Jan - Feb 2014 IntraSyd

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intrasyd People, Places & Events in the Region of Greater Sydney

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2014 Photo Credit: Abigail Yap

Pictured: Camper - February Keegan2014 Hogan1 GREATER SYDNEY CONFERENCEwww.gscadventist.org.au / January

My first day at the office this year was Monday, 13 January, and I was greeted with

the gift of a new devotional book on my desk. I was impressed with what it said. Let me quote a little, “Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me (Jesus) and to all I have prepared for you.”

What wonderful counsel. This is certainly an important part of Growing in Discipleship.

It is so easy to live each day in our own strength and wisdom, but how much better is life when it is fully surrendered to Jesus and lived out according to His purposes. May each day of your life be fully surrendered to Jesus so that you can be used by Him and for His glory.

Michael Worker President

2014 is the “Year of Evangelism.” What thoughts come into your mind when

you read that title? Does it make you think of events and programs? That is part of it, but that is the tip of the iceberg. Evangelism is more than that, it is about how we live our lives. It is about the conversations we have with family, friends and neighbours. It is about being the hands and feet of Jesus and representing Him in our daily lives. As you begin this year, think about who you need to be praying for in your circle of influence and what opportunities there might be to share your faith with them.

It is going to be an exciting year in Sydney, and there is a lot planned. Early

projections are that we will have record enrolments in Adventist Education with four of our schools having the highest enrolments ever. Three of our schools will be developing new facilities. In Aged Care, works are about to commence on enhancements to Elizabeth Lodge for the benefit of residents, families and staff.

We have three major initiatives to reach our communities, and they are planned

in the areas of health, Bible and family-based evangelism. At this stage, between 25-30 churches are planning to run the CHIP program in May, and close to 20 churches are

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going to present the Last Empire in August/September. Some special family-based events

in this issue

4-5 summer camp 6-7 church news 8-9 adventist women 10-11 education 12-15 pastoral assignments 2

are being planned in our schools, which is a great initiative of church and school working together.

Plans for Inspire are also coming together well, and we look forward to hav-

ing many of you join us at Mountain View Adventist College from 24-27 April to be inspired, trained and equipped for service to God as together we Grow in Discipleship.

As we begin this year, please pray for your family, your church, your street and your Pastor.

May God bless you as you serve Him this year.

Visit our website at http://gscadventist.org.au for a video message from Pr. Michael Worker

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

I had the privilege of spending Christmas with my wife’s family on the Sunshine Coast (they get together every two years). There were twenty-two of us for Christmas lunch with twenty of those people staying in the one house! My father-in-law, who is not prone to praying a lot in public settings, said grace for the meal. One phrase he prayed has stuck in my mind ever since. Even though it was a very busy time for “Gran and Pa,” with hours and days of preparation and cooking and the house getting a real workout with mattresses all over the floor and the bathroom being pushed to the limit, he prayed, “Father in heaven, thank you that we can get together at Christmas; family is everything to us…” And the same is true here at the Greater Sydney Conference. Our church family is very important to us.

Highlights from the Seventh-day Adventist Church (GSC) Ltd Board

The 2014 operating and capital budget has been approved by the Board. It is

Adrian Raethel General Secretary

based on a projected tithe increase of 2.5%. The tithe percentages going to the Union, Division and General Conference in 2014 have decreased resulting in more tithe being retained at Conference level. This has resulted in the addition of two extra pastoral budgets over 2013.

An additional $150,000 has been committed to evangelism over and above the

normal allocation. This money is from a bequest.

Unfortunately for our Conference, two late calls resulted in Pr Alex Currie,

former Family Ministries director and church pastor accepting a call to be the senior chaplain at Sydney Adventist Hospital and Pr Brendan Pratt, Discipleship/Stewardship/ Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director accepting a call to be Ministerial Association Secretary for the Australian Union Conference. To replace Pr Pratt, following a meeting of the Appointments Committee, we welcome Pr Sven Ostring, currently serving as Sabbath School, Global Mission and Leadership Development director and university chaplain for the Western Australian Conference. Pr Cheonneth Strickland adds Family Ministries to his portfolio with a part-time person to be appointed to assist with Youth Ministries.

Highlights from the Executive Committee

• The Ghanaian group, which meets at Merrylands, has been granted regular group status.

• A new Samoan group, sponsored by the Mt Druitt Samoan Church, will commence meeting in the Liverpool area on 15 February.

• The construction of the new administration block and primary school amenities has commenced at Macarthur Adventist College.

