ISSN 0819-5633

A P R I L 2 4 , 2 0 0 4

R E C O R DIn this issue

Smiles and burns repaired in Nepal

Editorial team has new assistant

Former president opens own school

Easter dramatisation voted“better than the Passion”

Geelong, Vic

More than 600 people attended this year’s “Road to Calvary” program held on the grounds ofthe Adventist primary school, Oxford Christian School, in Geelong, Vic, from March 31 to

April 3. Road to Calvary is in its fifth year. The minister of the Eastside and Geelong Central churches, Pastor John O’Malley, has been

involved for two years, and he senses that it comes across as “authentic.” “I had a Baptist comeup to me and tell me he had seen the movie The Passion of The Christ, but this was better.”

The Eastside church meets in the school grounds and some now attend the church after seeingthe program in previous years.

“We try to show what Jesus went through for us,” says the program’s producer, Colin Holman.“This is a non-threatening outreach to the community—preaching without preaching.”

“This also does a lot of good among churches of Geelong,” adds Pastor O’Malley. “RadioRhema visited on the Thursday night and were rapt, and will advertise it for us. We have a coupleof hundred who come from Melbourne to see it each year.”

What is exciting, says Mr Holman, are comments people make. “People are moved to tearswhen they see what Jesus really did for them. It makes it real.” (Continued on page 7)

*Happinessnot

included

“Road to Calvary” grew out of a desire to see the “Road to Bethlehem” Christmas program expanded sopeople would have an opportunity to experience the whole gospel story.

May 24, 2004

E D I T O R I A L

Adventist ChristianityIn Thinking Theologically, Adventist

theologian Fritz Guy begins with afoundational reminder of what our faith isreally about. “To be Adventist,” he writes,“is to be, first and foremost, Christian; andwhat is most important in Adventistexperience, practice and belief is not whatdifferentiates us from other Christians butwhat unites us to them.” And thus heemploys the term “Adventist Christianity”throughout his book “as a gentle butfrequent reminder that our distinctivenessis not the proper centre of our theology orour spirituality.”

This is something we—individually andas a church—need to constantly comeback to. It seems surprisingly easy forcommunities supposedly focused on Godto sink back into themselves. And inrecognising our commonality with otherChristians, we can also recognise that thetemptation is not unique to us. Writingfrom his own Catholic tradition, HenriNouwen identifies a similar risk: “As soonas the community becomes sedentary, it istempted to lose its faith and worship thehouse-gods instead of the one true Godwho is leading it in a pillar of fire”(Intimacy).

But religiosity, church politics, ourreligious subculture, lifestyle and socialconnections can seem so much morecomfortable than the stark declaration ofan ugly and cruel cross. Indeed, when welook at the cross without the pleasantnostalgia of the dust of distant history, it isa cause for constant affront.

We are sinners, we are lost, we will die—probably painfully and without anyparticular grace. We are animals, with theadded aching burden of being able torecognise—in those moments of greatesthonesty and clarity—our own lost-ness.

The cross screams the bloodstainedcertainty that we are not good enough, thatwe can never be good enough. Every timewe see a cross we are reminded of our ownhopelessness, the evil that is within us andthe certainty of our own death.

The cross signifies the dashing of all ourself-deluding optimism—and the begin-ning of true hope. The cross must be thefocus of our Christianity: Jesus, God withus, God in our world, God in our mess,God lifting us by His death out of our mess.

The overwhelming significance of thecross is reflected in the experience of manyin the early church. And while there arevarious traditions as to the post-biblicalhistories of the disciples, some people whostudy such things suggest that John’sgospel may well have been the last book ofthe Bible written. One tradition tells ofJohn’s release from the island of Patmosafter he had been through the visions andwritten Revelation and returned toEphesus, where he lived for the remainderof his life. It was during this time—so thisversion of the story goes—that John wrotethe story of Jesus as we have it today in thefourth Gospel.

After all the things he had been through,after his years as a leader in the church,after his astounding visions on Patmos,after the earlier letters he had written, Johnthe beloved disciple—now an old man—came back to the story of Jesus. At the endof John 20, John explains his reason forwriting his Gospel: “These are written thatyou may believe that Jesus is the Christ[the Saviour], the Son of God, and that bybelieving you may have life in his name”(John 20:31).*

Reflecting on the centrality of the storyof Jesus to our faith and our lives asAdventist Christians, Jon Paulien em-

phasises the pre-eminence of Jesus astestified by John: “The only witnessing thattruly matters is witnessing about Jesus. Toshare the Sabbath, the prophecies, thesanctuary, the state of the dead with othersis not witnessing unless doctrine bringsJesus into clearer focus” (in theintroduction to John, his commentary onthe Gospel of John).

As Adventists, we should not seek truthto claim any kind of superiority. Rather weseek the privilege and responsibility ofunderstanding the gospel, the story ofJesus and the love of God a little better. Itwas a focus Paul also identified when heassured his readers that he had “resolved toknow nothing while I was with you exceptJesus Christ and him crucified” (1Corinthians 2:2).

This is the centre of Christianity and asAdventist Christians the centre of our faith,our church and our lives. Recognising thisreality, perhaps we should be a little lessshy about using the cross as our symbol:“For all the false and misleadingassociations that may surround it, [thecross] still says—even without theknowledge of the one displaying it—‘I ambought by the sufferings and death of Jesusand I belong to God. The divine conspiracy[the kingdom of God] of which I am a partstands over humanhistory in the form of across’” (Dallas Willard,The Divine Con-spiracy).

* All Biblequotations arefrom the NewInternationalVersion.

Nathan Brown

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OFFICIAL PAPERSouth Pacific DivisionSeventh-day AdventistChurchACN 000 003 930

Vol 109 No 15Cover: John O’Malley

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.

April 24, 2004

F L A S H P O I N T

● The church in Fiji maynever be the same, saysPeni Dakua, director ofcommunication for the FijiMission, after the annualministerial retreat heldrecently at Deuba AdventistCampsite. Guest speaker DrRussell Burrill spoke oncreating a disciple-makingchurch. Dr Burrill lecturers atAndrews University, USA, ispresident of the NorthAmerican Division Evan-gelism Institute and authorof The Revolutionized Churchof the 21st Century. He calledon the church to examinewhy it has become stagnantand spends more resourceson nurturing the saints thansaving the lost. “He madesuch an impact,” says MrDakua, “and has helped toreorientate our ministers’mind-set.”

