May - June 2019 IntraSyd

MAGAZINE

intrasyd MAY - JUNE 2019

2019 GSC

PRAYER RETREAT Pages 18-19

Greater Sydney

Features: IGNITING PRAYER 2019 & MINISTRY IN ACTION @ WAITARA

FROM THE PRESIDENT Terry Johnson

PRESIDENT Terry Johnson terryjohnson@adventist.org.au

Editor Joyce Taylor joycetaylor@adventist.org.au

Graphic Designer Lynda G. Abreu lyndagomes@adventist.org.au

Other Contributors Clare Armstrong Esther Chang Elder Pavel Goia Ethan Robinson-Jones Katrina Jorgensen (Graphics) Daniel Lavaiamat Lauren Bongard- Schwarz María José Díaz Villarroel

Next content deadline 28 JUN bit.ly/intraSYD

I have two stories to share about Church community engagement, which I hope will encourage you to be involved or develop your own personal ministry at your local church.

A few months ago one of the amazing Northern Beaches young people, Lilly, who had a passion for sewing wanted to do something with her skill to help others that were going through tough times. She found out that women who have breast cancer need special pillows that provide support for them after surgery. She started making pillows to donate.

A few ladies from her church found out about this and wanted to support. They created a small group who began gathering together once a fortnight at church to volunteer their time, money and passion for sewing. From this, the "Heart 2 Heart" ministry was created.

When they went to their local Manly hospital to donate the pillows, the staff were amazed by how great the pillows were and that there was genuine love and a desire to help cancer survivors through this ministry. They contacted the McGrath Foundation, representatives of the Hospital, who immediately started talking about how great this was.

Recently, the women of “Heart 2 Heart", along with Associate Pastor Josh Gonzalez, attended a photoshoot and interview organised by the RNS Hospital Communications Director who is going to put their story in the Manly Daily as well as other newspapers in the Northern Beaches area because they are just awed at how our small church group is helping so many women. The Hospital and the McGrath Foundation are going to help roll out this ministry first to all the Hospitals in the North/Northern Beaches area of Sydney and then statewide with the plan to hopefully one day go nationwide! And it all began with one young person's desire to use their passion to help others!

Thank you, Lilly and team, for being the hands and feet of God. Our second story involves over 1000 children admitted to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (Sydney) due to crisis or abuse.

The project is the “Just For You” (JFY) bags being given to boys and girls aged up to 15 years who find themselves in distressing circumstances. Each bag contains comfort items (a blanket, age and gender appropriate toys, colouring/ activity books, pens and pencils and personal toiletries (toothbrushes/toothpaste, soap and face wash, shampoo and a comb or hairbrush).

JFY bags is an ADRA project supported and run by volunteers from our Blacktown and Penrith churches. Their project coordinator is Noelene Mackintosh who is about the nicest person in the world! As Noelene explains, “seven volunteers are directly concerned with the project, each with their varying roles—making the bags, purchasing items, fundraising, packing and delivering the bags. We do not have direct contact with the children for privacy reasons, but since 2007 we have distributed 1000 bags—this means that 1000 hurting kids have had the joy of knowing that someone out there really cares.”

These stories involve dedicated Seventh-day Adventists who cared. They weren’t looking for fame or affirmation, but simply wanted hurting people to know that God cares.

Be the hands and feet of the kingdom in community engagement from your church. If you can’t physically participate then consider how you can donate funds for the initiatives that do and know that you can pray for these ministries daily.

Matthew 25:35-40: "For the least of these…"

Terry Johnson

@ SydneyAdventists

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

1

ISSUE FEATURE

ADDRESS Shannon Bldg,185 Fox Valley Rd Wahroonga NSW 2076 PHONE +61 (02) 9868 6522 EMAIL sydney@adventist.org.au

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Paid in Full

Pavel Goia recounts an instance in his life when he was tasked with completing three months of construction work on a multistory building in just a few weeks and how he navigated the situations that followed. There's a lesson in here for all of us... Page 16 ARTICLE

JUNE 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Save the Date

June is Stewardship Month 15 / IMAGINE+BROTHERHOOD 16 / Map & Compass 29 / Adventurer Training 05-07 JUL / Digital Discipleship Conf 06 JUL / Young Adult Rally Get the 2019 cal at bit.ly/GSC2018cal NEWS

Ministry in Action: Waitara

Forty-one enthusiastic volunteers from Waitara Church conducted their eighth successful Health Expo in Hornsby Shopping Centre Mall with support from council on. Page 11

ARTICLE

2019 Calendar Features

Meet the May-June features!