• The construction of the new administration area at the Wahroonga Adventist Aged Care facility will commence late January this year.

• Administration are in the process of setting up independent audit committees for all three incorporated companies and the unincorporated entity.

Blessing to you and your family.

Pr Adrian Raethel

Greater Sydney Conference Communication Department sydney@adventist.org.au PH: (02) 9868 6522 Fax: (02) 9868 6533 4 Cambridge Street Epping 2121 Next Intrasyd Deadline 01 MARCH

Editor: Michael Worker Assistant Editor: Rachel Lemons Aitken Design: Rachel Lemons Aitken Editorial Consultant: Adrian Raethel http://facebook.com/sydneyadventists @sydneyadventist

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 3

{youth}

Learning to be Anchored in Jesus instil in campers a sense of Christian with treasure hunts, navigation and

service, a value which is evident

discovery. Cheonneth hoped the biggest

throughout the camp, from the director

When asked why year after year

discovery young people of GSC made

serving campers during meal time to

volunteers give up their holidays to work

during the two and a half weeks was Jesus.

the volunteer counsellors, activity staff

at Summer Camp, Cheonneth Strickland,

Based on the verse, Matthew 6:21, “For

and worship leaders to the willingness

Youth Director of the Greater Sydney

where your treasure is, there your heart

exhibited by the campers as they complete

Conference (GSC), responded, “They love

will be also,” the camp activities focused

their chores.

summer camp; they love to give back to

on helping young people be strong in the

their community. They want to connect

knowledge that they are anchored in and

Shipmates Just Wanna Have Fun When asked what she liked about camp,

with God but also with others, like the

treasured by Jesus as His precious jewels.

Madelyn Cross, recent graduate from

campers. Young people, I find, love to

grade 6 at Wahroonga Adventist School,

serve. They love serving and helping

Cabin, Crew and Shipmates Three sessions of camp were run from

others, and I think that’s one of the

3-19 January, giving all involved a great

is my favourite time of year!” Without

greatest attributes of this generation.”

kickstart to the year. Staff training

prodding, she continued, “The worships

spanned from 3-5 January, followed by

are so much fun: screaming at the top of

loved summer camp. The excitement

Junior camp (10-12 years) 6-12 January,

my lungs, seeing my non-Adventist friends

pervaded the camp grounds. From the

which hosted 98 campers and then, 13-19

here screaming out for the Lord and

moment cars began to snake down the

January was Teen Camp (13-17 years)

raising their hands for the Lord is so cool!”

windy road leading to Crosslands, the

with 110 campers. In fact, camp facilities

This summer camp is one of Madelyn’s

Seventh-day Adventist facility set on

hit their capacity during teen camp,

final opportunities to spend time with her

40 hectares of natural bush land in the

leaving several potential campers on a

friends from school before she moves on to

Berowra Valley National Park on the

waiting list. Making it all possible was a

high school.

Berowra River, the air was electric in

crew of approximately 50 volunteers who

anticipation of summer camp. Outfitted

dedicated their time to making it all come

lifelong bonds. From the time the day

with a swimming pool, canoeing and

together. According to Nicole Strickland,

begins until the final moment when

kayaking equipment, a ropes course,

Business Manager at Hills Adventist

campers slip into bed, they are busy either

archery grounds and various housing units,

College and wife of Cheonneth, “Camp

in activities with their cabin mates, other

the setting was perfect for having fun.

couldn’t run without the number of people

campers, counsellors or activity leaders.

who give up their time.”

During the week, campers are able to

Be a Crew of Life Changers!

One of the objectives of the camp is to

participate in three activities, ranging from

But it’s not just the campers who

The camp theme, “Anchored,”

brought all the fun, mystery and excitement of a nautical adventure filled

4

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

ecstatically responded, “Summer camp

The setting is perfect for forming

archery, basketball, canoeing, cooking,

2014 Summer Camp Visit our website at http://gscadventist.org.au for additional photos, video and stories on Summer Camp

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“I come because I can see the change.

Volunteering at camp involves a bit of mentoring. It’s special to be a part of

the kids’ growth. While I was at camp,

crafts and fishing to flying fox, laser tag,

I used to look up to the counsellors.

mountain biking and quads. Campers

Now, they look up to us. They want

also have multiple opportunities to spend

to be like us; they want to be like

time together in big groups, including in

Jesus.”

the afternoon, when they participate in a

Liana Neu

group activity, like water skiing and water

Activities Volunteer, Junior Camp

relay games.