● A memorandum ofunderstanding (MOU) wassigned between the AngauMemorial Hospital, Lae, PNG, and theAdventist Development and ReliefAgency (ADRA–PNG) on March 2. TheMOU agrees to establish a better workingrelationship and a more effective pathwayfor medical referrals and counselling forHIV/AIDS patients. Last year ADRAofficially opened an HIV/AIDS SupportCentre in Lae, which provides generalcommunity education about HIVprevention and selected services to people

living with HIV/AIDS. The main focus ofthis centre is in the area of counselling andcare of HIV-positive people. The MOUenables referral of clients to AngauHospital from ADRA for medicaltreatment, voluntary testing and pre- andpost-test counselling.—ADRA–PNG TokSave

● Students and staff at Fulton College, Fiji,observed Week of Prayer from March 21to 27 with guest speaker Pastor EddieTupai, associate director of Youth Minis-tries and Family Ministries in the NewZealand Pacific Union Conference. ManyFulton students have sponsors to help withtheir financial obligations each year andone student, Seini Tonga, wrote a letter to

her sponsor following theWeek of Prayer. “This wasone of the best weeks of mylife,” she writes. “PastorTupai’s talks were verytouching. He talked aboutissues that young peoplerelate to. At the end of theweek I recommitted my life

to God and I know for sureI’m being called to work forHim.”—Sandra Roberts

● Singleton church, NSW,hosted World Day of Prayercelebrations on Friday,March 5, with 130 membersand ministers from localChristian churches. LibbyAdamthwaite and MonicaNash hosted the program inthe church that was

decorated with a pottery and Panamanianjungle theme. The focus on Panamafeatured women fromother denominations,and church ministerPastor Clive Nash(pictured) spoke on thelife-changing power ofChrist. The BibleSociety will benefitfrom $A360 raised during the event.—Northpoint

● Sydney Adventist College, Castle Hilland Wahroonga primary schools wereinvolved in an Independent Schools Expothat saw 2300 people attend early inMarch.—Intrasyd

Avondale Schoolstudents recently

ate their way throughan Australian record.

Children fromEastwood PublicSchool, Sydney, NSW,had put out thechallenge to anyonewho could eat morethan 100 apples,producing just on 183metres of curly apple-skin.

The Avondale apple eaters smashed this record in March by eatingclose to 380 apples and making 460 metres of curly apple-skin. Headof Primary Mr Len Farquharson and Karen Dobson spent every spareminute peeling metres of skin from the apples. The skin was stretchedout on the ring road and a cheer heard when Graham Head, the sportsmaster, finally announced the 460-metre measurement.

“Now it is Avondale School’s turn to challenge the schools ofAustralia and New Zealand,” says marketing and developmentcoordinator Karen Zeuschner. “How much curly apple-skin can yourstudents make?”

Canteen manager Karen Dobson (pictured with students) says thatone apple produces just on 1.5 metres of apple skin.

• Fijian church leaders inspired • Help for HIV/AIDS patients • Week of Prayer impacts youth • Adventists host World Day of Prayer • Champion guitar player chosen • and more

—Compiled by Kellie Hancock—

Avondale School is apples!

3

April 24, 2004

F L A S H P O I N T

● Dale Willis, an Avondale Collegegraduate in 2002, has won theAustralian Fingerstyle GuitarChampionships. Held on March 20 atthe Frankston Guitar Festival, MrWillis competed against 13contestants from across Australia andwon the competition playing anoriginal song, “Scatterfingers,” and hisown arrangement of “Waltzing

Matilda.” The first prize included ahandmade guitar, recording time at aMelbourne studio and automatic entryto the International FingerpickingGuitar Championships to be held inKansas, USA, in September. Mr Williswill also be appearing in thepublication Australian GuitarMagazine.

● The communications department ofthe Wanganui church (NZ) is usingtheir roadside noticeboard as awitness to their street’s busy trafficflow. Various signs are displayed andchanged every few weeks to co-ordinate with special events andseasons such as Christmas and Easter.

Pictured is this year’s Easter sign madeby Graham Greenfield.

4

Off the record● Bella Vista Hospital recentlycelebrated 50 years as an Adventistinstitution serving the community inMayaguez and the island of Puerto Rico.Descendants of the hospital’s pioneers, aswell as some of its first patients, attendedthe half-century celebration from March12 to 14. Attendees included children andgrandchildren of the hospital’s founder,Dr William Colby Dunscombe, and

several children of some of the firstmissionary doctors. Also present was thefirst patient who entered the hospital itsfirst day of operation, Juan Rodriguez, aWorld War II veteran, as well as the firsttwins born at the hospital.—ANN

● Kettering College of Medical Arts inOhio, USA, recently received a $US4million donation toward the buildingfund of a five-storey, 41,000-square footbuilding addition. Philanthropist OscarBoonshoft’s donation will go toward anew student centre, learning resourcecentre, and computer and sciencelaboratories that will allow the college toexpand its offerings in the sciences and tooffer a degree program in humanbiology.—ANN

● A recent survey shows that housechurches are multiplying in Beijing,China. Most of the 3000 unregisteredchurches are small, with an average of 20members with groups dividing once theyreach 70 to avoid trouble with theauthorities.—Voice of the Martyrs News

● More than one-third of Americansconnected to the Internet have used it toaccess religious and spiritual information.Researchers say “religion surfers” haveincreased 94 per cent between March2000 and November 2002.—Agape Press

● A new study has found that moreadults are reading their Bible, partici-pating in small religious groups andpraying, but church-related involvementhas remained flat over the past decade.Barna Research Group president GeorgeBarna says, “This may be an earlywarning sign that we are entering a newera of spiritual experience—one that ismore tribal or individualised thancongregational in nature.—CharismaNews Service

Days and offeringsMay 1—Tertiary Students DayMay 15—Health Offering

Tassie youth travelback in timeThe Youth Week of Prayer (YWOP) in

Tasmania ended in a unique way withCollinsvale Seventh-day Adventistchurch—the first Adventist church builtin Australia—hosting a youth invasionthat took the youth on a step back intime.

