ISSN 0819-5633

O C T O B E R 1 6 , 2 0 0 4

R E C O R DIn this issue

LE congress launches teen book

Hope Channel’sinternational feed

Sanitarium sellsWaterplus

Training leads tobeanies and baptisms

Aore, Vanuatu

A laywomen’s training program was held this year on the Vanuatu island of Aore. Normally runas a training program for men, this year was the women’s turn.Some 17 women spent four weeks in a section of an old hospital converted into

accommodation and a classroom. Theory sessions covered church organisation and mission,women’s ministries, Bible studies and practical ministries such as knitting, sewing, crochet,cooking and home care. Sabbath activities, Bible studies, prayer meetings, worships and specialservices such as Communion were all practised.

The theory was followed by a week of practical application conducted by the local leadership,with various presenters applying women’s ministries, health, church organisation, small villagebusiness and outreach to Vanuatu conditions. After the theory and practical training the womenwent back to their villages, selected a buddy with whom to share their learning and together putinto practice what had been learned.

On successful completion of their three-month program, they receive a graduation certificatefollowed by a continued supervised contact service for any help they may need in churchactivities in which they are involved.

Alice, one of the women taking part, had not yet been baptised, but during the Bible studiesevery morning she became more and more convicted and requested baptism before she wenthome. When the news of the baptism spread, three school students also requested baptism astheir Week of Prayer had just concluded and these students were also under conviction. Afterthe prayer meeting that week, five more were added to the baptismal group and at the pastor’sappeal after the baptism, more people decided to join the baptismal class.—John Kosmeier

Adventistreflects onRwanda

Women at the laywomen’s training program on Aore, Vanuatu, present their handiwork.

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October 16, 2004

E D I T O R I A L

How did she know?The main question is: how did she know?

Join me as we reflect on a discussion ofGreek verbs moving toward the question ofprophetic sources of prophets like Ellen GWhite.

Now and then, even theologians havefun. At a conference dinner I had landed aplace between New Testament scholars,and naturally the spirited conversationturned to the intricacies of the Greek verb.How else would biblical scholars have agood time?

Speaking about the story of Zacchaeus, alecturer at the local university pointed outhow most of the Christian tradition got thestory wrong because it was unfamiliar withthe tenses of the Greek verbs. WhenZacchaeus exclaims to Jesus that he giveshalf of his goods to the poor and restoresfourfold what he has cheated fromsomeone, the verb is in the present tense,neither future nor aorist (Luke 19:8). Thatis an interesting twist, isn’t it?

To realise why such an observationexcites theologians, you need to know justa little about the Greek verb and its tenses.In Greek, it is possible to express themeaning by help of the verb far moreprecisely than is the case in the Englishlanguage. For instance, the aorist tense(not found in English) will usually denoteone-time actions, while the present tense(in contrast to the English usage) describesongoing, continued, habitual or repeatedactions.

Two examples will illustrate. In Matthew16:24, Jesus said to His disciples, “Ifanyone desires to come after me, let himdeny himself, and take up his cross, andfollow me” (NKJV). The latter part of Hissaying contains three verbs, two in aoristand one in present tense. The first twoactions are one-time events, while the lastof the three is a continuous way of living.

So the text reads, “If anyone desires tocome after me, let him deny himself(aorist), and take up (aorist) his cross, andfollow (present tense) me.”

Similarly, when the apostle in 1 John 3:6teaches that “no-one who lives in himkeeps on sinning” (NIV), he employs thepresent tense of the verb, indicating that hedoes not speak about singular acts, but ofcontinual, habitual living in sin.

So what about Zacchaeus? What he tellsJesus during the meal in his home is that heis already doing this, giving half of hisgoods to the poor and back fourfold whathe has been unjustly claiming from otherpeople. He does not give a promise to beginto do it; he is already doing it.

Surprised? So was I. I went home andchecked my Greek Bible. True enough.And then I thought that it would beinteresting to see how Ellen Whitedescribed the situation in The Desire ofAges (page 555). After all, she had noknowledge of Greek verbs. I had read herdescription of this story many times, butnever understood it that way. To mysurprise I had not read her properly. She isabsolutely correct and in line with Greekgrammar. I just never realised what shesaid because of my presuppositions.

Of course I know that Ellen White didsome research. She did not write in avacuum. She had commentaries she readand used, and at times copied far morethan some Adventists once upon a timebelieved. So, I asked Dr Lester Devine atthe Research Centre at Avondale Collegeto do some digging for me. We checkedthe five major commentaries to theGospels Ellen White had in her library.Did they tell the story about Zacchaeus thetraditional way, or did they know aboutthe tenses of the Greek verb?

They did not! One left the issue open,

the four others were wrong. So, how didEllen White know?

I have never had any problem with EllenWhite using sources. After all, the biblicalwriters did the same. She lived in herculture. So did they. Inspiration does notdepend on complete originality. If thesesources are tainted by human mistakes, itdoes not really bother me. Is that not thecase for all human sources?

When I listen to, for instance, thepresentations by Dr Don McMahon, whohas studied the medical claims of EllenWhite in light of present-day medicalunderstanding, I am amazed how well shedoes in comparison with her contemp-oraries.

Speaking into her culture, utilising partsof her culture, the big question remains:how did she know what to choose and whatnot to choose? How did she avoid thenumber of blunders and mistakes otherhealth prophets of her day committed?

It may very well be that someone someday will be able to find an article or acommentary on the Gospels with whichEllen White was familiar, and which hasgot the Greek verbs right. It may then beclaimed that she simply used thatparticular source.

But that will only slightly alter my basicquestion: how did she know which source tochoose?

How did she know?I believe she had ahigher Source ofinformation.

Paul B PetersenField SecretarySouth PacificDivision.Today is Spiritof Prophecy Day.

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OFFICIAL PAPERSouth Pacific DivisionSeventh-day AdventistChurchACN 000 003 930www.adventist.org.au

Vol 109 No 40Cover: John Kosmeier

Editor Nathan BrownSenior assistant editor Lee DunstanAssistant editor Kellie HancockEditorial assistant Scott WegenerCopyeditor Graeme BrownEditorial secretary Meryl McDonald-GoughLayout Nathan CheeSPD news correspondent Brenton StaceySenior consulting editor Barry Oliver

www.record.net.au

Mail: Signs Publishing Company 3485 Warburton HighwayWarburton, Vic 3799, Australia

Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019Email Letters: editor@signspublishing.com.auEmail Newsfront: record@signspublishing.com.auEmail Noticeboard: editorsec@signspublishing.com.auSubscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed withinAustralia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00.Other prices on application. Printed weekly.

40 Editorial 4/10/04 5:27 PM Page 2

October 16, 2004

F L A S H P O I N T

● The South AustralianConference was present at theAdelaide Show, September 3to 11, providing interactivehealth- age assessments andgiving the opportunity forpeople to be involved in otherhealth-related programs. Some217 people requested to beenrolled in the free “Takingcharge of your health” corre-spondence course and 70people registered for the up-

coming Health-Wise Seminarin the West Torrens Auditorium. Thecontact details of the 165 people whowanted to be advised of special health pro-grams will be passed on to the Adventistchurches nearest to their home.—WillGrobler

● Tweed Valley College, NSW, sent 40students and seven staff on an ADOREworship tour recently to present choiritems, drama, worship songs and personaltestimonies sharing time to seven schooland church audiences. “I think we began

the tour thinking we were going to shareour love for God with the listeners,” saysstaff member Lee-Anne Dobson. “Godturned this around and ended up showingus His powerful, intense, personal love foreach and every one of us.” One Year 9student on the tour commented, “Therewas something about the tour that made itso cool. I think it was God!”