In the evening, the main meeting

hall transforms into the site of a shipwreck of tall masts, with torn sails jutting

“I wanna be where the kids are making

precariously from the stage, nautical ropes,

big decisions in their life, like at camp.”

treasure chests and nets. With all the

Richie Reid

props filling the stage and surrounding

Program Director, Junior & Teen Camp

areas, you feel as though a burst of salty water will splash upon your face at any moment. It’s the perfect setting for the

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band and speakers, Bernard Deojee (junior camp) and Eddie Hypolite (teen camp), to bring campers, counsellors and staff in touch with God.

After spending time at

Crosslands, it’s evident that this place has a special way of taking hold of the hearts of all who visit. John Wells, Associate

Youth Director expresses he was impressed by the “commitment of the staff to the ministry of their work. They were not afraid to share Jesus.” And “it’s all about being anchored to Jesus Christ,”

“I volunteer because I remember how much I loved camp when I was a camper.”

Jessica Laws, Band Member, Junior Camp “I like camp because you build friendships not only with other staff members but with the kids.”

Louise Gersbach, Counsellor, Junior Camp

says Cheonneth. “We’re having lots of fun, meeting new friends and more importantly, meeting Jesus Christ and becoming friends with Him.”•

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 5

{church news}

is God’s special day had grown stronger, therefore the message was much clearer

When category-five Super-Typhoon

to him. The pastor decided he could no

Haiyan hit the Philippines on 8 November

longer ignore what he felt in his heart. As

2013, local communities were already

a result, he has changed his job and no

reeling from the damages of the 7.2

longer has to work on Saturdays.

intensity earthquake that had hit the country just one month earlier. Several

Sometimes evangelism is seen as

Attendees Excited by Biblical Truths Similarly, many of the people who

happening at specific moments in time,

attended Norfolk Island SDA Church’s

however, experiences at Norfolk Island

prophecy seminar three years ago during

SDA Church are proving that God’s

the time Pr. John O’Malley was leading

movement happens continuously. Over

the church, have attended the church’s

the past three years, several evangelistic

most recent evangelistic programs —

efforts have taken place at the church.

“The Last Empire” and Geoff Youlden’s

Three years ago, the church hosted a

series. It is evident that the attendees are

prophecy seminar. Then, in 2013, the

drawn to the loving church members,

church hosted “The Last Empire.” This

the powerful music and the message.

planned a fundraiser to help many of

was followed by an evangelistic series by

Many have said they are very excited

the hardest hit. In one evening of fine

Pastor Geoff Youlden in December 2013.

about the things they are learning from

food and entertainment, the Hoxton

Throughout these events, a core group of

the Bible, especially the message of the

Park Church raised $10,650.50. The

people have consistently attended.

great controversy between God and

money was distributed both to individual

The Holy Spirit Changes Hearts One pastor, a deeply committed

Satan. One attendee shared that this was

families, as well as to the Central Visayan

his first time hearing about this concept

Conference in Cebu City, Philippines.

and spiritual man from a different

and understanding it has helped him

Items, such as tarpaulins, sacks of rice,

denomination, has made a life-impacting

understand the world he lives in.

cans of sardines and packs of noodles,

change as a result of the information he’s

were purchased and supplied to families.

learned over the last three years. Drawn

New Church Leadership at Norfolk Pastor Mike Browning with his wife Ann

by the opportunity to discuss Christ, this

have been leading the Norfolk Island

throughout the province, each church was

pastor attended the church’s prophecy

SDA Church for the past year and are

given $500. Many children were also given

seminar in 2010, and although truth about

transitioning the church to Pastor Dion

packs to help with their educational needs.

the Sabbath was presented then, it wasn’t

Fourie. Pastor Dion is looking forward

These gifts of love were received with great

really clear to him. Even still, when the

to working full-time as a team with his

thankfulness, as expressed by Pastor Eliezer

opportunity to attend “The Last Empire”

wife Colleen and says, “I have watched

Joer T. Barlizo, president of the Central

series arose, he readily attended. However,

God do amazing things in people’s lives

Visayan Conference. The Hoxton Park

this time, something inside of him was

during 2013, and I am excited to become

Church praises God for allowing them to

different. With the passage of time, the

involved in the same way in the small

play a small part in the recovery of our

Understanding God’s Continuous Movement at Norfolk Island SDA Church

Holy Spirit’s conviction that the Sabbath

6

Hoxton Park Church Fundraises for Typhoon Haiyan Victims

Norfolk Island community.”•

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

members of the Hoxton Park Church

As several SDA churches were damaged

brothers and sisters in the Philippines. •

Sydney Central Korean Church Youth Fundraise for Typhoon Haiyan Victims

in the concert in some way, whether playing an instrument or helping with the organisation and fundraising.