The YWOP began on March 13 with awell attended contemporary youth rallyat the Derwent Entertainment Centre inHobart. Each night of the week a groupof young people met for prayer and Biblestudy. Then on March 20 the youth wereinvited to attend a traditional service atCollinsvale church.

The church was packed to fullcapacity and the traditional service in-cluded hymns led from the rostrum bythe elders, a Scripture reading by ayoung person, a sermon from Reve-lation, and a local budget offering(which the treasurer was very pleasedabout!).

In 1885 Ellen White preached fromthe pulpit in the Collinsvale church.From that same pulpit current ministerPastor David Edgren read portions of aletter that Mrs White had written abouther experiences in Collinsvale (thencalled Bismark) in which she states thatmany people were led to an interest inthe Advent message through herpresentation of the three angels’messages.

Pastor Edgren then preached asermon about the three angels’messages.

Ric

k D

unne

April 24, 2004

N E W S F R O N T

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Banepa, Nepal

A team of Australian medical and healthspecialists have established a burns

reconstruction unit and repaired morethan 60 cleft lip and palate deformitiesduring a two-week trip to Nepal.

The Nepal Plastic Surgery Program(NPSP), jointly sponsored by Sydney Ad-ventist Hospital (SAH) and the AdventistDevelopment Relief Agency (ADRA), wasestablished in 1993 to repair cleft lip andpalate deformities in Nepalese people whocan’t afford the operation.

Led by plastic surgeon Dr CharlesSharpe, over the years the team has repairedmore than 550 cleft lip and palatedeformities in Nepalese children andadults.

This year the team expanded their scopeof plastic surgery to include burnsreconstruction. Dr David Pennington—known for his work with Safari, the littleboy with the big smile from Kenya—joinedthe team and operated on more than 30burns patients.

Over two weeks, as well as carrying outtheir cleft lip and palate restorative work atthe Banepa Medical Clinic, the NepalPlastic Surgery team set up a burn scar

contracture unit with the assistance of DrPennington and in conjunction with theScheer Memorial Hospital and Nepaliplastic surgeons.

Burns in Nepal occur mostly from openfires, used in many villages as the onlysource of indoor heating, and from electro-cution, which often result in horrificscarring.

“While there are very good plasticsurgeons in Nepal, there are not enough ofthem, nor are there sufficient financialresources in their public hospital system toundertake this major task,” says DrPennington. “There is a large backlog ofpatients with scar contractures that aremany years old, which have remaineduntreated.”

Likewise, because of the difficult accessto medical services in Nepal, birth defects,such as cleft lips and palates, which aretreated as babies in developed countries, areoften left untreated. Local Nepalesecustoms and beliefs mean that childrenborn with cleft lips and palates are indanger of being abandoned. If they survivetheir early years, they still face a poorerquality of life than their peers and are oftentreated as social outcasts.

“In developed countries, these defects are

repaired while the children are still babies;however, in countries like Nepal, mostpeople will not have access to the medicalservices needed to treat this problem andmay therefore live their entire lives withthis very visible and life-altering problem,”says Dr Sharpe.

Many of the patients who receivedtreatment by the team are from remote

villages without running water orelectricity, let alone medical facilities.Patients often walk for hours to reachpublic transport to take them to the BanepaMedical Centre. Even then, the journey ishazardous, passing through many militarycheckpoints along the way.

Each year, the NPSP team raises moneyto transport equipment, pay for airfares andpay for the operations themselves(estimated to cost around $A350 perpatient). This year they also raised moneyto fund the burns patients at an estimatedcost of $A1000 per patient.

Despite the combined efforts of the NPSPteam, local Nepalese doctors and aidagencies, there is still a long way to go.“Training and facilities are improving inNepal, however priority is given to life-saving specialties, and plastic and recon-structive surgery has a relatively lowpriority,” says Dr Sharpe. “This input ofexpertise and money from Australia helpssome of the many thousands of patientswho have debilitating cleft and burnproblems and who otherwise would not betreated at all.”—Susannah Owens

Aussie plastic-surgery team repairsmiles and burns in Nepal

This child will now be able to face the worldwith a smile after reconstructive surgery.

Adventist Television Network’s (ATN)Hope Channel is now available on the

Internet.ATN began streaming the channel on

its <www.hopetv.org> web site in March.“Hope Channel is putting the virtue backinto virtual, so to speak,” saysspokesperson Lori-Anne Charlton.

The network is also encouragingAdventists to forward an email that in-cludes an invitation to view HopeChannel to their friends. The invitationreads as follows:

Here’s a great new web site I thought

you’d be interested in: <www.hopetv.org>.It’s the home page of a new TV station calledHope Channel, and it features videostreaming. This means you can watch thechannel on your computer free, anywhere inthe world, 24 hours a day.

The point is to make Jesus, the onlylasting source of hope, relevant to life today.To see what I mean, click on the link belowfor a 30-second introduction to HopeChannel.

For more information or to access thisletter, go to <www.hopetv.org>.—Brenton Stacey

Hope Channel launches broadband video

Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

Adventist young people are being invitedto design a web site that will give them

a direct line to the highest level of churchadministration. The General Conferencepresident has announced a design com-petition for the new site, which will openin August, as a way for young adults tocommunicate with Pastor Jan Paulsen,president of the church.

“I recognise that many, many of ouryoung people feel distance from thechurch—they feel as if they don’t have avoice, they don’t feel they have been heardand they don’t feel they have been under-stood,” says Pastor Paulsen. “But I wantthem to know the church cannot survivewithout them.

“We want to hear from them—what theyfeel, and what they would like to say totheir church,” he adds. “And I want them toknow it is our intention to take theircomments seriously.”

The development of the web site willcontinue a dialogue between PastorPaulsen and Adventist young people thatbegan in August 2003 with the Let’s Talkglobal broadcast. During the one-hour live

event, Pastor Paulsen fielded questions on awide range of topics from a studio audienceof some 50 young people. A similar event,Let’s Talk–Again, is planned for Septemberthis year, and will originate from thecampus of Andrews University, Michigan,USA.—Bettina Krause/ANN

April 24, 2004

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Young people to have “direct line” tochurch president with new web site

Warburton, Vic

The RECORD’S new editorial assistant, Scott Wegener,brings technical skills in multimedia and a passion for

creative writing to the role. “We’re pleased that Scott has been able to join the team,”

says RECORD editor Nathan Brown. “His background,knowledge and proven track record as a communicator willbe an asset.”