● Mildura church, Vic, has seen 14people baptised over the past 10 months.

While there were threeseparate baptismalservices for 10 of thecandidates in theMildura church, theother four were baptisedin the Murray River on

a Sabbath afternoon.—Phillip Bishop

● The Esperance Christian School’sprimary choir took out first place in therecent Esperance Music Festival with aflawless rendition of “Colours of therainbow.” The judges made particular noteof the pleasant attitudes, remarkablebehaviour and impeccable dress standardsof the students. The Esperance ChristianSchool, with its 50 students, managed to

win eventhough it wasc o m p e a t i n gagainst anumber of otherregional schools,some of which

have more than 300 children enrolled.

“The children were over themoon about the win,” saysprincipal Anne Tonkin. Thisis the third year running theschool has won this award.

● The 17-member Seventh-day Adventist church inBiloela, rural Queensland,has surprised themselves yetagain this year with theirADRA Appeal collectiontotal of $A4061. Not satisfiedwith the 6000 population ofBiloela, they also travelled 50kilometres to Moura, amining town with a popu-lation of1600, tosolicit their

help to swell the appealtotal. The memberswonder what could beachieved if the houseswere closer together.—Peter Howard

● An International Night was held onSeptember 25 at the conclusion of a SouthAustralian Youth Rally weekend. Theevent was organised to raise money for theSouth Australian Youth Department, whoare working towards the Fiji YouthCongress. The annual international nightbrought 225 of the multiculturalconference together to celebrate thecultural diversity and to discover theculinary delights of each country. Ecuador,South Africa, the Netherlands, Botswana,Australia, Poland, Samoa and Cambodiawere all repre-sented with theirown styles and foodselections. Theevening was madecomplete with apiñata for the chil-dren (pictured).—Lawreen McIver

• Health interests gained from Adelaide Show presence • Rural church’s big appeal • Baptism requires donation for water • Christian wins “Indonesian Idol” • and more

—Compiled by Scott Wegener—

3

The Avondale Memorial churchtransformed the front of their

church into a lush tropical garden forthis year’s Spring Service on Sep-tember 18. Decorations includedbold and bright coloured flowers,dark green strappy-leafed plants, a

garden bench, singing canary and a waterfall that tinkled over rocksinto a small pond.

The Spring Festival is an outreachprogram to which many visitors areinvited and consisted of two morningprograms, an afternoon sacredconcert, that was the best attended inits 25-year history, and an eveningmusic program with special nightlighting transforming the garden’s appearance.—Lisa Thomson

Tropical spring service outreach

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October 16, 2004

F L A S H P O I N T

● August marked the 40-yearanniversary of the Dial-a-Prayer andDial-a-Story ministry for Wanganuichurch, NZ. “We still get severalhundred calls a month,” says GloriaGreenfield, communication secretaryfor Wanganuichurch. Initiatedby Pastor ErnestSteed, automatedmachines play arecorded prayeror story for callers. Jenny Gaskin (pic-tured, left) is the presenter of thecurrent story and Joan Marshall (right)is the presenter of the current prayer.

● Although deciding not to swim onSaturdays, Mountain View AdventistCollege’s (NSW) Robert Rafael (pic-tured) still managed to win the 11-year-old 50 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly andcome second in the 50 m backstroke atthe NSW State Age Short Course Cham-pionships. When asked by areporter why he did not swimon Saturday, Robert replied, “I’ma Seventh-day Adventist and I goto church on Sabbath.” Robertwould like to be an AustralianOlympian and trains for twohours every evening, exceptFridays, when he gets up at 5.30 am.

● Part-time pizza deliverer Hong Fei Lidelivered two pizzas to a Mount Edenchurch, NZ, and walked away with an$NZ820 tip. Associate pastor PhilCamden placed the order on speakerphone during an evening service andthen asked the 900 members to “givethe delivery guy the biggest tip he’s everhad” and passed the collection bagsaround for this random act of kind-ness. Upon delivery, the 21-year-oldstudent was handed two heavy bags fullof money. A very grateful Mr Li said thewindfall had made him believe in God.“I think God gave me the money,” hesays. If he has time, he says he mighteven go to church.—NZ Herald

4

Off the record● The first Pathfinder Camporee inWest-Central Africa saw some 3000 Path-finders from 22 countries recentlyassemble in Lomé, Togo’s capital city.Participants helped in community welfareinitiatives such as donating blood, passingout leaflets and repairing a flooded road,with the help of the Adventist Develop-ment and Relief Agency–Togo.—ANN

● People ready for baptism in Darfur,Sudan, didn’t have sanitary water to drink,

let alone to be baptised in. A sum of$US450 was needed to transport these newbelievers to a place where there wasenough water for baptism, the equivalentof several months salary for a pastor in thatarea. Paul Yithak, secretary for the SudanField of the Middle East Union Mission,reports, “Someone donated money to helptransport the baptismal candidates to alocation with enough water to baptisethem.” Transport was arranged and 53people were baptised.—HomerTrecartin/ANR

● A church in Ohio, USA, is spreading thelove of Christ by filling petrol tanks,wiping windows and checking oil. Mem-bers of Milan Baptist church went to a localpetrol station and paid $US250 to lowerthe cost of 1000 gallons of regular petrol by25 cents. During the two hours before thepetrol sold out, the members served some100 people with a full-service fill-up. ToddHartley, pastor of the church, says, “In thepast two years we’ve given away 10,000water bottles at a big community festival,planted flower bulbs for people, cleanedgutters, washed windows and cut grass—just to show people that Jesus lovesthem, no strings attached.” Rev Hartleysays several families have started going tochurch because of these outreaches.—Agape Press

● A 24-year-old Christian woman haswon the first “Indonesian Idol,” a tele-vision show based on the “American Idol”phenomenon sweeping the world. JoyTobing, a student at the ChristianUniversity of Indonesia’s School of EnglishLiterature, won the title before 7000 fans atJakarta’s Istora Indoor Stadium. Accordingto the Jakarta Post, the singer won amajority of the four million votes cast inthe competition. Delon Thamrin, also aChristian, was runner-up. Joy is expectedto be given the opportunity to perform in“World Idol” later this year.—TRAA

Days and offeringsOctober 23—Children’s DayNovember 6—Missions Extention

OfferingNovember 7—ABC Day

Cambodian course

Translation:Cambodian Way of Life.

The Adventist Discovery Centre nowhas a Cambodian Way of Life correspon-dence course available. This 25-lessoncourse is in colour and presents Jesus andthe Adventist message. Cambodianmembers are encouraged to use thisresource as a way of sharing with theirfamily and friends. In fact any churchmembers can invite their Cambodian-speaking friends, neighbours or workacquaintances to apply for this course.

This Cambodian course will beadvertised on a Discovery letterbox cardfor an equivalent English version Dis-covery course, with a tick box for theCambodian version.

In Australia and New Zealand, as of thelast census, 26,971 Cambodian peoplespeak their native language at home.These are the primary target for thiscourse.

Adventist Discovery Centre: Australia:PO Box 1115, Wahroonga, NSW 2076.New Zealand: PO Box 76 281, ManukauCity.

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October 16, 2004

N E W S F R O N T

5

Christchurch, New Zeland

Why are you standing here?” was thetheme of the annual Literature Evan-

gelist Congress recently held at LivingSprings Convention Centre, Christchurch,New Zealand. According to Pastor TerryGoltz, publishing director for the SouthPacific Division (SPD) and director of thecongress with associate director PastorKevin Geelan, the conference was aimed atencouraging delegates to give their all forGod’s service. “It was such a beneficial timefor all,” says Pastor Goltz. “A time to justrecharge and build our motivation.”