Want to be in the 2020 calendar or create art for it? Have someone to nominate? Write to us at sydney@ adventist.org.au. Page 15

NEWS

Prayer Retreat 2019

Pastor Pavel Goia's four-part advice for experiencing the true power of Jesus. Also, preparations for the 2020 Prayer Retreat are underway. Visit us online at sydney.adventist.org.au for more. Page 18

INTRASYD

Bullying, No way!

Bullying can have a negative impact on students’ academic performance, self-esteem/coping skills, and can increase anxiety and unhappiness.

Here's what one of our schools is doing about it. Page 12

OCTOBER

2018

3

EDITORIALS General Secretary

Adrian Raethel FROM THE CHURCH LTD BOARD

• The board was informed that Michael Worker, General Secretary of the Australian Union Conference, on behalf of the Adventist Church, made a presentation earlier this year to the Senate subcommittee reviewing the proposed amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act, along with presentations and testimonies from Christian Schools Australia (also representing Adventist schools), the Australian Christian Lobby, and other like-minded organisations. In another move, the federal government has referred the Ruddock Report on religious freedom to the Australian Law Reform Association.

• The General Conference has developed a digital media platform call ARTVnow (Adventist Review TV): ARTVnow.com.

Chief Financial Officer

Eva Ing I am pleased to advise that our church, conference, and school entities have finalised their financial statements for 2018, all receiving unqualified audit opinions. In other words, that our financial records are produced to a high standard that auditors are satisfied show a true view of our financial position.

HOW DID WE DO IN 2018? We have some outstanding

results tempered with some areas that we need to keep an eye on. First the good news: 1. Our schools go from strength to strength. We achieved a record surplus of $3.73M, with five out of six schools contributing to this result. This demonstrates that our schools are managed consistently across the board. At the same time, we’ve also improved and upgraded our schools’ IT infrastructure, resulting in better

The AUC is in the process of developing an Australian-based digital platform called Waymaker. Details will be announced shortly.

• Funding applications have been made to the SPD for three Mission to the Cities Tier 1 projects: the volunteer pastor program, intergenerational church growth, and a Sydney University project.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• The statistical report for 2018 shows that there were 173 baptisms and professions of faith across the conference. The membership as of 31 December was 9,654.

• The Mount Druitt church received a grant towards the cost of repairs and maintenance, including carpet replacement and ceiling and kitchen repairs. It also has plans to construct a new community room on site.

• The Wetherill Park Spanish church received a grant towards the extensive repairs and maintenance currently being carried out, including the bathrooms, youth hall, Sabbath School rooms, and entrance way.

• The Ingleburn Adventist Lighthouse and Bondi groups have been granted provisional group status. The Ingleburn church plant is a multicultural group, while the Bondi church plant will reach out to the Brazilian community in the area.

communications, and installed solar panels across all schools.

2. We’re taking a break from construction for at least the next two years. Over the past five years our schools have endured the challenges of operating in a changing environment with new buildings, classrooms and facilities being constructed on four of our campuses. With record enrolments in nearly every school, these changes were necessary to cope with student demand. Presently our students number 2,840 compared to less than 2,000 six years ago. Minor works will still continue during this break, all internally funded.

3. Conference tithe for was in excess of $15.3M. This represented a growth of 9% over the previous year. We also acknowledge the faithfulness of our members. God has truly blessed us.

AREAS WE NEED TO KEEP AN EYE ON:

1. We’ve recorded a deficit of $2.1M in our conference. The deficit is due to non-cash expenses, such as depreciation. Our cash levels remain steady.

2. Our aged care is reaching an important stage in development at Kings Langley, where we are building a 45-bed facility for dementia, palliative, and respite residents, as well as 21 additional independent living units.

3. Our conference office redevelopment has been affected by the downturn in apartment sales in Epping.

As I reflect on 2018 and consider our future challenges, I’m reminded of a quote from Ellen G. White: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has lead us, and His teaching in our past history” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 162.3).