Mr Wegener has been published in RECORD and involved incommunication at the local church level.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to inspire othersthrough writing and sharing news from around the division,”he says. “I’m enthusiastic about using my talents for God’swork.”—Kellie Hancock

Scott Wegener.

Kat

hy C

hee

Editorial team has new assistant

General Conference president Pastor Paulsen wants to open the communications channels withyoung Adventists through a new web site. He believes the site will give them a chance to be

“heard,” and invites young designers to enter their ideas in the recently announced competition.

Web site designcompetition details● The Let’s Talk web-site designcompetition is open to all churchmembers under 25 years of age.● The winning designer will receivea cash prize as well as a donationtoward a mission project. ● Entries close May 31. ● Complete details about the webdesign competition are online at:<http://presidential.gc.adventist.org/letstalkcontest/>.

Former president opensown schoolAuki, Malaita, Solomon Islands

Aformer president of the church in theWestern Pacific has opened a school in

the Solomon Islands that bears his familyname.

P a s t o rC a l v y nTownend—who servedas presidentof the for-mer Wes-tern PacificUnion Mis-sion between 1993 and 1997—cut a ribbonat the Townend Adventist Primary School inAuki, Malaita, on March 7 to mark thecompletion of the first stage of construction.

Pastor Townend, currently generalmanager of Adventist Media, is an honorarychief of Malaita. “Our church members gaveme the title because of our work establishingthe Mountains of Malaita project.” Morethan 1000 people joined the church throughthe project.

Principal Lloyd Gwe says the school’s 180students are enjoying studying in the sixnew classrooms on campus.

Parents and friends of the studentsdonated more than $A700 to the schoolduring the opening ceremony.—BrentonStacey

April 24, 2004

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(Continued from page 1)Pastor O’Malley agrees: “You come out

with a sense of what Jesus did for us. I sensethe Spirit of God at work when the peoplecome out talking about how it affectedthem personally—and I like to talk to themabout that.”

His role is at the end of each 30-minutepresentation when he is among the groupthat mingles with those who stop to havedrinks and receive a pack of material to takehome.

“I look for opportunities for verbal feed-back. Some people take the opportunity totalk about spiritual things. This year Isuggested they might like to attend the

prophecy seminar I’m about to start.”He adds that Try Jesus cards given out in

previous years have resulted in several Biblestudies.

Pastor O’Malley recognises that the 60 orso involved in the production enjoy thepositive feedback, but the work is“exhausting” because it takes an “awful lotof preparation.”

“One of our challenges,” adds MrHolman, “is to find extra actors. There is areal danger that it won’t happen next year ifwe can’t.”

Pastor O’Malley also sees the need formore actors: “We have Baptists andAnglicans who are acting in Road toCalvary or want to next year, so why notsome more Adventists? A few more actorscan help expand the program and make itbetter.” (Potential actors can phone MrHolman on (03) 5265 1186.)

“As a pastor, this is a fantastic time ofrubbing shoulders with church memberson a different level, and from both churchesin my district,” says Pastor O’Malley. “Thisis a great thing spiritually and socially.

“Personally, I get a thrill when I see God’speople working for Jesus.”—BruceManners

Martha, Lazarus and Mary share theirstory from their Bethany home.

Pastor Calvyn Townend (right) at theopening of the new primary school.

Easter dramatisation voted“better than The Passion”

Brad Luke, a freelance graphic artist andvideo producer, has played the role of

Jesus for four of the five years Road toCalvary has been performed.

“It’s really hard to play the role ofChrist,” he says. “I can never get into themind-set of Christ. I can only play Him asI think He should be portrayed, and thenit’s more of His human side.

“I pray that those who come will see theglory of Christ. I don’t want to be recog-nised in it. I get a lot of satisfaction fromthe fact that people are hearing the story ofChrist.

“In certain places I can seethe sorrow in people’s eyes. Inone part I fall to the groundand talk to the people. Lastnight one woman bent downas if to lift me up and thenrealised that she shouldn’t.She was really feeling in thetime and in the moment.

“The crucifixion scene iswhere there is the mostreaction. Often people arecrying. I can feel their sorrow. Then there’sthe resurrection and a sense of—it’s like,

Yes! this is where it isheading. It goes from a sadpart of the story to the joyousrealisation that they too canhave a part in the resur-rection.

“Playing the role can bequite difficult. I’m gettingbeaten up each night andthrown around by the guards.In the crucifixion scene I feelanguish and I go through the

motions of death. But it’s great to beresurrected.”—Bruce Manners

Brad Luke.

John

O’M

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y

Playing the role of Jesus

April 24, 2004

F E A T U R E

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The ancient European philosopherEpicurus may have been an expert on

happiness. He taught that the motivationbehind our actions was purely to attainpleasure and tranquillity. This could beconsidered a hedonist philosophy—butone of the idiosyncrasies of Epicurus wasthat his hedonism did not involve the “eat,drink and be merry” view. Instead, heargued that an ascetic way of life wouldbring pleasure. He suggested we shouldabstain from worldly comforts andpleasures and find happiness in friendshipsand virtuous pursuits.1

Epicurus revisitedAn episode in a recent ABC television

series, Philosophy—A guide to happiness,2

explored the teachings of Epicurus to findif his philosophies have any relevance fortoday. The presenter, and modern-dayphilosopher, Alain de Botton, attempted tosimplify some of the daunting argumentsof Epicurus.

De Botton explored Epicurus’ teachingson materialistic pleasures as they relate tohappiness and concluded thatwhat society tells us will bringhappiness—cars, clothes, wine,jewellery, perfume etc—may notactually make us happy. A senseof belonging and contentment arewhat humans truly desire and,according to Epicurus, this can beachieved through friendships,education and a simple life.

Marketers are fully aware of theimportance of things likefriendship, acceptance, love,freedom, peace and happiness—basic human needs that can’t bebought. However, they canpromote a product in such a wayas to make consumers think they will bebuying into the things they truly desire, notjust another product.

The blurring of lines between productand idealism in advertising was raised byde Botton during the program. Hesuggested the advertising campaign forSouthern Comfort, an alcoholic beverage,as a case study. The campaign entitled“Between Friends” depicts attractive,youthful people relaxing, laughing, smilingand drinking Southern Comfort. There’salso a web site where you can “meet thefriends” and get caught up in the happy,inclusive world of Southern Comfort. Theadvertising makes the consumer believe,on a subliminal level, that their need to“belong” will be met if they drink SouthernComfort.