Some 109 people attended, includingliterature evangelists and their areamanagers, from New Zealand, Australia,French Polynesia, the Trans-Pacific Unionand the Papua New Guinea Union.

The new book Teen Girl!What I want to know withoutasking was launched duringthe congress. Produced toattract the current teenculture, the book comple-ments the current range ofteen books literature evang-elists already take door todoor.

Teen Girl!, designed andprinted by Signs PublishingCompany, covers manytopics that—as the titlesuggests—teenage girls may want to knowbut are afraid to ask. Some of the manytopics include family, friends, romance,sex, school, money, drugs, teen pregnancy,

stress, depression, boys and beliefs. Author Jill Genobaga, a Loma Linda

University medical graduate, was presentto launch the book. She told the storybehind its writing and highlighted some ofits features. Dr Genobaga specialised inadolescent and teen issues during hertraining, spending time in an adolescent

psychiatric facility atHarvard University and ina high-school classroomfor pregnant teens.

“I believe this is one ofthe better books for teengirls on the market today,”says Graeme Brown, bookeditor for Signs PublishingCompany and editor ofTeen Girl! Mr Brownshared insights into theprocess involved in gettinga book ready for

publication and in particular the workinvolved in Teen Girl!

Since its launch Teen Girl! has alreadyattracted great interest. “A youth pastor

from the USA saw them on display at theSouth Queensland Conference camp-meeting and was so pleased with what hesaw that he wanted two cartons to takeback with him,” says Pastor Goltz.

Many sessions during the week-longcongress were presented by special guestssuch as Pastor Anthony Kent, Institute ofPublic Evangelism director, JonathanDuffy, Adventist Health Ministries director,Dr Barry Oliver, SPD general secretary, andstaff from Signs Publishing Company.

During the congress, literatureevangelists shared testimonies of theirexperiences at the doors with the group,and awards were presented for specialachievements, such as literature evangelistof the year and longservice.

A special day’s outing allowed thedelegates to be adventurous withswimming in Hanmar Hot Springs, jet-boating and even bungee jumping.—ScottWegener

Teen Girl! is available from your local literatureevangelist, or contact the South Pacific PublishingDepartment on (03) 5966 9104 or +61 3 5966 9104.

Literature evangelists gathered in Christchurch, New Zealand, for their annual congress.

Teen girl book launched at LE congress

Grenville, Grenada, West Indies

Hurricane Ivan’s impact on Grenada included the deaths of twoSeventh-day Adventist church members, looting of the local

church headquarters and the destruction of the church’s twoschools and half of its 37 church buildings. Funeral services for anAdventist mother and daughter were held on September 11.

“Most of the churches received substantial damage to roofsbecause of the high winds, but the churches that received minordamage are being used as shelters,” says Pastor Jansen Trotman,president of the Caribbean Union, who visited the island to

inspect the damage.The two Adventist schools on the island received extensive

damage to their structure and will not begin to function until earlynext year, says Pastor Trotman.

“Our members are at a loss because Grenada is an independentcountry with assistance dependent on other countries.”

“It’s a devastating experience for our members, but God has away of helping us bounce back,” says Pastor Trotman.

The Adventist Church in Grenada has more than 10,000members.—Libna Stevens/ANN

Two members killed; church hit hard by Hurricane Ivan

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October 16, 2004

N E W S F R O N T

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Adventist reflects on Rwandan genocideWashington, DC, USA

At a time when world leaders, includingUnited Nations Secretary-General Kofi

Annan, are focusing their attention on alooming genocide in the Darfur region ofSudan, a softly spoken Seventh-dayAdventist pastor, CarlWilkens, told an audienceof United States congres-sional staffers and humanrights advocates thatstanding against the 1994genocide in Rwanda “wasthe right thing to do.”

He then added a pleafor a more civil tone insociety, contending thateven jokes that disparage others can be aportent of civil strife and even genocide.

He said that not only had he and hisfamily—who had spent four years inRwanda before the genocide—“fallen inlove” with their colleagues and neighbours,but that in staying, he would be able tosubstantiate the claims for his personalfaith that he had made there: “We say thatthere’s a God who cares, but people willreally believe us if we stay” and stand withthem in the face of danger.

Pastor Wilkens was involved with ahumanitarian mission in Rwanda when theslaughter erupted. He resolved to staybehind and intercede on behalf of victimsduring the 90-day uprising, which killed anestimated 800,000 Tutsis. His wife, Teresa,supported his decision, he said, though sheand their three children left the countryduring the turmoil.

Pastor Wilkens says he was able tointercede with militiamen and others hell-bent on slaying their neighbours. He savedthe lives of many people, including twoTutsis who worked in his home andchildren at several orphanages aroundKigali, the capital city, where hecoordinated the activities of the AdventistRelief and Development Agency.

After his experience in Africa, PastorWilkens became a Seventh-day Adventistminister and today is pastor at MiloAdventist Academy, a boarding school in

Days Creek, Oregon, the United States.Discussing the moral implications of

what he experienced, Pastor Wilkens saidhe noticed the biblical illustration of Cainand Abel as one that helped himunderstand the evil that transpired aroundhim. Seeing that Eve had to confront not

only the deathof one son, butthe fact that hisbrother was thekiller, helpedhim see beyondthe event to“separate theperson fromtheir actions.”

He said thatwhen the Hutus defined their Tutsineighbours as “less than human,” it becameeasier to rationalise their destruction.Wilkens added that in many Westernsocieties, it’s common to hear jokes thatdisparage other people or ethnic groups,and he claims that in such humour are theseeds of future problems.

“We all would be shocked if we knewhow close a spirit of competition and put-

ting someone [else] down” is to the spirit ofthose who committed genocide, he added.

According to James Standish, executivedirector of the North American ReligiousLiberty Association, Pastor Wilkens’sdecade-old story has up-to-date impli-cations. “Carl’s example challenges all of usto stand against genocide. His story forcesus to ask, ‘What are we doing to stop thegenocide in Sudan today?’ We mustencourage our governments and the UnitedNations to intervene, we must support aidefforts and we must pray with the sincerityas if those dying were our own familymembers—because they are,” he said.

Dr Bridget Connolly, who tracks moderngenocides for the US Holocaust Museum,said that Wilkens’s experience shows“genocide can occur in our lifetime,” andthat this must be confronted and not “in-correctly named” by the rest of the world.

Responding to Pastor Wilkens’s state-ment, Dr Paul Marshall of Freedom House,an organisation that promotes democracyand freedom, said, “As his own testimonyshows, one person can make a difference.Even very ordinary people like us can makea difference.”—Mark Kellner/ANN

Pastor Wilkens uniting with his family afterstaying behind through the uprising in Rwanda.

Ten years after a barbaric genocide swept through Rwanda, the process ofreconciliation and rebuilding continues. For Seventh-day Adventists, who comprise

one out of every 21 people in Rwanda, that includes the “resurrection” of a cherishedinstitution, the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA).

“We have chosen not to sit back and mourn the genocide,” said Jozsef Szilvasi,chancellor of AUCA. “We are opting to be instruments in God’s hands, and partners withall who have chosen to bring hope to the people of Rwanda.”

Responding to demands from both the church membership and general public, AUCA’sactivities have resumed on a small plot of land in the capital city of Kigali. Although theland available is not enough for even a primary school, dedicated administrators andprofessors are conducting a university program, as a start toward rebuilding the formerAUCA. Church members, people in the community and even government ministers areacclaiming the university. One government official sponsored a relative, who thenremarked that the course of study is a challenging one.