ADRA Needs You

By Malcolm Rea Our GSC contribution to ADRA Australia has been dropping, down from about $155,000 three years to about $120,000 two years ago then about $85k last year. There is great need in Sydney. We must turn this trend around.

As the end of the financial year approaches please think of supporting the work of ADRA. Tax deductibility for PAYE employees makes the ATO a partner of giving.

Among the many things that I have learned about ADRA is the fact that so much is done with so little. The commitment of staff who work well beyond the call of duty and put a great deal of heart and soul into relationships delivers tremendous results. And so much more is achieved because the willing hands of ADRA’s wonderful volunteers who contribute so much to our projects and community centers.

Here in Sydney our community centres at Blacktown and Macquarie Fields are heavily indebted to our volunteers. Other projects like the Community English and Support Program at Auburn, community gardens and food pantries, and “Just for You” gift bags for children that have been hospitalised because of abuse are produced and operated completely by volunteers. We currently need volunteers to help with reception and housing. We urgently need receptionists at Blacktown and a housing officer at Auburn. Both are very close to railway stations and training is available for these roles.

If you feel called to volunteer please contact Malcolm Rea on 0401 63 1584.

However, if, because of employment commitments, you do not have time to volunteer, please consider partnering with the ATO with an end of financial year (EOFY) donation.

Get involved: www.adra.org.au/engage.

LOCAL NEWS

Hymnfest

On Tuesday, 19 March the Hurstville Seventh-day Adventist Church opened its doors to the community to provide comfort in wake of the events that occurred in Christchurch, Aotearoa. Although the Facebook invitation was created the day

Join us for an evening of uplifting music celebrating the Christian faith and enjoy singing some of your favourite hymns alongside a grand orchestra, choir and guest vocalists, directed by Benjamin Milis.

before, our local papers and Daily Tele-

This free concert is sure to be a highlight of your calendar, as we support Bible Society’s projects in Indigenous Ministry with guest speaker Dr Greg Clarke, CEO of Bible Society Australia.

placed ‘likes’, ‘loves’, and ‘wows’ to show

graph were gracious enough to place it in their relevant media platforms, and hundreds from around the world of all nations their support. Many advised that they were unable to make it but would offer their prayers and thoughts on the night.

A love offering will be taken on the night.

Saturday 15 June 2019 7:00pm -8:30pm

About a dozen from the community ac-

Wahroonga Seventh-day Adventist Church 183 Fox Valley Rd, Wahroonga

Director Lorraine Rogers, and the per-

cepted the invitation, and the program was led by Pastor Jimmie Cha, Prayer sonal ministries leader offering prayer (karakia), song (waiata), and comfort (awhi).

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T

he Bible Society is Australia's longest-living organisation. The organisation is committed to advocating for the Bible across the world. Its mission is to see all people engaged with the word of God. Please invite your friends, family and loved ones to this wonderful musical event! Come out support this ministry. More: www.biblesociety.org.au.

Have Have anything anything exciting exciting or or exextraordinary traordinary to to share? share? Email Email us us at at sydney@adventist.org.au. sydney@adventist.org.au.

For other events, visit: biblesociety.org.au/get-involved Or call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537)

01. HOW IS YOUR CHURCH DOING ONLINE? DIGITAL DISCIPLESHIP Think about your website, social media presence, engagement, and outreach integration into your overall church strategy. How would you rate your church’s online health? Just as we regularly check our health, we should also check our church’s digital health. Help is available. Visit bit.ly/DigitalHealthCheckup to get started!

02. HURSTVILLE CHURCH'S VIGIL FOR NEW ZEALAND

BY BUSTER TEARIKI

The feedback from the community was amazing, with one saying that “the whole program was beautiful,” and another saying, “I don’t believe in God, but something drew me to your church,” later saying that “on the way home” they “had so much peace”.

Those who came were from different parts of Aotearoa, including Paihia, Ngaruawahia, Hastings, Kawerau, and Auckland. It was wonderful that we were able to come together.

Our focus was to offer support and prayer to anyone who needed it, and the reaction was astounding. One attendee said that we “were the only church in the area that opened their doors to offer this support”. Please keep them in your prayers as we connect with them on a more personal level.