When asked why they were

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How can my church find opportunities to share Jesus with people in our community?

what’s already happening in 1. Discover your community.

On Saturday, 14 December 2013, Sydney

compelled to get involved in raising money

Central Korean Church’s youth group

for ADRA’s appeal, Alex Kim said, “it

proved that there is power in music,

was important to do something for the

especially when played for a cause.

greater good. So many young people get

Impacted by the images of people suffering

excited about doing things outside of the

from the effects of Super Typhoon Haiyan

church. I think it’s important to realise

in the Philippines, the youth group was

how exciting church activities can be.”

determined to get involved in the relief

And this event in particular had special

efforts, so they organised a concert. “If we

meaning to the youth of Sydney Central

were athletes, we would have probably had

Korean Church as the Philippines are close

a sporting event, however, we have many

in proximity to South Korea and close to

musicians at our church,” said Alex Kim,

their hearts as many Korean youth opt to

one of five musicians who performed at

go to the Philippines to do mission service.

the concert.

approximately $2,200 was raised and

While organising, the group

Through the group’s efforts,

decided they needed a grand piano, and

donated to ADRA’s Philippines appeal.

thankfully, Chatswood SDA Church

Because of the event’s success, the group is

welcomed them warmly. Approximately

planning to host a similar event for Easter,

100 people gathered to hear Jennifer Lee

allowing this very active group to continue

on piano, Esther Lee on violin, Jessica Park on violin, Alex Kim on cello and Aram Choi on violin. Interestingly, Aram flew into town from Korea two days before the concert to support the group’s efforts.

Though five musicians participated, all of the music — hymns arranged in a

its outreach to the community. •

Visit our website at http://gscadventist.org.au for videos of the musicians performing at the Sydney Korean Church Fundraiser Concert

who the significant community 2. Discover groups are in your neighbourhood the issues that are important 3. Learn to your neighbourhood. This can be discovered by getting involved in the neighbourhood and connecting with community leaders. a list of some of the current events 4. Make locally, regionally and nationally that you and your church can take a lead on. the local events you can take 5. Discover part in and leverage for ministry. importantly, go where the people 6. Most are who you want to meet.

Craig Vanas Director of Children’s Ministry Visit http://gscadventist.org.au for a video message with Craig Vanas, Director of Children’s Ministry on finding opportunities to share Jesus with people in your community

classical style — was played by various trio combinations. All within Sydney Central Korean Church’s youth group participated www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 7

Friendship: A Powerful Tool for Ministry Having lived at 14 addresses in 32 years

local churches to assess their individual

of marriage, Beryl Landers, Greater

neighbourhoods and develop programs

Our vision for Soul Sisters is that we be

Sydney Conference’s (GSC) Director

and outreach ideas that meet local needs.

a Christ-centred community of women,

of Adventist Women believes God has

And the ideas that are being developed

committed to developing a culture of

always provided women for her to walk

show that ministry comes in all different

mission and nurturing spiritual growth.

with. That’s the essence of the ministry of

shapes, sizes and packages.

We gather three to four times a year at

Adventist Women (AW): friendship. “The goal of Adventist Women is to see every

our Worship Nights, hosted at Kellyville

Talent at Wetherill Park Spanish Church

Adventist Church. Also, we have been

church woman find her place in ministry.

“I believe in Adventist Women because it

involved in building relationships

Adventist Women has become a mobilising

encourages women to participate and to

with local community charities, most

agency for that.”

discover their talents for the church, for

recently with Foster Care Angels.

Endless Opportunities for Ministry With 87 churches throughout the city

their family and for the community. The

www.facebook.com/kellyvillesoulsisters.”

ministry has made a difference because

-Bec Reid Be the Change with Parramatta

now, I can see that there are more women participating in

In the last four years Adventist Women

my church than before.

(AW) has shifted to be more outward

than inward focused. As a result, we have

This year we hosted a

high tea; the theme was “Unity

been more intentional about reaching our

in Diversity.” There were over

community, and ministry has become

100 ladies in attendance,

much more rewarding. By partnering with

including 20 visitors. The

existing community agencies, we have

event gave us an opportunity to

given Adventist Women a presence in our

get to know the visitors, both

local area.

at the event and afterwards.