The process of recovery in Rwanda gives the Adventist Church an opportunity to workwith the government in its task of bringing healing and unity to the people. The church’swork overall supports the task of reconciliation and national unity; in turn, thegovernment has helped the church acquire a 20-hectare property in Kigali for building anew campus. Church leaders have also identified other needs where governmentassistance would be useful, and these are being negotiated.—ANN

Rwandan Adventist university resurrected

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October 16, 2004 7

N E W S F R O N T

Staffing changes have marked the 53rdtriennial session of the North New

South Wales Conference.Delegates attending the session at the

Macksville High School on September 12voted to create two new departments.

The first combines the roles of thepersonal ministries and Sabbath schoolleaders. Dr Joe Webb, senior minister of theAvondale Memorial church, will serve asthe director of the new department. Hisbrief is to train local church members tobecome local church leaders.

The appointment will ease the workloadof the current directors. Pastor JohnSkrzypaszek now serves solely as thesecretary of the church’s MinisterialAssociation. Pastor Peter Cousins will nowcare for only Family Ministries and for the

Adventist Singles Network.Retired minister Pastor Owen D’Costa,

who currently cares for the Adventistchurch in Swansea, becomes the church’sfourth volunteer departmental director. Hewill head the new Stewardship Department.Pastor D’Costa is a former director ofstewardship.

“Our volunteers generously give of theirtime,” says general secretary Bob Dale. “Weappreciate their commitment.”

Ralph Luchow, a former principal ofTweed Valley College, is the new director ofeducation. He replaces Peter Michalski.

Pastor Jeff Parker replaces Pastor WayneFrench as director of Youth Ministries.Pastor Parker currently holds the sameposition in the Tasmanian Conference.—Brenton Stacey

Wahroonga, New South Wales

The Adventist television Hope Channelhas launched an international feed of its

schedule, which features two specificallyproduced programs from the South Pacificin prime time.

Hope Channel will broadcast themagazine-style program South PacificConnections on Fridays at 7.30 pm*beginning October 1 and repeat the pro-gram on Saturdays at 3 pm.

The music program Pacific Praise airs onWednesdays at 7.30 pm beginning October6, repeating Saturdays at 2.30 pm.

Pastor Calvyn Townend, generalmanager of Adventist Media, which pro-duces the programs,says requests forlocal programminghelped him make thedecision. “Viewerstell us they preferwatching South Pacific content in primetime,” he says.

Several other Adventist Media–produced

programs appear in the schedule. SabbathSchool U, a program to help churchmembers teach from the church’s AdultBible Study Guide, will air on Thursdays at7.30 pm and repeat at 10.30 am onSaturdays. Worship services featuringAdventist speakers from the South Pacificor recorded at Adventist churches in theSouth Pacific will air at 11 am on Saturdays.Digging up the Past, an archaeologyprogram hosted by Pastor David Down, airson Sundays at 7.30 pm. Keepers of theFlame airs at ad-hoc times.

Thirty-second advertisements for Biblecorrespondence courses, home viewings ofDVD and video series and Signs of the Timesmagazine will appear in all programs

produced by Adventist Media.Pastor Townend says his aim is to

increase the number of programsfrom the South Pacific in HopeChannel’s schedule, including regularprogramming for indigenous people.

Visit <hopetv.org> for a completeprogram schedule.—Brenton Stacey

*All times are AEST

Berkley Vale, New South Wales

Sanitarium Health Food Company hassold its Waterplus brand to

Bickford’s Australia.“It is always difficult to let go

of a product in which we haveinvested time and effort. How-ever, I am pleased that Water-plus will continue to have amarket presence throughBickford’s, who intend to makeit one of their priority brands,”says Kevin Jackson, SanitariumCEO. “It’s important for us toremember that we developed aninnovative product that continues toindicate great market potential.Distributing the product was where westruggled to realise success, despite thebest efforts of our route sales team.”

Ownership of the brand transferred toBickford’s on September 1 in Australiaand New Zealand, and trade orderscommence through Bickford’s fromSeptember 13 in both countries.Sanitarium now becomes a co-manu-facturer and will supply Bickford’s withWaterplus until the end of 2004. Thiswill allow Bickford’s time to considerand prepare plans for the continuedmanufacturing and re-labelling of theproduct under the Bickford’s brand.

Bickford’s Australia is a company thatis a part of South Australia’s heritage.The Bickford tradition began in 1839,when William Bickford opened anapothecary in Adelaide, South Australia.Quality was a hallmark of Bickford’sproducts, a tradition reflected in theinternational award-winning cordialsand soft drinks that have beenmanufactured since 1874.

“I would like to express my personalthanks to everyone involved in thedevelopment, launch and sale ofWaterplus under the Sanitarium brand,”says Mr Jackson. “Now, I hope you willjoin with me in offering our support toBickford’s during the transitionalphase.”—Julie Praestiin

Waterplus joins theBickford’s range

Hope Channel launchesinternational feed

NNSW session makes staffing changesMacksville, New South Wales

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October 16, 2004

F E A T U R E

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Pastor Baxton Ri’imana, a districtdirector in the north-west corner of the

Solomon Islands province of Malaita, wasthe Malaita Mission’s president during thebloody ethnic “tension” of the past fouryears. In the interacial conflict, more than100 lives were lost and many homes,churches and villages were destroyed. Inthe end, 10,000 ethnic Malaitans wererepatriated to Malaita from the capitalHoniara and surrounding Guadalcanalplain. Among them were members of theMalaitan Eagle Force (MEF), some ofwhom have since been jailed.

Pastor Baxton has a particular interest inthe Eagle Force, as many of its memberscome from his home area and some arerelatives. “I felt I must go back and helpthese people,” says Pastor Baxton. “I wenthome and talked to them.”

He says the MEF was something of acult movement, with many of itsmembers merely impressionable teen-agers. He says his discussions with themrevealed that they felt they were powerlessand that no-one cared about them. Theyhad no jobs and were looking forsomething to do. So fighting wassomething they could do. Pastor Baxtonfeels they were exploited by older people.

“They are law-breakers, but when youstart to lead them to Jesus Christ, theystart to understand that people valuethem. They come to church and a miraclebegins to occur—they cut their hair, forexample—there’s improvement.

“I was talking to the big MEF leader[presently in jail]. He, too, is convincedhe was wrong, although he feels it is toolate for him. He is incredibly sorry. This isquite common among the formermembers. Some are very sorry for whatthey have done. When they went home,some tried to make small businesses.Rather than destroy the community, theynow want to save it.”

Pastor Baxton says he tackled the

troubled areas using a four-point, four-year-long program he devised. With ateam of volunteers, he enters areas ofMalaita where the MEF had strongsupport. He calls the program “netevangelism” (as in casting a net), basedon Melanesian culture and protocols.

The first step involves connecting withthe community. Public demonstrationswere held in villages. Children andfamilies marched, chanting slogans, suchas, “We want peace!” “No more guns!”and “No more war!” But there was muchmore to this segment of the program,which he calls “personal visitation.”

“You must come close to people,”Pastor Baxton explains. “You talk to thempersonally; you meet their pressingneeds—help them in their garden ormaintain or build their houses. We go andstay with the people, work with them, eatwith them, speak like them—meet theirneeds—then present Jesus. Only thepower of Christ will change them.”

The second year, community isdeveloped. This might include theestablishment of a community school andcreate an Adventist presence. “Many startto see Jesus,” he says. “The Melanesianstyle of evangelism is to support them, togive them something—staying with them,touching them and telling them that welove them—practical.”

Only then is the next step—evangelism—undertaken. It is this that heis presently doing, campaigning inprimitive, still-heathen areas. “Personal,individual evangelism works, but with anet you ‘catch’ more,” he explains. “So wego into one area and split ourselves intofive or six groups. We might run sixcampaigns at once, with each of sixspeakers presenting the same message.We run for a week—about 10 meetings—then move on to another district. Theyhave cottage meetings, little ones with 30-40 people, so it’s more personal.”