We are blessed as the personal ministries mission for 2019 is to “Spread the word to share the word”.

College to speak at the Youth Week of Prayer, which was tagged onto the end of the 30 days, resulting in 37 days of prayer. Three young men, Raymond Sione, Genesis Seuala, and Andre Agathos gave their lives through baptism. The youths’ theme of Staying Connected was an appropriate way to summarise the spiritual well being experienced through the 37 days of prayer.

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04. LEARNING CHRIST'S METHODS

BY DR PAUL RANKIN One of the founders of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ellen G White, stated that “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me'” (Ministry of Health, 143).

On the first weekend in February, a group of 14 members from around the

02

03. 37 DAYS OF PRAYER AT MT DRUITT SAMOAN

BY TOAI FAAETEETE

Church was open all day with pastors

As Ignite came to an end, the need was

members. An intergenerational ap-

clear to the leaders of the Mount Druitt

proach meant that all departments

Samoan Seventh-day Adventist Church

were involved in running the program.

to take on the challenge set by the

The youth created a prayer room in the

Greater Sydney Conference to invest

youth room that was made available

in the spiritual wellbeing of ourselves,

at all hours. A children’s corner in the

each other, our congregations, and our

church allowed children and mothers to

church through prayer (Sydney Adven-

participate in the prayer programs. The

tist Organisation, 2019). The opportuni-

spiritual temperature and attendance of

ty of coming together, worshiping God,

church members rose from day to day.

Asofitu Leatuavao and Brian Leuluai available to pray with and for church

and engaging in prayer for one another was an uplifting experience.

Youth leader Vaughn Vitale invited guest speaker Pr Nimrod Maua from Avondale

INTRASYD

conference began the journey of learning about Christ’s methods by participating in the first of four weekends to undertake the Certificate in Community Health Education Presenter Training (CHEP).

The training was delivered by Mrs Sibilla Johnson. Over a nine-month period, participants will learn the skills they need to run health programs in their local communities. The CHEP training was coordinated by Pastor Paul Rankin, Health Director for Greater Sydney Conference.

On Sabbath morning Paul and Sibilla Johnson had the privilege of attending Galston Seventh-day Adventist Church and meeting Cathy Hookham, who had been baptised the previous Sabbath as a result of completing the CHEP training in 2018.

JUNE

2019

7

Sweet potato gnocchi

Serves 6

Prep 50

Cook 10mins

03

04

INGREDIENTS 1.5kg sweet potato, peeled & cubed 4 cloves garlic 1 tbs oil 1 cup wholemeal plain flour 1 cup white plain flour 1/2 tsp salt

METHODS Toss sweet potato and garlic in oil and then arrange on oven tray. Bake in a moderate oven, 180oC, for 30 mins or until tender but not brown. Cool.

Place cooled sweet potato and garlic in a food processor and process until smooth.

Add pureed sweet potato, flours and salt to a medium bowl.

Mix well until it's a soft dough.

Divide dough into thirds. Roll each third into 2cm wide rolls on a floured surface. Cut each roll into 2cm lengths. Repeat until all dough is done.

Place cut gnocchi onto floured trays and indent with a fork.

Bring a medium size pot of water on to boil. When boiling gently add 10-15 pieces of gnocchi at a time. When all the pieces of gnocchi have risen to the surface this means they are cooked. Remove and drain.

Serve immediately with your favourite pasta sauce.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

CAPTIONS/CREDITS 01 A great opportunity for churches wanting to step up their digital game! Link: bit.ly/ DigitalHealthCheckup.

02 Hurstville Church Vigil for the Christchurch Massacre 03 Hurstville Church members prayer for those affected 04 Church praying for our young children 05 Pr Nimrod Maua w/baptismal candidates Andre Agathos, Raymond Sione & Genesis Seuala 06 2019 CHEP participants

www.adra.org.au/donate

INTRASYD

JUNE

2019

9

JOIN US FOR A

The SDA Mingle Tour Join us for one of the best cruises organised by

Allround travel centre.

Inside Cabin price from $2832* (2 adults) Inside Cabin price from $5160* (2 adults + 2 children) Outside Cabin from $3638* (2 adults) Cabin with Balcony from $5034* (2 adults) *Prices are for a Guaranteed Cabin allocated by Cruise Line within category. Includes port fees & taxes. Refund up to 150 days prior to departure.