The money raised from the

packs to homeless women at Wesley

event went to pay for the

Mission and non-perishable food items

event’s expenses as well as to

to Parramatta Mission’s Women’s Refuge

make a donation to ADRA.

for victims of domestic violence. We also

Throughout the year, we also

made blankets for the homeless during our

visited and assisted the elderly, single mothers and people in need.”

“Wrap with Love” event. We hosted “Girl’s

-Areli Arevalo Kellyville Adventist Church Has Soul

8

This year, we provided pamper

Night In,” a Caribbean Cruise themed event that raised $2,000 for ADRA. Our annual Mums and Daughters High Tea was a fun activity where we were able

“Soul Sisters was established in 2012 at

to attract and meet many women who

and its surrounding regions, GSC has

Kellyville Adventist Church. It is inclusive

are not members of the church. For

diversity in age, culture and interests so

to girls/ladies/women of all ages, all

the creative among us, we host a weekly

the opportunity for unique ministries

backgrounds, churched (no matter where)

gathering that attracts 70-80 community

is endless. Adventist Women equips

or unchurched, from all walks of life.

women for a morning of craft activities

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

{adventist women} and morning tea. This event gives us a chance to interact with our neighbours.

Our mission and purpose is to “Be the

become involved as one passionate women

Change!”

in a family (I felt) was enough! It wasn’t

-Ronalda Hoffman

AW’s ministry that is) and recruited them to be part of my team. God needs each of us to fulfil the role He has designated us

Fairfield Church Creating Strong Bonds

my desire to be a leader of AW as I had

Adventist Women is important in Fairfield

years about women versus men and the

Church; we are the glue that holds our

eternal debate about women’s roles in the

-Liz Bougaardt Experience Adventist Women Beryl shares Adventist Women “is not all

church together. We serve throughout

church. I also felt very strongly that God

about doilies and crocheting. It involves

our weekly Sabbath programs; provide

created us (men and women) equal and

relevant activities that change people’s

hospitality, refreshments and friendships

that we contributed to the church equally.

lives. It gives us the opportunity to invite

throughout the church and community;

Meanwhile I was invited to and attended a

non-believers to church activities without

received so many bad vibes over the past

to accomplish while we are here on earth.

nourish our neighbours with food packages; create luncheon and food hampers as a "Thank You" to our local Command Police for the services they provide throughout our community; have regular prayer breakfasts on Sunday mornings and nurture our families and extended families within the church and community. This is why Adventist Women is important, and it is working with patience, labour and love. At Fairfield, I believe it will grow from strength to strength in 2014 as we continuously focus on Jesus Christ.

-Tana Tuake Adventist Women at Castle Hill Church

few programs organised by the AW’s leader at Parramatta church and the 2013 Breathe Conference. What a breath of fresh air

I was in a real quandary; it was 2013 and

they both were! I thoroughly enjoyed

we still did not have a functional Adventist

the uplifting programs provided, the

Women’s (AW) department at Castle Hill

fellowship of other inspirational women

Church. Having a sister-in-law who was so

and the prayer ministry throughout the

feeling the intimidation we sometimes

passionate about her role as women’s leader

weekend inspired me to become involved.

feel to invite people to church. Adventist

of Parramatta church did not help, in fact

I spoke to three of the most negative

Women provides a platform for women to

I felt more determined than ever not to

women in our church, (negative about

do something significant.” •

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 9

Encouraging a Heart for Service fundraising events such as the Biggest Morning Tea and also raising funds for the Middle School (Years 5 – 8) Two Year 7 students requested permission from the College to raise money for the

Service: Integral Part of Education at Hills Adventist College

RSPCA. Through their efforts, they raised more than $400 and presented a large cheque to the RSPCA.

An integral part of the educational

Senior School (Years 9 – 12) Inspired by a chapel presentation given by

program at Hills Adventist College, and

representatives from the A21 campaign,

indeed of Adventist Education, is instilling

two Year 10 students had a burden to help

a heart for service

in our students.

10

victims of bushfires.

As a church, we can have

confidence in the work being done by Adventist Education for our young people.

These ‘Gen Y’ youth are counter-cultural – they are willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and we thank God for their passion and heart for helping others. Please continue to pray for Adventist Education and the students in our schools. •

Ralph Luchow, Principal, Hills Adventist College

Wahroonga Student Makes Selfless Gesture on 10th Birthday

As an authentic Christian educational

stop human trafficking so they organised

institution, we acknowledge the need

a Sunday fun run and raised over $1,000.

to imitate and emulate the example of

The students plan to make this an

Jesus Christ, who came to serve rather

annual event and include the broader

Shea Standish, student at Wahroonga

than to be served. It is encouraging to

community.