The final stage—baptism and con-solidation throughBible study andchurchgoing—liesin the future formuch of PastorBaxton’s area. Estab-lishing churchesisn’t easy, as Malaitalacks qualifiedleadership within itslocal churches, he says. However, as aresult of the tension, many educatedMalaitans were forced to return to theirvillages. Possessing literacy, numeracyand organisational skills, theyimmediately became leaders of their localchurches, building or strengtheningthem. According to Pastor Baxton, 17new areas have been entered as a result.

“Some found it hard; they don’t havemoney or work. Some tried to find theirway back to Honiara, but most have stayed.They now lead out in their churches. Theyare self-confident and can organise.”

Pastor Baxton is extremely busy. “I’m afacilitator–trainer. Every month I run aprogram for my lay workers: how tospeak; how to dress; how to stand upfront as an evangelist. Most are very lowlyeducated, but the Lord uses them.

“These ministers are all volunteersMost are just ordinary church memberswho want to be heard. They want to takeaction; they want to be there to saysomething. Our members are weak onlybecause we never involve them or askthem to take part.

“The Lord is leading us. People arecoming to [the Adventist Church]because we give service. We have respect.I am proud of it.” r

Lee Dunstan is senior assistant editor of RECORD andrecently visited the Solomon Islands.

Growing hope out of violenceby Lee Dunstan

Pastor Baxton Ri’imana.

40 Features 4/10/04 5:28 PM Page 8

Judi Bretagne is a pen-name.

October 16, 2004

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Prayer-partner your pastorby Judi Bretagne

40 Features 4/10/04 5:28 PM Page 9

Acertain family had lived inisolation for a number of

years. Not being aware ofspecific situations, theirprayers had always been of ageneral nature until the daywhen their lives were throwninto totally unexpected change.

They found themselves backin the outer suburbs of a capitalcity. After facing varying typesof further trauma, alone,contact was finally made withsomeone able to give pastoralsupport.

When they learned of asoon-to-be-born baby withproblems, the family decided tojoin with others in making thislittle new life a matter ofintense prayer. Imagine their delight whenthe little one arrived safely and survivedintense surgery when only a matter of a fewdays old. Here they had proof that the wordof God is true.

Another requestAfter a long time in a spiritual desert

they were assured that “the prayer of arighteous man is powerful and effective”(James 5:16*). This news brought thepastor to their home with another request:Would they consider being prayer-partnersfor a special evangelistic series to be heldclose by?

Each evening they attended the series,sitting at the back of the meeting. Here theyobserved the speaker and the individualmembers of the audience. The speaker andstaff were the first on the list of prayersoffered. As the pray-ers observedindividuals come under conviction, theyprayed for that individual. This helped tostrengthen their own faith.

Studies were commenced with thepeople contacted through the series, andthe pastor turned to this family again with

names and needs for prayer. Prayers forreconciliation, overcoming tobacco andalcohol, changes in working situations toenable the Sabbath to be kept, oppositionfrom former ministers and so-calledfriends—all made up the list of prayersubjects.

The family shared their experiences withothers and encouraged them to join in theprayers. Taking to heart, almost literally,the injunction to “pray continually” (1Thessalonians 5:17), the family beganoffering up short prayers throughout theday and night as names came to mind.

As the list of names grew longer, thefamily would remember different onesthroughout the day and lift that one upbefore the Lord. If they awoke during thenight, they would spend the time awakepraying for others. Some they prayed for,and with, over the phone.Making an impact

They saw results. Backsliders returned tothe church. People were baptised. Differentpeople—both members and newconverts—saw others of their familiescome under the influence of the Holy Spirit

and they too were baptised. The lives of the staff were

changed and many enteredinto a new experience. Thefamily of pray-ers wereenjoying a richer spiritualexperience themselves.

Their focus was now on thepastor’s contacts. They wereable to locate some intereststhemselves for the pastor tovisit. As a result of thisexperience they plan tocontinue in this ministry anddo it all again when anevangelist again comes to anarea near them.

Prayer partnershipchallenge

The family who were involved in thispastoral prayer partnership ministry werepeople who were physically limited in therange of activities open to them, but whodiscovered a far-reaching witnessing andsupportive role toward their pastor.

They have chosen to share with othersby letter and phone calls this spirituallyenriching experience, the assurance thatwith God all things are possible—evenbeing enabled to become involved in God’swork while being semi-shut-ins.

They now know by their ownexperience that when we pray for others,we ourselves receive a blessing.

You are invited to join them in the joy ofbeing a pastor’s prayer-partner—“thenmany will give thanks on our behalf for thegracious favour granted us in answer to theprayers of many” (2 Corinthains 1:11). It’sa simple but powerful ministry. r

* Bible quotations are from the New InternationalVersion.

October 16, 2004

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At a church board meeting, thetreasurer sounded an ominous note,

saying: “We’re not making ends meet.” Hethen outlined the budget, showing thesizeable gaps between income andexpenditures.

“If we don’t raise some money soon,we’re going to have to cut most of theoutreach programs and maybe even somestaff positions,” he explained.

Board members knew cutbacks wouldadversely impact their church’sinvolvement in the local food bank andother community ministries. It was apainful, discouraging meeting until thepastor spoke. “We’ve got to start using allof our resources, and one of them isprayer,” he said. “Please remember ourchurch in your prayers.”

Present was Douglas Clark. Uponhearing the treasurer’s report, he mentallyreviewed his own giving pledge. He hadlimited discretionary income, with almostall of his money coming from a socialsecurity disability pension. Every dollarwas earmarked for bills, food and otheressentials. But what is more essential thanmy spiritual home? he asked himself. Beforeleaving the meeting he increased his pledgeby $50 per month. I’ll find the moneysomewhere, he told himself.

As soon as he crossed the church carpark and got into his car, Clark began toworry: Where am I going to get an extra $50a month?

Remembering the pastor’s commentsabout using the resource of prayer, Clarkoffered this simple prayer: Lord, I feel a littlestrange about asking You for money, but Idon’t know what else to do. Please help mecome up with the $50 I pledged to help ourchurch.

The next afternoon Clark received anotice in his mailbox from the socialsecurity office announcing: “Because of anincrease in the cost of living, there has beenan adjustment in your monthly benefits.”

The “adjustment” was exactly $50 permonth.

Clark’s story is a marvellous reminderthat living by faith is an exciting andexhilarating adventure. The more we trustGod, the more trustworthy we find thatGod is.

“Trust involves letting go and knowingGod will catch you,” notes author andpsychologist Dr James Dobson. When welive by faith, life becomes an adventurefilled with purpose, meaning, satisfactionand joy. And the daily adventure of faithimpacts our lives in a number of ways.

Faith reaches out to others When the world says “look out for

number one,” Scripture instructs us to“love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark12:31*). Christians are called to reach outin love beyond normal comfort zones—family, friends, neighbours and

colleagues—to have compassion evenupon enemies. Proverbs 25:21 reads, “Ifyour enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”And, Jesus commanded, “Love yourenemies and pray for those who persecuteyou” (Matthew 5:44).

Perhaps one of the most dramaticexamples of Christians taking thatcommand seriously took place during aplague in Alexandria, Egypt. Sometime in261 AD, a virulent epidemic broke outaffecting every house in the city. The bodiesof the dead and even those who were dyingwere simply cast into the streets. Peoplewere afraid of handling the dead or beingnear those who had the illness.