Waitara Church: Health Expo 2019

By Esther Chang

FORTY-ONE ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS FROM WAITARA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH CONDUCTED OUR EIGHTH SUCCESSFUL HEALTH EXPO IN HORNSBY SHOPPING CENTRE MALL WITH SUPPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2019.

While volunteers were setting up the booths, a strong wind whistled down the mall, threatening to blow things away, but our prayers were answered as that subsided. Overall, 49 people went through the eight stations, less than in some previous expos when we had processed up to 80.

This gave us an opportunity to spend time with participants to develop relationships. The stations’ volunteers measured weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, lung function, and exercise tolerance, as well as gave healthy-lifestyle advice and literature.

Participants ended up at station number eight with one of our doctors, senior nurses, or a minister, depending on their needs. A survey on community needs was also undertaken to help plan relevant programs in the future.

near 200/110. If she had been in an emergency department, such a high level would prompt immediate treatment, as the risk of stroke or other complication is considerable. This lady was advised to see her general practitioner the next day to arrange for immediate investigation and treatment. We are praying that she did so.

A number of those who went through the program expressed an interest in follow-up health programs, which we are planning. Many took literature, and several expressed an interest in attending our church.

Our health team believes strongly in Jesus’ method of discipleship: seeking, helping, and inviting, in that order. Our Waitara prayer team members are integral part of the team, as are all those who are committed to Total Member Involvement.

We are planning two more expos this year and programs in between to follow up on interest shown by expo participants.

Please pray for us.

As usual, our interaction with those who went through the various health checks produced some interesting encounters. At our 2017 expo, a middle-aged man had shown high blood pressure and some worrying aspects of his lifestyle that prompted one of our doctors to advise him to seek a cardiologist’s opinion urgently. He did so the following week and was immediately admitted for several coronary stents to be placed. His cardiologist told him that he had been in imminent danger of sudden death. The man was so grateful that he sought us out the following year at the same expo site to thank us. Praise God! This time a similar circumstance arose when a middle-aged woman was seen with a blood pressure

INTRASYD

APRIL

2019

11

EDUCATION

BULLYING, NO WAY!

By Daniel Lavaiamat

Research shows that bullying can have a negative impact on students’ academic performance, self-esteem, and coping skills, and can increase anxiety and unhappiness. On Friday, 15 March at Sydney Adventist School Auburn, staff, students and parents got involved in raising awareness to make a positive change.

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is an opportunity to say, “Bullying, no way!”

Bullying can negatively influence how children view and feel about themselves. Teasing was the most prevalent of all bullying behaviours experienced by students, followed by having offensive lies told about them. The outcomes of ignoring bullying can give silent approval for bullying to continue and further traumatise those who are bullied. Those who bully others need support to learn more appropriate ways to behave and resolve conflict.

In a 2009 national study, approximately one in four Year 4 to Year 9 Australian students (27%) reported being bullied every few weeks.

Being bullied can result in a person feeling miserable

and powerless, so the response of those around that person can make a big difference.

Our vision statement is Nurture for Today, Learning for Tomorrow, Character for Eternity. This enables students to develop character traits for the future.

SASA TOOK A STAND TOGETHER AND ADDRESSED

BULLYING AS COMPLEX AND MULTIFACETED ISSUE THAT MANIFESTS IN DIFFERENT WAYS. STUDENTS

WERE ENCOURAGED TO LOOK AT THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPLORE THEIR UNDER-

STANDING OF ONLINE BULLYING THUS COMMUNICATING RESPONSIBLY.

How Schools Used NAPLAN to Help Students

By Clare Armstrong - The Daily Telegraph

Data-savvy schools are identifying kids falling ¬behind using internal assessments and NAPLAN results to intervene early.

Schools with a significant number of students with non-English speaking backgrounds have focused on the “language” of maths to help students improve.

Hurstville Adventist School principal Neva Taylor said the school ditched maths textbooks as a means of teaching numeracy after identifying a learning gap.

“When we looked at our NAPLAN results and data four years ago, it was obvious to us that numeracy was an area of concern,” she said.