Adventist School, has revealed her heart

see our students willingly participate in

for service by asking party guests at her

service to others. Even more rewarding is

fundraise and give up part of their school

10th birthday party to make a donation to

seeing them initiate service opportunities

holidays to assist a sister school in the

help people with cancer instead of bringing

themselves. Here are highlights from the

Solomon Islands. Instead of attending

gifts. Shea raised $150, which she donated

past year.

Schoolies Week, many students would like

to the Sydney Adventist Hospital's new

Junior School (K – Year 4) In addition to raising thousands of dollars

to continue serving the following year,

Integrated Cancer Centre. Barbara Ward,

after completing HSC examinations.

managing director of the San Foundation,

for the Heart Foundation, in 2013,

the hospital's charity arm, was impressed

students raised over $2,000 for those

Student Representative Committee The Student Representative Committee

affected by the typhoon in the Philippines.

has been involved in many other

wonderful gesture for someone so young

Each year, Year 11 students

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

by Shea's generosity. "I think it's such a

Mountain View Students Raise $55,000 for Fiji Project

to do something like this and for her to

students, and for his beautiful manners.

be thinking of other people," Ms Ward

Kathleen Obcemane (Year 5) received her

For the past several years, Year 11 students,

said. "It has just inspired me to no end to

award for excellent effort and academic

staff and parents from Mountain View

keep going to meet our goal to make this

achievement in the Arts, as well as for

Adventist College have harnessed their

dream a reality." Shea's father, James, is

displaying leadership across the school.

initiative, time, effort and money to

very proud of his daughter's act of service.

Victor Zhang (Year 4) received his award

complete annual overseas service trips.

"We live in a society that's very focused on

for excellent academic achievement.

possessions: houses, cars, clothes, all that

Ramola Jayaraj (Year 3) received her

raised $55,000 for Fiji—funds that

stuff. It's just nice to focus on others and

award for always being willing to help and

covered the basic travel/living expenses and

particularly people who are in tremendous

showing friendliness to others. Maryanne

the costs of materials and goods for the

need right here in our community." Shea

Ulavalu (Year 2) received her award for

projects, which included distributing 700

is very happy with the amount she raised

being friendly, showing initiative and

care packages to school children, hospital

and hopes to inspire others to donate to

encouraging everyone. Krystal Ross

patients and prisoners; repainting Naqia

the centre. •

In 2013, their combined efforts

Adventist Primary School and presenting a Kid’s Club program at the Rubian village

Source: Hornsby Advocate

of Savutalele.

Hurstville Students Win Parliamentarian Award

“These service trips are a life-changing experience for our students,” said Ms (Year 1) received her award for improved

Sherrill Robinson, a teacher at the

Six students from Hurstville Adventist

achievements in Mathematics and

College and one of the trip coordinators.

School received Commonwealth

leadership amongst her peers. Jerry Yu

“Confronted with the realities of life in

Parliamentarian's Merit Awards for

(Kindergarten) received his award for

another country, the teens quickly shift

displaying outstanding achievement in

working diligently and showing excellent

their focus off themselves and on to

areas of citizenship, academic achievement,

improvement throughout the year.

meeting the needs of those around them.

community involvement or leadership.

The Federal Member for Banks,

They do physical labour, sleep on the floor,

In addition, Year 6 student Anson

the Honourable David Coleman, visited

take cold showers and eat local foods. And

Cheung received the Commonwealth

the school on 6 December to present the

without exception, they return with a more

Parliamentarian's Distinguished

students with their awards. Each of the

mature outlook and a new appreciation for

Achievement Award for exceptional

students received a full-size Australian flag,

their own life circumstances. It’s wonderful

growth in leadership skills, being a model

a copy of the constitution and a framed

to see the positive changes and spiritual

student and excellent example to other

certificate. Anson also received $50. •

growth in these young people.” •

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 11

North

{pastoral appointments 2014} Northwest

Conference Wide

South/Southwest West Central

12

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

Mark Baines

Dion Fourie

Allen Bierschbach

Senior Pastor

Pastor

Pastor

Fox Valley SDA Community Church

Norfolk Island SDA Church

Ryde SDA Church

After working in Employment

Dion Fourie, newly appointed pastor at

Allen Bierschbach, Ryde Church’s newly

Promotions for the South Pacific Division

Norfolk Island SDA Church, says he’s

appointed pastor, expressed his happiness

for the last three years, Mark Baines

looking forward to working full time as a

to be working in the role as pastor of the

joins Greater Sydney Conference as the

team with Colleen, his wife of 38 years.