And this kind of clever marketingdoesn’t stop at alcohol. Mobile phonecompanies, perfume manufacturers,banks, furniture stores and airlines are justas guilty of playing on our human desiresand ideals of “happiness” in order to selltheir product.

Look at the Freedom Furniturecampaign: “Think outside the square youlive in.” You have to wonder if they are

selling furnitureor a stress-free,perfect lifestylewhere every dayis a holiday,everyone isbeautiful and thefood is alwaysgourmet. All youhave to do toacquire this typeof “freedom” andcontentment is topurchase theirfurniture on 24-months, interest-free credit.

Society hasn’t changed much in 2000years. Even in Epicurus’ time peoplethought they would be happy when they

obtained every material luxury: things likefine clothes, wine and expensive delicacies.It’s not too dissimilar to today’s materialpursuits.

Happiness or things?But once we get all the material things

that society tells us we must have, will webe happy? Epicurus argues no: “Thewealth required by nature is limited and iseasy to procure; but the wealth required byvain ideals extends to infinity!”3 It seemsthat once we get it we want more.

In the documentary, de Botton went onto explore the ruins of a limestone wall inan old Epicurean village marketplace,etched with warnings against the pursuit ofmaterial pleasures. It was engraved withstatements such as, “Poverty, if measuredby the natural end, is great wealth; butwealth, if not limited, is great poverty.”4

Another read, “Since the attainment ofgreat wealth can scarcely be accomplishedwithout slavery to crowds or to politicians,a free life cannot obtain much wealth; butsuch a life already possesses everything inunfailing supply.”5 Epicurus believed thatas long as you had friends, knowledge andsimple necessities, you would beabundantly happy rather than a slave tothings that were impossible to attain inone’s lifetime.

Armed with these Epicureanphilosophies, de Botton enlisted thecreative minds of an advertising agency todesign a campaign warning people of thedangers of material pursuits, similar towhat the Epicurean followers did with thestone wall in the village marketplace. Theadvertising agency eventually came upwith a “Happiness not included”campaign, depicting a grand mansion witha magnificent sports car parked in thedriveway. They had put a red asterisk nextto the mansion to draw your attention tothe fine print, and the fine print in this case

*Happiness not includedby Linzi Aitken

*

April 24, 2004

F E A T U R E

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was, “Happiness not included.” Epicurus’ philosophy, in summary,

suggests that you could very well be happywith every material possession, but warnedthat happiness wouldn’t automaticallycome with material wealth.

Greater wisdomScripture, however, gives much stronger

warnings against the pursuit of materialwealth. In Haggai, God chastises theleaders of the nation for being interestedonly in building their own personal wealthinstead of building God’s temple. In Haggai1:6 the Lord says, “You have spent a lot ofmoney, but you haven’t much to show forit. You keep filling your plates, but younever get filled up. You keep drinking anddrinking and drinking, but you’re alwaysthirsty. You put on layer after layer ofclothes, but you can’t get warm” (TheMessage). Again the warning: once we getit we want more of it, but because we don’tfeel satisfied we continue to pursue earthlywealth to the detriment of ourrelationships with God and with eachother.

So what will make us happy? Accordingto Epicurus, friendship, education andwisdom: “Of all the means which wisdomacquires to ensure happiness throughoutthe whole of life, by far the most importantis friendship.”6 Maybe the SouthernComfort marketing people were prettyclever in advertising “friendship” instead ofalcohol. We all want to be accepted, lovedand respected.

The Bible also gives us examples of whatcan bring us happiness and advises us to“get wisdom—it’s worth more than money;choose insight over income every time”(Proverbs 16:16, The Message). It alsosuggests that “a sterling reputation is betterthan striking it rich; a gracious spirit isbetter than money in the bank” (Proverbs22:1, The Message).

Contemporary “philosophy”Madonna, pop singer and the original

“material girl,” wrote a song recently abouther life entitled, “American life.” In thissong she brags about all the things she has:a Mini Cooper, a lawyer, a manager, ananny, bodyguards, a driver, a butler, a jet,a stylist, a gardener. And at the end of herexhaustive list, she asks, “Do you think I’m

satisfied?”7

But Madonna doesn’t stop questioningthe materialistic world in which she lives.She sings about Hollywood in her song ofthe same name, about it being a placewhere people are lured into thinking that

they can “make it big.” Hollywood offersthe illusion that you will be famous, richand happy. She asks, “How could it hurtyou when it looks so good?”8

It is an ironic question, suggesting thateven though something looks good it maynot be good for you. Madonna, in many ofher recent songs, seems to be wondering ifthere is more to life than just shallow andtemporary pursuits. It seems as though sheis expressing that her life is “empty.”

In the light of Scripture, perhaps she’sright. There’s a passage in the book ofHabbakuk that explains the differencebetween a good life and an unfulfilled,dissatisfied life: “Look at that man, bloatedby self-importance—full of himself butsoul-empty. But the person in rightstanding before God through loyal andsteady believing is fully alive, really alive.Note well: Money deceives. The arrogantrich don’t last” (Habbukuk 2:4, 5, TheMessage). The Bible clearly suggests thatliving with a loyal faith in God, rather thanself, is a life well lived, a happy life.

A different measureI once read a parable of a rich man who,

in his will, requested that his pockets befilled with gold coins before he was buried,so that he might find favour with God andbuy his way into heaven. When the richman passed away they carried out hisrequest and filled his pockets with goldcoins. Finally, he made it to the gates ofheaven where he met an angel. Hepresented the angel with the gold coins.

The angel looked at him puzzled andasked, “Why would you want to bringpavement into heaven?”

Our earthly wealth and materialpossessions hold no value in heaven,where the streets are paved with gold. Paul

urged, “Command those who arerich in this present world not tobe arrogant nor to put their hopein wealth, which is so uncertain,but to put their hope in God,who richly provides us witheverything for our enjoyment.Command them to do good, tobe rich in good deeds, and to begenerous and willing to share. Inthis way they will lay up treasurefor themselves as a firmfoundation for the coming age,

so that they may take hold of the life that istruly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV).