At that point, a remarkable event tookplace. Christians of the city, who had beenforced by persecution to hide themselvesand worship in secret, now emerged fromtheir homes to care for the dead and dying.This was an enormous risk for them. Notonly were they vulnerable to infection butalso to arrest by authorities. Nevertheless,they nursed the sick, washed the bodies ofthe dead, and arranged for proper burials.This compassionate reaching out to otherswas costly and many Christians lost theirlives. This report was made by Dionysius,the bishop of Alexandria: “Many who hadhealed others fell victims themselves. Thebest of our brethren have been taken fromus in this manner: some were priests,others deacons, and some laity of greatworth. The death, with the faith whichaccompanied it, appears to be little inferiorto martyrdom itself.” Those who died wererecognised by the early church as truemartyrs of charity and were added to thecalendar of the saints.

Faith believes in peopleFaith believes in people when the world

gives up on them. Over the centuries,Christians have made it their mission tohelp lepers, widows, orphans, alcoholics,

Living faith by Victor Parachin

40 Features 4/10/04 5:28 PM Page 10

October 16, 2004

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drug addicts, those with HIV/AIDS andcountless more. Individuals, whom theworld has written off as hopeless, havebecome objects of kindness andcompassion by people of faith.

An example is that of Dr HowardHendricks. Although he has been aseminary professor for more than 50 yearsand is considered one of the mostinnovative educators in Christian circles,none of that may have transpired had it notbeen for the compassion of his sixth gradeteacher.

“I was born into a broken home. Myparents separated when I camealong. I split the family,” DrHendricks explains.

He was raised by his father’smother at her Philadelphiahome. In primary school hewas frequently in trouble. Oneteacher tied him to his seatwith a rope and taped hismouth shut. Because of hischallenging behaviour, the fifthgrade teacher predicted thatfive boys in Hendricks’s classwould end up in prison. Hewas supposed to be one ofthem. According to Hendricks,the teacher was right about three of theboys.

When a new school year came along,Hendricks introduced himself to his sixth-grade teacher, Miss Noe. She told himsomething that would change his lifeforever. She said, “I’ve heard a lot aboutyou, but I don’t believe a word of it.”

For the first time in his young life, MissNoe helped him realise that someone caredabout him. “People are always looking forsomeone to say, ‘Hey, I believe in you,’”comments Hendricks.

That simple encounter had a profoundimpact on his life. In his many decades as aseminary professor, Hendricks sought todo for others what Miss Noe had done forhim—believe in his students and helpdevelop them.

Faith embraces sufferingFaith embraces suffering while the world

remains indifferent. The biblical writerJames puts it succinctly: “Religion that Godour Father accepts as pure and faultless isthis: to look after orphans and widows in

their distress” (James 1:27). The many verses like this in the Bible

have prompted Christians—individuallyand corporately—to embrace those whoare suffering. Whenever there is a report ofdistress, either nearby or far away,Christians are motivated to respond insome way.

Marcina Wiederkehr, author of A TreeFull of Angels, says she dislikes dailynewspapers because of the many sadstories reported. “I’ve never been very goodat feasting on the daily newspaper,” shewrites. “It turns bitter in my mouth. And

yet, this is my world. This face of sufferingI must embrace as part of my responsibility.Part of the feast is becoming aware of theworld that is mine. Part of the feast isowning this broken world as my ownbrokeness. I clasp the newspaper to myheart and ask once again in the stillness ofthe night, ‘What are we doing to the imageof God in one another?’”

Faith does not give upFaith trusts and proceeds when the

world says “Give up.” The apostle Paulreminds us, “We live by faith, not by sight.We are confident” (2 Corinthians 5:7, 8).

Shortly after Dallas TheologicalSeminary was established in 1924, italmost folded due to financial difficulties.Creditors had given notice they wouldforeclose at 12 noon. That morning, severalfounders of the school met in thepresident’s office to pray, asking God toprovide.

One of those present was ReverendHarry Ironside. When it was his turn topray, he recalled the words of Psalm 50:10

where God declares that the “cattle on athousand hills” are His. In his simpleprayer, Ironside said, “Lord, we know thatthe cattle on a thousand hills are Yours.Please sell some of them and send us themoney.”

As he prayed, a tall Texan in bootsstrolled into the business office informingthe secretary, “I just sold two car loads ofcattle over in Fort Worth. I’ve been tryingto make a business deal go through, but itjust won’t work. I feel God wants me togive this money to the seminary. I don’tknow if you need it or not, but here’s the

cheque.”Thanking him, the secretary

rushed over to the president’soffice. There, she gave thecheque to Dr Lewis SperryChafer, founder and presidentof the school. When he lookedat the amount, it was preciselythe sum of the school debt.Turning to Ironside, he said,“Harry, God sold the cattle!”

Faith risks failureFaith willingly risks failure

when the world says, “Play itsafe.” From their study of

Scripture, Christians know that the powerbehind them is greater than the task aheadof them.

By faith, Noah built an ark. By faith,Moses challenged the Pharaoh. By faith,Joshua entered the Promised Land. Byfaith, David took on Goliath. By faith, Peterstepped out of the boat and walked on thewater. By faith, Paul travelled all over theRoman world preaching the gospel.

The lesson from those biblicalindividuals is clear to Christians: WhenGod calls them to take on tasks that appearenormous and insurmountable, God alsoprovides the power to see it through. Theyknow the truth of Jesus’ declaration:“Everything is possible for him whobelieves” (Mark 9:23). r

* Bible quotations are from the New InternationalVersion.

Victor Parachin is a pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma,United States of America, and is a regularcontributor to Signs of the Times.

40 Features 4/10/04 5:28 PM Page 11

October 16, 2004

V I E W P O I N T

The marketing expert challenged hisaudience with the words, “All schools

are supposed to be caring, and as a parentI’d expect them to be. Tell me somethingabout your school that differentiates itfrom all the others.”

He’s right, of course. No school wouldactually advertise the fact that childrenwill not be nurtured and kept safe whileentrusted to its care!

It seems that just about every child-based institution purports to provide a“nurturing, sensitive and safeenvironment.” The marketing hype largelyreflects the heightened awareness ofparents to have their children protectedfrom the terrors of paedophilia,kidnapping and more subtle forms ofphysical and mental abuse.

In reality, a number of both private andstate schools do not provide the nurturingchildren require. In addition, many find itdifficult to focus on building the self-esteem our insecure and easilydiscouraged teens desperately need.

Mark Twain, the American writer, onceclaimed to have the answer for dealingwith rebellious teens. He suggested,“When a young person turns 12, placethem in a hollow tree with a smallopening for food. Once the teen turns18—block up the opening!” Many a

parent canidentify witht h i ssent iment .Teachers inA d v e n t i s ts c h o o l scannot affordto adopt sucha strategy.

In a societywhere schoolstudents areassaulted andviolated in

the home, where all kinds of socialdysfunction appears to be the norm,where schools are called upon to act assurrogate families for hurting youth, wecannot afford to fail our students. In arapidly unravelling society, where valueschange with the latest music video clip, wemust provide Christian principles withcompassion.

The very core of our mission lies not inthe academic excellence of our programs,nor in the attractiveness of our buildingsor even the academic qualifications of ourteaching staff. As important as these are, if

our focus is only in these areas we havemissed the mark. No child who isemotionally broken or physically abusedcan gain the full benefit from a modernclassroom or degreed teacher.

The experience of teaching in state andAdventist schools has taught me that theonly effective teachers are those who takethe time to really connect with theirstudents, finding the time to listen, toempathise, to laugh and cry with children.This is the challenge and reward of ourministry.