Teachers prioritised focusing on the “language” of mathematics, a significant challenge for students as 97 per cent came from a non-English speaking background.

The targeted response paid off, with students in Year 5 recording a 139 point increase in numeracy scores in 2018 compared with when they were in Year 3.

NAPLAN data shows one in four of 268 schools identified nationally with “substantially above average gain” in 2018 results were from NSW. St Joseph’s School South Grafton principal Frank Jones said students’ gains—161 points in numeracy and 199 in reading—was off the back of a two-year improvement program.

Principal Melinda Sikora, who was appointed to the role in October, said she felt like she’d walked into a teaching leadership team with very clear goals to help students. “It’s so clear to see the commitment of staff, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and wellbeing,” she said.

Assistant Principal Bryce Walker said the boost in 2018 results coincided with a new school plan.

“We went into the year with a clear vision of what the needs of the kids were, using data analysis and making sure we were tailoring what we were doing for students,” Mr Walker said. “We have a school plan now that’s dynamic and flexible; if we see something needs to change we can actually do it.”

Not all schools that ¬recorded successes relied on long-term data however. Wagga Wagga Christian School principal Phillip Wilson said at his school about 25 per cent of students turn over each year due to the transient local Australian Defence Force population.

“Some of our students ¬arrive just six months before the test, so for us it’s the knowledge of the teachers in class that we can use to ¬intervene when students need more help,” he said.

The school’s Year 5 students increased in reading by 65 points in 2018 from 2016.

“We identified the issues in our previous NAPLAN data and undertook a school wide plan … bringing in expert teachers to allow our class teacher to focus on core maths and English,” Mr Jones said.

Glebe Public School was recognised for achieving “significant gains” in numeracy and reading.

Reprinted from:

Year 3 students¬ who completed NAPLAN in 2016 jumped by an average of 162 points in numeracy and 176 points in reading in Year 5 last year.

Originally published online at http://bit.ly/2vQrrCE.

INTRASYD

JUNE

2019

13

“Nathan Brown and his fellow travellers have delivered an interesting and inspiring account of their travels through the Holy Land. Their vivid writing style brings these places to life!”

—Dr Kayle de Waal, head, Avondale Seminary

From the rugged wilderness of Petra and the Dead Sea to the sparkling waters and lush valleys of Galilee, this is a story of re-discovering the stories of Jesus and the Bible, and how this journey changes and challenges us as we seek to follow Him as His disciples today.

www.FalafelsandFollowingJesus.com $24.95 #1505550 Available from Adventist bookstores

2019 CALENDAR FEATURES Illustrations by María José Díaz Villarroel

Mrs Ivy Maberly Elizabeth Lodge May | Aged Care Ministries “Throughout my interesting and often exciting life, my constant source of strength has been my spiritual journey. I have seen God's leading in everything--from being a missionary in the foothills of the Himalayas to leader of a ladies prayer fellowship, and even now as I walk around the magnificent gardens at Elizabeth Lodge.”

Shirley S. & Ralph W. Norfolk Island Church June | Stewardship Ministries Two members of the Norfolk Island Church recently retired from volunteer labour in the church after years of diligent service. Mrs Shirley Summerscales worked as Treasurer for an incredible 42 years, and only decided to end it when it became inevitable that computers would be involved. Mr Ralph Weslake, who turned 93 this year, was Church Clerk for 39 years, and handed over the reins to his son Ken. Ralph is still a very active Head Elder, another position he has held for a number of decades.

INTRASYD

JUNE

2019

15

Paid in Full

$$

by Pavel Goia

The multistory building we were working on had three months’ construction still left when the news broke. The president of Romania was coming to visit our city—in two months. I was in charge of the hundreds of windows. The engineer responsible for the whole project asked my team to work seven days a week, saying that even if we worked day and night, we could not finish it in time. In a public meeting he declared that, from now on, I would have to come to work every day of the week, even on my day of rest. I refused. I dug

in my heels; so did he. The engineer got so angry that he issued a threat: he would cut my salary and discipline me if I didn’t finish within one month. I determined that my team would attempt to meet the challenge—by working just five days a week!

I prayed continually and, working together, my team and I finished three months’ work in three weeks.

To God be the glory.