Advertisers would like us to believewealth and material possessions will bringhappiness. But we know that happiness isfound in things unseen rather than thingsthat can be touched, bought or even stolen.If we make for ourselves heaven on earth,don’t we eliminate the need to seek heaveneternal?

Our Father wants His children to behappy and He blesses each of us in differentways. But we sabotage our eternal existencewhen we tie ourselves to things that wecan’t take with us when we leave. r

1. The Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy,http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/e/epicur.htm, 2003.2. Philosophy—A Guide to Happiness, a BritishBroadcasting Corporation production, 2002, aired inAustralia by the Australian BroadcastingCorporation.3. ibid.4. ibid.5. ibid.6. The Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy,<http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/e/epicur.htm>,2003.7. 2003 WB Music Corp/Webo Girl Publishing, Inc.8. ibid.

“Stewardship—It’s a lifestyle.” This is the first in aseries of articles highlighting the importance ofstewardship as it impacts on many aspects of our lives.

Linzi Aitken is departmental assistant for theStewardship Department at the South PacificDivision headquarters in Wahroonga, New SouthWales.

*

April 24, 2004

F E A T U R E

10

It’s a word that means so many differentthings to different people. Let the word

church roll around the roof of your mouthfor just a moment. Feel yourself saying it.Feel your tongue pressing against yourteeth as you make the sounds. Now thinkabout the memories that the word brings tomind. What was your first thought?

Church is a common enough word, yetone that has an uncommon tendency todraw out strong feelings. It is both reveredand reviled, delighted in, and despised.And it has a unique sound, like a crossbetween a “schush” and an “urkh!”

Memories of churchIf you are honest, there is probably no

denying that you have been uncomfortablein church at times. As a small child thesermon went on forever for me and thecarpeted floor seemed irresistible, a farmore comfortable option for snoozing orreading and playing with the soft toys mymother would pack for just suchoccasions.

I was also bored in church when a littleolder. The wheel may have been the firstgreat invention, but throughout myprimary school years those black-and-white church bulletins far surpassed anyancient achievements.They were carefullytransformed into paper planes and waterbombs in preparation for mass launches offthe veranda immediately after the lasthymn. What a joy it was to douse the girlson the way to the toilets! And they thoughtthere was safety in numbers.

In later years, when paper planes nolonger graced the skies, I recall the triumphof seeing the head elder snort awake up thefront one day, leap to his feet and announcethe last hymn—before he realised theminister had not yet finished. I, and halfthe congregation with me, knew then wewere not the only ones who were findingthe sermon a little dry.

Like some, I have experienced embar-

rassment at church. As a teenager I was theonly one my age. While others in largerchurches socialised in youth groups, Istood uncomfortably outside mine,hoping non-Christian friends from schooldriving past would not see me there andthink I was uncool.

The ugly churchAnd so I have resisted in church. I have

resisted the urge to sing with all my heart.I have resisted the call to come forward.And, at times, I have resisted the call to goat all.

I have daydreamed in church, countedbricks in the walls, imagined fish caughtand journeyed to strange places. Even as anadult I find myself searching for relevancein some sermons. Some days I’m probablythe fellow near the back with my headburied in the weekly church publication,wondering why so many men my age havechosen not to come at all.

Like Jesus I have even experiencedintense anger in church. For me it was theurge to shout out, “You’re so wrong. Icondemn your words!” That day I satbehind a beautiful little girl, perhaps fouryears of age and full of all the innocent

curiosity known only to a child. It wasannoying but nice, as she rattled her toysand mumbled happily to herself, until hergrandmother leaned over impatiently andsnarled in a horrible, vindictive voice,“Shut up. If you don’t, Jesus will come andget you. He will. Jesus will get you.”

I have experienced sadness andloneliness too. I’m told places of praise canbe laced with betrayal. There can bedistrust and judgment, or ways of doingthings that cause division and distress. Forsome church is the last place they would goto admit their faults. Church can be a placeof disagreement. It can be boring, and atworst it can be downright ugly.

Church is ugly. It’s all too human and it’smade up of the likes of you and me. TheBible says all have sinned and fallen shortof the glory of God. All. That means you.Your righteousness, the best your have, islike the smelly rags of a destitute beggar.No wonder it is easy to lose focus, driftaway and become disenchanted. Themantra of “me” is an unhappy recipeindeed.

The other churchBut there are other experiences too.

Ones not nearly so negative.I have experienced mirth in church. I’m

sure we all have our own stories of churchbloopers and slips of the tongue.

At times I have been inspired. I havestood on the battlefield with David asGoliath crashed to the ground and felt theheat of the fiery furnace with Shadrach,Meshack and Abednego. Daniel’s lionshave breathed their foul breath in my faceand shivers have run down my spine withstories of great deeds and awesomemiracles when all hope had gone.

Church can be touching. Just lastSabbath I glimpsed the future as a manstooped with years announced that hiselderly wife had been anointed in hospital,that he was grateful for everyone’s prayers.

Possibilities of “church”by Brad Watson

April 24, 2004

F E A T U R E

11

He could hardly contain the sorrow ofknowing his love was slipping away, and itwas an effort for him to hold back the tearsafter a lifetime together. For him churchwas a place of love and support.

I have been overwhelmed in church.Compelled to stand up and give my life toGod and release my private, stunted faith,compelled to tell the world that only Godcan make a boy into a man.

I married my wife in a little countrychurch and dedicated my firstborn child.

I have sat with refugees under a mangotree rooted in the African soil andwitnessed their reverence for that, theirhumble place of worship. How well Iremember my efforts to sympathise with

the minister of a thatch-roofed, villagechurch in Papua New Guinea. Halfwaythrough the service a wild-looking womanwearing a Metallica T-shirt, dirty skirt andno shoes, had threatened the audience andelders with a stick. Little did I know! Shewas an elder appointed to the importantrole of keeping the crowd awake.

In church I have listened to amazingstories. Like the hippie woman whotestified that Jesus had reached down andtouched her in the depths of her drug-induced haze. Like the student who stoodbefore us all and said he first experiencedChristianity when a fellow student senthim to bed and then cleaned up his pool ofvomit. Like the tearful refugee whodescribed the slaying of his entire family,yet still could praise God.