Failing Adventist schools? They will notexist as long as we have school leaders andteachers who truly value children andyoung people. This is the “gospel” ofAdventist education. It must also continueto be the priority of church members andadministrators and those who daily walkthe corridors of our institutions. r

Gavin Williams is the principal of Brisbane AdventistCollege, Wishart, Queensland.

Viewpoint allows RECORD readers to have their say.The views expressed are not necessarily those of theeditors or the denomination, but readers areencouraged to respond.

12

Just for childrenP

eta

Tayl

or

Failing schools?by Gavin Williams

40 Features 4/10/04 5:28 PM Page 12

October 16, 2004

Value our kidsMargaret Major, NSW

Gary Hopkins and Julie Weslake’s two-pronged evangelism (“Why kids leave,”Feature, September 18) is an excellentconcept.

Yes, where are the “shocked andstunned” Mr and Mrs Churchgoer whofeel a passionate desire to rescue ouryoung people? The right message plus awarm, supportive relationship will dowonders.

Our young people are our mosttreasured possession. Please, uphold themin your prayers every day, until we havethem safely in the fold. And let’s supportour youth leaders who have their finger onthe pulse. Only as we unite and seek God’swisdom and pray for the Holy Spirit willwe receive power to do this work.

Aspects of lonelinessKerralyn McPhee, NSW

Thank you, Karen Collum, for sharingyour “lonely journey” (Feature, September18) with us. I have felt for those taking asimilar journey, but have too often keptsilent not knowing how to show I caredfor fear of adding to their pain.

Thank you for sharing on this personalsubject and helping me understand how tobe supportive. I pray that you and otherslike you will feel God’s healing touch inyour heart, mind and womb, and that youwill feel less alone in the waiting.

Name witheld

To those who organise Mother’s andFather’s Day church programs, please besensitive to those adults who may not bemothers or fathers. While it is importantto acknowledge the great job mothers andfathers do, remember there may be somewho will be pained by any obviousexclusion, such as asking mothers tocome forward to receive a flower orprayer.

For 364 days of the year it doesn’tbother me that I’m not a mother, but when

I’ve experienced this, it hurts. I canimagine how much harder it is for anyonewho has longed in vain for a child.

I have attended Mother’s Day programsin which all the women were given aflower or a prayer was uttered withoutdiscrimination, and I appreciated thethoughtfulness behind such action.

Children includedChristine Miles, NZ

I totally agree with the writer of“Including children” (Letters, September18). Jesus said, “Let the little childrencome . . . and do not hinder them”(Matthew 19:14, NIV). Ever since I’ve hadchildren, I’ve felt that I’m forbidding them

to come to Jesus when I don’t allow themto participate in Communion.

We recently had a family Communionservice on a Friday evening at our church.The children enjoyed it and understoodthe purpose of it. Of course, they wriggledand squirmed and made noises atinappropriate times, but the experiencekeeps coming up in conversation.

When next we have Communion, I willencourage them to participate in the entireservice. Perhaps I’ll encourage them tobring a friend to be their partner. Never

mind what other people think. But there isone problem I’m not sure how toovercome: the worship planners, in theirwisdom, provide a story for childrenduring the foot-washing service. If thechildren won’t get their feet washed first,I’m reluctant to have them join in theeating and drinking. The only solution Isee is for the church to include them in theentire ceremony.

Getting The Message straightJ Seymour, SA

I wish that all who have a shot at TheMessage, such as the writer of “Mixed-upMessage” (Letters, August 28), would readthe Preface to The Message. It reads, inpart, “The Message is a reading Bible. It isnot intended to replace the excellent studyBibles that are available.”

Eugene Peterson’s goal is to get peopleto read the Bible who otherwise wouldn’tread it, so it’s written in the plain languageof today.

I’m reading The Message this year for mymorning devotions. Sure, some of thetexts may read a little oddly. But as long asordinary folk read it, the Holy Spirit willguide them (see John 16:13).

L E T T E R S

13

Just a coincidence

Yes, where are the “shocked and stunned” Mrand Mrs Churchgoer who feel a passionate desire

to rescue our young people?

Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of theeditors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250words, and writers must include their name, address and phonenumber. All letters are edited to meet space and literaryrequirements, but the author’s original meaning will not bechanged. Not all letters received are published. See masthead(page 2) for contact details.

40 Letters 4/10/04 5:31 PM Page 29

WeddingsBell—Viner. Maurice Bell and MandyViner were married on 19.9.04 at Harry’s-on-Buderim, Buderim, Qld. Their five chil-dren formed the bridal party.

Sid Griffith

Hobbs—Land. Raymond Hobbs, son ofBill (Christchurch, NZ) and the late PamHobbs, and Donna Land, daughter of Jimand Beverly Land (Barkersvale, NSW),were married on 5.9.04 at “Log Cabin,”Numinbah Valley, Qld. Adrian Craig

Jackson—Udeh. Rex Stanley (WaihiBeach, NZ) and Elaine Melva Udeh(Palmerston North) were married on8.8.04 in the Waihi Adventist church.

Ken Curtis

Jager—Hanna. Matthew Jager, son ofChris Jager (Brisbane) and Sue Taylor(Tallebudgera, Qld), and Mandy Hanna,daughter of Trevor and Julie Hanna (Cur-rumbin Valley), were married on 12.9.04at the Coolibah Downs Chapel, Nerang.

Ray Roennfeldt

ObituariesAdair, Gwendolyn Lucy (nee Adlard),born 11.8.1918 at Gosford, NSW; died26.7.04 at Auckland, NZ. In 1940 she mar-ried Keith, who predeceased her in 1994.She is survived by her daughters, Janette(Auckland) and Rochelle (Perth, WA).

Gwen was a loyal, supportive and selflesswife and a wonderful, caring, generousmother. She had many interests, includinganimals, birds, gardening and sendingcards to family and friends. They allremember her for her humility and gen-erosity. Peter Howard

Carey, Una Amie (nee Parrett), born3.9.1920 at Christchurch, NZ; died29.8.04 in Brisbane, Qld. She was prede-ceased by her husband, Arthur. She is sur-vived by her children, Ena, Jane, Paul andPeter; her brother, Bill Parrett(Christchurch, NZ); her 11 grandchildren;and her great-grandchild, Felicity. Una’slife of 83 years was lived to bless others.She was dearly loved and appreciated byall who knew her. The last few years of herlife she spent in blindness, but that nevererased the beautiful Christian smile fromher face. Clarence O’Neill

Cheyne, Mary Amelia, born 6.8.1900 inher parents’ home at Arcadia, NSW; died2.9.04 in the Charles Harrison NursingHome, Cooranbong. She was theyoungest of four children of Richard andHelena Charleston, of Arcadia. She waspredeceased by her siblings, Marguerite,Rebecca and Richard. When she was 16she took up work as a domestic and alsoworked as a nurse at the old Sydney Sani-tarium. In 1942 she married Patrick, awidower with two children of his own,who predeceased her in 1972. She is sur-vived by her son, John. Austin Fletcher

Hartley, Lorna Beatrice, born at Auck-land, NZ; died 29.8.04 in Brisbane, Qld.

On 15.3.34 she married Jack, who prede-ceased her on 7.7.74. She is survived byher children and their spouses, Val andCliff Morgan (Brisbane), and Roger andMary (Sydney, NSW); her five grandchil-dren; and nine great-grandchildren. Lornaand Jack gave many years of leadership tothe Sanitarium Health Food Company. Shewas a kind, loving and caring person.