Ryde Church because he is “excited about

Senior Pastor at Fox Valley Seventh-

He says he has “watched God do amazing

the many opportunities to reach people in

day Adventist Community Church. A

things in people’s lives during 2013,”

Ryde, and other areas, with the gospel.”

graduate of Avondale College, with a BA

and he is excited to become involved

Currently in the last year of his Bachelors

in Theology and a BTch (Secondary), he

in the same way in the small Norfolk

of Ministry and Theology from Avondale

has a broad range of work experiences

Island community. Pastor Dion brings

College, Allen has worked as a Bible

that include being a pastor, youth pastor,

a wealth of experience to the role, with a

worker for the Michigan Conference, USA

school chaplain, teacher, photographer

Bachelor of Theology degree, a Bachelor

and for the Greater Sydney Conference.

and marketer. Mark’s interests include

of Science in Mechanical Engineering,

Allen has “a great passion for the work”

spending time with his wife and bub,

and a Diploma of Higher Education. He

and believes that “GSC is a great

travelling, learning, golfing, reading,

has extensive teaching experience and is

conference to work for, and Sydney is a

laughing, basketball, soulful gospel music

looking forward to finally getting into

great place to live and work.” Allen and

and eating dessert first. His interests also

full-time ministry. Pastor Dion has two

Wanda, his wife of two and a half years,

include people who’ve left the church and

adult married sons, Dean, who is married

have a five-month old son named Joseph.

Jesus. Mark and his wife Terese are the

to Kristy and Shaun, who is married to

proud parents to Kynan, who just turned

Lelane. He also has two grandchildren,

one. Mark looks forward to seeing

Ella (5) and Noah (5 months).

things happen in his life, the lives of his members and in the lives of community members that can only be attributed to God’s power!

{greater sydney conference’s new team members} www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 13

SERVICE

IN ACTION

“Serving others is one of my passions. At the end of last year, my Year 11 class went on a service trip to the Solomon Islands.

Landry Patii

Sven Östring

Asst. Pastor, Church in the Fields

Director, Personal Ministries,

Chaplain, Macarthur Adventist School

Sabbath School, Stewardship, GSC

Three plane flights and one boat trip later, we arrived at Kukudu Adventist College, where we stayed for eight days. We worked together as a class to paint their entire

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chapel, install lights and fit tiles on their

Taaroarii Landry Patii, best known

Sven Östring has felt a tremendous and

bathroom walls. We were able to spend

as Landry, graduated from Avondale

growing call to follow Jesus since his

time with the school kids and help them

College with a Bachelor of Ministry/

early years. Now, this calling has brought

complete their afternoon chores so that

Theology. Born in his home country of

him to the Greater Sydney Conference,

they could eat dinner that night. Seeing

Tahiti (French Polynesia), Landry grew up

where he will assume the role of Director

firsthand the conditions they live in opened

spearfishing and hunting with his uncles,

of Personal Ministries, Sabbath School

my eyes and helped me recognise how

until he moved to Australia in response

and Stewardship (with a focus on

blessed I am.

to God’s call to ministry. Landry joins

Discipleship). Sven holds a Bachelor

the Greater Sydney Conference as the

of Engineering (Electrical), Doctor of

A few weeks ago, I took the opportunity to

Assistant Pastor of Church in the Fields

Philosophy (Computer Networking) and

be a counsellor at Junior Summer Camp, an

(CITF) as well as the School Chaplain

Graduate Diploma of Theology. Sven

annual event held by the Greater Sydney

of Macarthur Adventist School. Landry

says, “Jesus gave me a personal vision

Conference at Crosslands. I was responsible

states that he’s “honoured to be working

of joining and growing His discipleship

for a group of twelve-year-old girls, with

for the GSC and proud to champion the

movement when I was doing my PhD

whom I also shared a cabin. I participated in

vision which it upholds. I already love

in New Zealand. Consequently, it is

activities and grew a friendship with them,

the CITF family and can say they live

an incredible privilege to be joining the

but more importantly, I spoke to them

up to the reputation for being extremely

team in the Greater Sydney Conference

about God during worship.

friendly and accepting. I love their

with a specific focus on growing Jesus'

passion to serve, and I’m looking forward

discipleship movement in an amazing,

is an amazing opportunity to share God's

to the journey ahead with the church,

multicultural city like Sydney.” Most

unconditional love with others and be the

school and GSC. I love working with

recently, he served as the Director of

hands and feet of Jesus.”

people and seeing them grow and change

Leadership Development, Church

in Christ.” Landry’s wife Courtney

Planting and Sabbath School for the

Jessica Shipton

Grace Patii (nee Thompson) is currently

WA Conference. He is joined by his

Hills Adventist College,Year 12

finishing her final year of honours in

wife Marilyn Daniela (nee Cvejin) and

Psychology.

children, Samuela (3) and Nathanael (1).