There have been acts of givingunsurpassed. In my recent work with a

small charity I have experienced a cultureof giving that permeates many of ourchurches. The middle-aged woman with atear in her eye who wanted to help thepoor but could not because she was thefull-time carer of her own father. Theelderly gentleman who squeezed $20 intothe palm of my hand and said he wished hecould give more. The web-site designerwho gifted 150 hours of voluntary service.The colleague who has gifted her life forthe cause. In missionary service of thechurch I have known friends threatened,abused and raped. Much personal sacrificeis held close the hearts of those who havepaid dearly—for their God and theirchurch.

Church can be beautiful too.

Church and beyondJesus didn’t always find the “church” of

His day pleasing. He was enraged at theirreverence of moneylenders doingbusiness in the temple. He found hypocrisyamong church leaders. Jesus saw arroganceand pride in a people where love andhumility should have been. At times Hechose fields instead of pulpits. He buckedagainst the burden of numerous laws thatrobbed a nation of the joy of worship. AndHe brought a message none of us should bequick to forget.

People are the church. Prodigals arewelcome. Sinners are to be sought out—not saints who are already saved. Giving alot is not as worthy as giving from theheart. Samaritan acts are more desirousthan pious theologies. It is better to servethan to praise or fast. Churches built onlaw are no substitute for ones founded inlove.

You will get what you give, become whatyou believe, find what you seek. Look forugliness and you will find no shortage. Youcan start afresh by saying “I am the fault.”

Church can be beautiful! Awesome too!And where does the beauty come from?That’s the easy part. From God. He isforever. He saves. He lives. He alone ispure. Jesus, His Son, is worthy.

Let’s look for God when we go to church.Lets make it all about Him. Then, and onlythen, will we find it satisfying. r

Brad Watson writes from Wyee, New South Wales.

My Father’s willby John Pocock

I sat beside my bed last nightReading about Your death on the hill.Emotions welled up as I imagined

the sightOf Your body hanging limp and still.

I sat beside my bed last nightWondering about Your death on the

hill.Tears welled up, for try as I might,I could not understand Your Father’s

will.

I knelt beside my bed last nightPraying about Your death on the hill,Searching for meaning and new

insightWanting to understand my Father’s

will.

I lay beside my bed last nightTouched by the Spirit, limp and still.New meaning came in the

resurrection lightThe tomb revealed, the stone stood

still.

I stood beside my bed, in the dawn light

Empowered by Your death on the hill,Understanding more than I did last

night,Through Your Spirit I know my

Father’s will.

John Pocock writes from Helena Valley, WesternAustralia.

April 24, 2004

F E A T U R E

On Monday I went into the city bytrain. On the return trip I sat in a

carriage with three men. Two wereSamoan. I knew immediately they wereChristians. They were friendly and open.They had a look in their eyes that indicatedthey knew something most other peopledidn’t know. I guessed they would sharetheir Christianity. There was an air offriendly concern about them.

The third gentleman was a Germantourist. He brought his bike on board. Theticket collector charged him $1 for thebike. The Samoans asked me how much Ipaid to bring my stroller aboard. Nothing.We discussed NZ Rail’s policy of paying forbikes on trains, but not strollers orpreschoolers. The tourist wondered if NZRail thought bikes were more importantthan little children.

The tourist spoke enough English to getby. The Samoans had a heavy accent. Aconversation ensued, in which theSamoans deftly switched the topic fromtrain fares to religious matters. Withfrequent repetition and rephrasing, thetourist kept up with the conversation. Hedidn’t attend church, he said. He could seeGod all about him when he climbed themountains and tramped in the bush.

The Samoans were concerned. Theydiscussed the importance of attendingchurch. They brought the subject aroundto death. “If you don’t love God, you willgo to hell,” one said.

“Eh!” exclaimed the tourist, and heclutched his bike more tightly. “You sayagain.”

So the Samoans repeated their message,and elicited a response from the Germanthat he did indeed love God. The Samoansseemed satisfied with this, but clearlywould have been happier if he had agreedto attend church. But their stop was called,and they said farewell.

“They are good men,” said the tourist as

the doors swished shut. “They are goodmen.”

But I was ashamed of myself. If I’d hadthe courage of my convictions, I couldhave joined in the conversation andcontributed my beliefs. When they spokeabout worshipping on Sunday, I couldhave reminded them of the Sabbath. Whenthey promised hell for unbelievers I couldhave provided hope. The least I could havedone was write down a few Bible texts forthem. All of them.

One huge lost opportunity. One Germantourist sent pondering the justice orinjustice of a powerful God. Two Samoanmen living their lives in a way so as toavoid hell. And me, who claims to knowthe truth, but silent.

Those men had a knowledge of theBible. How better to connect with them

and share biblical claims than with biblicalfact. When arguing a Christian belief, whatbetter source do we have than the Word ofGod itself?

These thoughts reminded me of anotherrecent conversation in which the issue ofmemorising Bible verses was raised. Theimmediate response was that memorisingmemory verses (um, shouldn’t memoryverses be memorised?) was an outdatedactivity. Nobody (either adult or child), itwas suggested, remembers for longanyway, so why bother?

The point of memorising passages ofScripture is twofold. One is to strengthenour own belief (Proverbs 2:1-5); the otherto provide a sound base for argument(Psalm 40:8). David was clear when hewrote, “I have hidden your word in myheart that I might not sin against you. . . .Your word is a lamp to my feet and a lightfor my path” (Psalm 119:11, 105. NIV).It seems to me that if God’s Word is to behidden in my heart, then I need to knowit. r

Christine Miles writes from Auckland, New Zealand.

12

Just for childrenP

eta

Tayl

or

To memoriseby Christine Miles

April 24, 2004

Casting stones Aldona Jones, Vic

I was one of the 95 per cent presentoutside Melbourne’s World Economicforum to speak out against injustice andoppression without violating the laws ofthe land, attacking police, harming anyperson or damaging property. Unfortun-ately, we weren’t seen as newsworthy, as wedidn’t fit the images of bomb-throwinganarchists that the public has come toexpect. Thus it is troubling to see StuartBarrons’s “Religious terrorists” (Feature,April 3) taking the same course, auto-matically equating the act of standing upfor one’s principles with terrorism.

As Christians we’re to abide by the lawsof the nations in which we find ourselvesin so far as they don’t conflict with God’slaws. But history is full of examples ofpeople unafraid to risk humiliation,torture, imprisonment and death tooppose unjust and ungodly laws.