Reg King, Bob Possingham

Heinicke, Samuel, born 7.4.1915 at Lox-ton, SA; died 29.8.04 in Sydney, NSW. On8.9.47 he married Jean Watson, who pre-deceased him. He was also predeceased byhis son, Brenton. He is survived by hischildren and their spouses, Maurice andHelen (Iron Knob, SA), Ruth and DavidKeeler (Goonellabah, NSW), Eris andGlenn Gillis (Galston), and Keryl andRobin Thorpe (Gatton, Qld). Sam was afriend of God and a friend to man.

Robert Porter

Kerwin, Natalie, born 24.12.1910 atFielding, NZ; died 19.6.04 in BethesdaRest Home, Auckland. On 29.2.36 shemarried John, who predeceased her in2003. She is survived by her sons, Brent(Whangarei) and Peter (Adelaide, SA).Natalie was a faithful, devoted wife and acaring, loving mum. She always wantedthe best for her family. She had a growingrelationship with God and was committedto her Lord and Saviour.

Kayle de Waal, Peter Howard

Kruit, Johannes Leendert, born28.12.1918 at Rotterdam, the Nether-lands; died 29.8.04 in Singleton Hospital,of a terminal illness. In 1952 he marriedIris Collinsen, who predeceased him in1998. He is survived by his daughter,Karin Lannigan, and her family (Spokane,Washington State, USA); his wife’s half-sister, Kathleen Sloan (Singleton, NSW),and her family; and one grandchild. Johnsearched for truth over many years, cul-minating in his baptism at age 80. Findingmore than truth, he found his church fam-ily, his wife’s missing half-sister, Katie, andJesus. He died peacefully, assured of theresurrection. Clive Nash

Rudge, Pastor Wilfred Edmond, born8.4.1913 at Geelong, Vic; died 25.7.04 atVictoria Point, Brisbane, Qld. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Mavis, on 13.5.93.He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Dale (Gold Coast), andPeter and Kaye (Maryland, USA); hisdaughter and son-in-law, Wendy andGreg Fleming (Sydney, NSW); his threegrandchildren; and three great-grandchil-dren. Wilf was a dearly loved and greatlyrespected pastor, and will always beremembered for his pioneering work inestablishing the Pathfinder program andthe Trust Services work in the SouthPacific Division. He is sadly missed by hisfamily and all who knew him.

Jorge Munoz

Smith, Nellie Irene (nee Ballinger),born 2.9.1917 at Horsham, Vic; died31.8.04 in Austin Hospital, Melbourne.On 16.4.43 she married Norm., whopredeceased her in 1992. She is survivedby her children and their spouses, Jennyand Neil Parken (Mackay, Qld), Alan

and Melayna (Horsham, Vic), Stephenand Sue (Ballarat), Norman Smith andAdele Lane (both of Portland), and IanSmith (Horsham). Nellie enjoyed thesimple things of life and loved her fami-ly and being in nature. She loved helpingpeople through assisting them withhealth advice.

Steven Goods, Kevin Varrall

AdvertisementsNote: Neither the editor, Signs Publish-ing Company, nor the Seventh-dayAdventist Church is responsible for thequality of goods or services advertised.Publication does not indicate endorse-ment of a product or service. Advertise-ments approved by the editor will beinserted at the following rates: first 30words or less, $A44; each additionalword, $A2.20. For your advertisement toappear, payment must be enclosed. Clas-sified advertisements in RECORD are avail-able to Seventh-day Adventist members,churches and institutions only. See mast-head (page 2) for contact details.

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Great Rates

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Christian television available now24/7. Satellite kits only $A325 (+freight)and your purchase price includes a dona-tion to Adventist Media to expand satel-lite broadcasting. Three Angels Broad-casting Network and four other Christianchannels available now, free to air—nofurther charges. Phone Rural Electron-ics on (02) 6361 3636; email<ruralele@bigpond.net.au>.

Family Bible lessons for sale, basedon the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Idealfor family worship with children. 3 yearcycle, daily nature component, spiritualparallels, activity sheets. Phone (02) 65506180 or <SonLight@tsn.cc>.

Data projectors, screens, soundequipment, TVs, DVD players,VCRs, PA systems. Rural ElectronicsOrange is run by an Adventist couple

committed to helping SDAs to get a bet-ter deal for their churches, schools,homes etc. Avondale College, Wahroon-ga and many NSW churches helpedalready. DVD players on special for$A119. For more information phoneTrish (02) 6361 3636; email<ruralele@bigpond.net.au>.

Web site design. We specialise indesigning web sites that you can eas-ily maintain yourself. Phone Webstu-dio 1800 008 606 in Australia; 0800249 735 in New Zealand, or visitwww.webstudio.com.au.

FinallyGod loves you.

N O T I C E B O A R D

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Positions vacant▲ Teachers/Principals—The Seventh-day Adventist Schools (NNSW) Ltdis seeking expressions of interest from qualified teachers (earlychild, primary andsecondary) for their 11 schools, from one-teacher to 50+ teachers, located from urbanto rural along the great coast of north NSW that stretches from the Hawkesbury Riverto the Qld border. For further information contact Peter Michalski on 0414 555 372or email <pmichalski@adventist.org.au>.

▲ Director of Women’s Residences—Avondale College (Cooranbong,NSW) is seeking to appoint a full-time Director of Women’s Residences commencingJanuary 2005. The successful applicant will have an appropriate degree, strong peopleand communication skills, good rapport with young people, will live in the Director’shouse on campus, and will preferably have experience in counselling. For furtherinformation contact <www.avondale.edu.au>; or Craig Vogel (02) 4980 2146; email<craig.vogel@avondale.edu.au>. Applications in writing (including CV and thenames of three referees) should be forwarded to Sonya Muhl, HR, Avondale College,PO Box 19, Cooranbong NSW 2265; email <sonya.muhl@avondale.edu.au; (02) 49802284; or fax (02) 4980 2269, no later than November 3, 2004.

▲ Director of Nursing—Avondale Retirement Village (Cooranbong, NSW)is seeking a full-time Director of Nursing. The facility includes 184 independent livingunits; 72-bed nursing home; and 35- and 40-bed hostels. The successful applicant willbe a committed, baptised and practising Seventh-day Adventist; NSW registered (ListA); RN8 or higher (preferably with postgraduate qualifications in either managementor aged care); and have a minimum of three years senior aged care experience in anursing home. Applications in writing should be forwarded to John Kingston, POBox 105, Cooranbong NSW 2265; email <ceo@aacnnsw.com.au>, no later thanNovember 20, 2004.

▲ Assistant Editor—Signs Publishing Company (Warburton, Vic) isseeking a person to join the editorial team that produces Record, Signs of the Times andEdge magazines, who will work full-time with the editor in producing news and othercontent for these magazines. The successful applicant will think critically about a widerange of issues; have strong communication and interpersonal skills; demonstratededication to the Adventist community and enthusiasm for communicatingChristianity to a broad readership. This is a superb opportunity for a talented personto play a critical role in the church community. Applications in writing (includingrésumé giving communication background and interests) should be forwarded onemail to <editor@signspublishing.com.au>, no later than October 28, 2004.

▲ Assistant to the CEO—ADRA–Australia (Wahroonga, NSW). Forfurther information please visit the employment section of the SPD web site on<www.adventist.org.au>. Applications close on Friday, October 22, 2004.

▲ Associate National Director (secondary curriculum) for AdventistSchools Australia—Australian Union Conference (Ringwood, Vic) isseeking expressions of interest from people with suitable qualifications and aninterest in secondary curriculum. Applicants must have a successful teachingbackground; be able to write in the secondary curriculum area; be available to travelwidely within Australia and to personify the role at a national level. Applications inwriting should be forwarded to Dr John Hammond, National Director, AdventistSchools Australia, PO Box 4368, Ringwood Vic 3134; or email<schools@adventist.edu.au>. Applications close November 1, 2004.

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