sermonettes.

The church service was a joyful celebration of God's grace and forgiveness, led by the primary-aged children with a fun balloon analogy. Kindergarten kids sang about God's gift of grace, while older girls performed songs about God's amazing grace. Junior boys acted out the 'Jungle Doctor' story with a gracious elephant and mischievous monkeys. The teen boys presented a puppet show about the prodigal son, captivating the children.

Promoting health in Lismore

Leanna Rudwick Lismore Church

The Lismore Church Hall hosted a unique gathering of friends, community members, and church op shop workers for a plant-based luncheon featuring a variety of dishes from the CHIP program on Sunday, March 19.

Neville Leeson, personal ministry's leader for the Lismore Church, who has been running the CHIP program for the past 12 years in the area, organised the event as an opportunity to promote health and community outreach.

Twelve guests enjoyed a relaxing and friendly atmosphere at the event promoting plantbased eating. Classical piano music filled the air as a variety of vegan entrees, main dishes, and desserts were served, including nut roast, curries, and meatless meatballs. Mr Leeson took the opportunity to speak about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and each guest received copies of the delicious recipes to take home. Additional free resources were also available for those interested in learning more about the health benefits of plant-based eating.

The service concluded with inspiring sermonettes from three teens, who shared their personal experiences of God's grace and redemption, using the stories of Jacob, David, and Simon Peter. Poems about grace were also read. The children's performances left a lasting impact on attendees, reminding everyone of the boundless grace of God, filling the church with joy and enthusiasm.

The luncheon was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the power of food to bring people together, while also fostering connections within the community. The event also provided inspiration and motivation for attendees to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. A heartfelt thanks goes to Mr Leeson and the dedicated volunteers for making this wonderful event possible, and for their continued support in promoting healthier living.

Megan Southon Murwilumbah Church

TOP: Children praising and showcasing their talents during Murwillumbah Church's service.

LEFT: Girls leading the congregation in joyful singing. RIGHT: Young man preaching about God's grace and forgiveness during the special service at Murwillumbah Church.

Consulting Editor Adrian Raethel

Editor Henrique Felix

Associate Editor Megantha Kiruwi

Cover Jordan Bolst

We would love to share news from your local church with the Conference in print or online. Please send through relevant contributions to <nnswcommunication@adventist.org.au>.

CHIP graduation at Hillview

Merle Cozens

Hillview Church

Graduates of the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) were celebrated on Sunday evening, April 2, at Hillview Church. The event was attended by family and friends who gathered at the church hall to congratulate the 32 individuals who completed the 10-week, 18-session program.

The event included a video message from Dr Hans Diel, founder of the CHIP program, and talks by two local health professionals aimed at encouraging people to continue with healthy lifestyle habits. Attendees received envelopes containing their results of the pre-and post-health checks, and certificates were awarded to those who exhibited the most significant improvement in various categories such as weight, body mass index, blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol levels.

During the ceremony, Margaret, a CHIP graduate, received three certificates and expressed her appreciation for the support and encouragement she received from her table host, Maureen. Table hosts are CHIP graduates who have a passion for sharing the benefits of the program with others. They encourage, pray for, and support the participants who sit at their table.

The degree of improvement varied from person to person, but the value of incorporating healthy lifestyle habits promoted in CHIP was a common theme expressed by participants. Attendees noted that the program was easy to follow, with visible and noticeable results. Others commented on the delicious plant-based recipes demonstrated each night by various church members, and cooked and prepared for taste-testing by the kitchen team, ably led by Lenora Hurlow.

Overall, the celebration of the CHIP graduates recognised the positive impact of the program on the lives of participants, providing a valuable platform for individuals to learn about and adopt healthy lifestyle habits that promote physical and emotional wellbeing.

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