But I don’t just serve overseas.

I truly believe that volunteering

January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

Sunset Times 31 Jan

8:01pm

01 Feb

8:01pm

07 Feb

7:56pm

08 Feb

7:55pm

14 Feb

7:49pm

15 Feb

7:48pm

21 Feb

7:42pm

22 Feb

7:41pm

28 Feb

7:33pm

01 Mar

7:32pm

07 Mar

7:24pm

08 Mar

7:23pm

14 Mar

7:15pm

15 Mar

7:14pm

21 Mar

7:06pm

22 Mar

7:05pm

Visit www.gscadventist.org.au for a full calendar

David Cherry

Rachel Lemons Aitken

Associate Pastor

Communications &

Waitara SDA Church

PR Coordinator, GSC

Conference Dates February 2

First Aid Training

8

Discipleship / Sabbath School Teachers Leaders

14-16

Kids Reach

14-16

Adventist Health Professionals Conference

15

Master Guide Training

18

Elders Training

22

Family Ministries Resource Day

22-23

CHIP Facilitator Training

David Cherry, recently appointed

Originally from Chicago, IL, USA, Rachel

Associate Pastor of Waitara SDA Church

Lemons Aitken has made Australia home

is passionate about sharing the difference

since marrying her husband, Peter Aitken.

Jesus has made in his life with others.

Prior to this, she served as the Deputy

A graduate of Avondale College, with

Director of the Office of Communications

Bachelor of Education and a Graduate

at Middle East (Adventist) University in

Diploma in Ministry and Theology, David

Beirut, Lebanon, a place she felt led by

has worked as a teacher for the Seventh-

God to go to through Adventist Volunteer

day Adventist school system for over

Services. She pursued the opportunity

ten years and also as a volunteer pastor/

while working for a financial services

chaplain in Northern Australia. As he

company in the United States. A graduate

begins this new phase of his life, David

of Oakwood University, Rachel holds a

is joined by Amy, his wife of seven years.

B.S. in Finance, a B.A. in International

He says, “I am excited about growing

Studies and a Masters in Accounting, from

closer to Jesus with my church family and

the University of Virginia. In speaking of

supporting them in sharing Jesus with our

her new position, Rachel says, “I know

local community.” When not involved in

that I’m happiest when I’m following God,

church work, David says he has “already

and I’ve learned to follow Him, wherever

February

enjoyed discovering the many national

He leads me. As a result, He’s taken me on

1

Local

parks and beaches that Sydney has to

some pretty amazing adventures, and I’m

8

Education (Mountain View Adventist College)

offer.”

excited to continue following Him. I’m

15

Local

very enthusiastic about my new position

22

South Pacific Record

March 1

Catalyst Youth Leadership Training

8

World Day of Prayer

8

Adventist Women City Prayer Walk

15

Global Youth Day

16-22

Youth Week of Prayer

21-22

Marriage Enrichment Weekend

22

Youth Rally

Offerings

and the promise that it holds. The people at GSC are great to work with!” Rachel is the author of Fish Food, Review & Herald’s Young Adult Devotional for 2013.

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2014 15

C E L E B R AT I N G

ADVENTIST AVIATION JUBILEE Saturday 1 March, 2014

at Avondale Memorial Church 586 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong

Sabbath Program

9:00am - Sabbath School, Dr Leigh Rice 10:45am - Church, Dr Barry Oliver followed by Potluck Lunch 2:30pm -“The Best of 50 Years of AAA” 6:30pm - Dinner “Refuelling on the Runway” * For full weekend program go to aviationnnsw.adventist.org.au

For more information: aviationnnsw.adventist.org.au | facebook.com/AAAnnsw

See what Adventist Education can do for your child.

Record enrolments in 2013/14!

Phone (02) 9868 6522

to book a personal tour of any school with the Principal. We have six schools across Sydney. www.greatersydney.adventist.edu.au

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January - February 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au