So, my salary for those three weeks was to be greater than the average salary for three months. When I went to pick up the check, it was 10 percent of what it should have been—no explanation. I enquired about it and the engineer intimated that I was docked pay for taking a day of rest. I tried to argue for a fair wage—the number of windows multiplied by the cost per window—I got nowhere. I asked for an audience with the CEO, the highest person in charge of construction in the coun-

I finished three months work in three weeks.

The amount of work done equaled that of more than three months.

ty. A meeting was scheduled for later that week, but the 8:00 a.m. appointment came with a warning: “If you are even a minute late, you will get no money.”

cannot see the CEO now—but not for the reason you think. A government official arrived unexpectedly last night, and the CEO has been locked in dialogue with him. Even if you had made it at 8:00 a.m., it would have been impossible for you to see him.” As I was about to leave the waiting area, the CEO came through the door. Noticing me, he hurriedly promised to research the salary situation, apologizing profusely that I had been made to wait so long. A week later I got a very nice check. It said, “Paid in full.”

$$

Long before that incident, I had stopped setting my alarm clock for prayer and studying the Word, claiming the promise, “ ‘He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned’ ” (Isa. 50:4)*. However, the night before the appointment, my cousin and I talked until after midnight, and I did not wake up until 7:50 a.m. I couldn’t believe it.

I couldn’t believe God had let me down like this. I got up, dressed hastily, and said a quick prayer.

My father, seeing me about to run out the door, asked, “Shouldn’t God come first?” His four words that followed forever imprinted themselves on my mind: “God and His Word.” At that moment, I chose to give up on the money and spend more than two hours in prayer and Bible study. It didn’t make sense, but after my worship I decided to still go to the appointment. What followed was incredible.

I approached the secretary. She looked at her watch and said, “You

three hours [of the day] in prayer.”

God and His Word ought to be a platform upon which pastors declare like Luther, “Here I stand, I can do no other.”

Hold on, pastor, because Matthew 6:33 is still true: “ ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’” Begin the year right, and one day we will hear, “‘“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”’” (Matt.

25:23). Or—in other words— “Paid in full.”

'I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours of the day in prayer.'

Martin Luther

Jesus’ high priestly prayer included this amazing declaration: “ ‘I have glorified You on the earth.

I have finished the work which You have given Me to do’ ” (John 17:4). Quality time for prayer and Bible study was important for me in finishing a building. As I finish the work God has now given me, should my time spent in prayer with Him and Bible study about Him be any less important?

Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first

* All Scripture in this article is quoted from the New King James Version.

“Paid in full” by Pavel Goia published in the January 2019 issue of Ministry. This article first appeared in the January 2019 issue of Ministry,® International Journal for Pastors, www.MinistryMagazine.org. Used by permission.

Read and discuss online at www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2019/01/paid.

One Miracle After Another $28.95

The power of God in one man's life

BY Greg Budd Pavel Goia knew when he was 5 years old that God had called him to speak for Him. Yet by the time Pavel reached his teens, having a good time with friends was far more important to him than his family’s religion. And communist Romania wasn’t exactly friendly to Christians.

But God got his attention one fateful night, and his life took that proverbial U-turn. Pavel made a covenant with God, and his dedication to that covenant was tested almost immediately. But he stayed true, and miracle after miracle followed in behalf of this one young man who trusted every aspect of his life completely to God. Purchase link: bit.ly/MiracleAfterAnother

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PRAYER RETREAT To truly experience the power of God, simply do this: Talk to God daily, obey what He commands and trust for His will to be done. Of his sermons and personal testimonies, these were the key points Pr Pavel Goia, guest speaker at the “Igniting Prayer” event wanted ingrained in all who attended.

“God’s plans are crazy. Look at Noah and the ark, the cleansing of Naaman’s leprosy in the dirty Jordan River and the destruction of Jericho by marching soldiers and sounding horns. It is no use trying to make sense of them because they more you try, the less likely you are to obey. Just obey him and let it work out as He intended it to.”

Above all, he says, start putting God’s honour before your own comfort.

In all things. “Only then will begin to know the true power of Jesus.”

PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2020 PRAYER RETREAT ARE UNDERWAY. DETAILS COMING SOON. PICS BY ETHAN ROBINSON-JONES.

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