As a denomination we believe the timewill come when laws will compel us toworship in a manner and at a timecontrary to our faith. Will we conform,afraid of being labelled law-breakers andterrorists, or will we say, like the apostles,we obey God rather than humans?

Jose Gutierrez, NSW

Stuart Barrons’s “Religious terrorists”is the most conservative, uninformedrave I’ve ever read in RECORD. It beginswith criticism, judgment and condemn-

ation of those participating in anti-globalisation protests, comparing themwith terrorists.

Those protesters were neither “extrem-ists” nor “terrorists,” but ordinary peopleexercising their democratic right to protestand dissent within a democratic society.I’ve participated in such protests, and I cansay it is always the police who start thefighting. In Melbourne many peacefulprotesters were repressed and injured

by the worst police brutality in Australia. People have a right to protest against the

evils of capitalist globalisation and fascism.Instead of criticising them, we should lovethem, understand them and try to reachthem out with the message of Jesus, forJesus loves and cares for everyone. I knowa few antiglobalisation protesters and theyare caring and concerned people. Theythirst for justice and welfare for everyone.We have no right to condemn them forexercising their right to dissent.

Law and testimonyBarry Harker, Qld

Norman Young, in “Five charges againstGod” (Feature, March 6), claims that wecannot obey the law faultlessly and thatonly Christ is able to refute Satan’s chargethat it is impossible.

The following clearly deny the firstclaim—2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians5:23; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Peter 4:1; 1 John3:2, 3, 7; Jude 24 and Revelation 14:5—and as the second rises or falls withthe first, it is also false.

Hence, we read, “Satan declared that itwas impossible for the sons and daughtersof Adam to keep the law of God, and thuscharged upon God a lack of wisdom andlove. If they could not keep the law, then

there was fault with the Lawgiver. Menwho are under the control of Satan repeatthese accusations against God, in assertingthat men cannot keep the law of God”(Signs of the Times, January 16, 1896).

A history of preachingJan T Knopper, NSW

In response to Milton Hook’s letter ofMarch 6, the following may clarify a fewpoints. It is correct to say that since the1970s the preaching of righteousness byfaith alone is evident in many pulpits, butwe must add that before then, it was notabsent. Also, since the 1970s, the preach-ing of sanctification by faith (see Acts26:18) has declined. The preaching of thelatter before the 1970s was not presentedas legalism but as the fruit of faith.

We also must add to the letter that it isevident that when righteousness by faithwas preached, as stated in Milton’s letter, anumber of things started to decline, like24-hour Sabbath-keeping as a holy, sacredday, the wearing of jewellery became morecommon and tithing suffered.

Ephesians 2:8, 9—“by grace you havebeen saved, through faith”—is oftenquoted as the heart of salvation, but verse10 must be included as well, which addsthat we are “created in Christ Jesus forgood works” (NIV).

L E T T E R S

13

Just a coincidence

We weren’t seen as newsworthy, as we didn’t fitthe images of bomb-throwing anarchists.

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.

AppreciationBirkett, Lorraine, together with Helenand Elwyn Scale, would like to thanktheir many friends for the cards, phonecalls, emails, love and prayers of comforton the recent loss of their Dad, Laurie.Loved Pappa to Daz, Roo, Chub and Del.Your thoughtfulness means so much.

WeddingsMiller—Morta. Leslie John Miller,son of Leslie Miller and Marina Miller(both of United Kingdom), and Cas-sandra Morta, daughter of Owen andSusan Morta (United Kingdom), weremarried on 28.2.04 in the North Har-bour Adventist church, Auckland,NNZ. Russell Willcocks

Pinasco—Alota. Genaro GermanPinasco, son of Genaro and ElbaPinasco (Sydney, NSW), and RhonaBeth Alota, daughter of Daniel Alota(Philippines) and Adelfa Alota (Sydney,NSW), were married on 28.3.04 at Par-ramatta Adventist church, Sydney, NSW

Peter Fowler

Rodionoff—Johnson. StephenAndrew Rodionoff, son of Andrew andBeryl Rodionoff (Sydney, NSW), andSally Ann Johnson, daughter of Williamand Emilee Johnson (Dalby, Qld), weremarried on 7.3.04 in the Strathfield(Russian) Adventist church, Sydney, NSW.

Wayne French

Thoreson—Ringrose. Roger NoelThoreson, son of Garth and BarbaraThoreson (Pukekohe, NNZ), and TrudyJoy Ringrose, daughter of Lewis andLurlene Ringrose (Whangarei), weremarried on 21.3.04 in the Wilson HomeChapel, Auckland. Russell Willcocks

Towler—Strano. Stephen EdwardTowler, son of George and Margaret Towler(Home Hill, Qld), and Serafina Marie Stra-no, daughter of Guiseppe and JosephineStrano (Home Hill), were married on22.2.04 at Kidby Gully, Home Hill.

Roger Ward

Wallis—Hagen. Haydn ArthurStephen Wallis, son of Arthur and Mary(deceased) Wallis (Melbourne, Vic),and Sandra Mae Hagen, daughter ofDavid and Heather Hagen (Brisbane,Qld), were married on 18.1.04 in theAvondale College church, Cooranbong,NSW. Keith Jackson

Ward—McConaghie. Tristan LeeWard, son of Pastor Roger and CarolineWard (Townsville, Qld), and SuzanneMcConaghie, daughter of Valerie Mau-viel (Miriwinni), were married on11.1.04 on the banks of the Ross River,Townsville. Roger Ward

ObituariesBapty, Alice Mary (nee Findley), born23.8.1924 at Heyfield, Vic; died 22.3.04at Buderim, Qld. On 7.1.47 she marriedLionel, who predeceased her in 2000.She is survived by her children, NerelleCarton (Brisbane), Greg (GlasshouseMountains), Raymond (Smithton, Tas),Elwyn (Lightning Ridge, NSW), Kevin(Gosford), Michael (Mildura, Vic) andLorelei Brigden (Darwin, NT). Aliceloved her Lord and her family. She alsoloved life and especially enjoyed caringfor children. Cyril Pascoe

Mark Pearce, Neil Tyler

Birkett, Laurence Spencer (Laurie),born 8.1.1920 at Ballarat, Vic; died18.3.04 at Warragul. In 1942 he marriedPhyllis, who predeceased him on26.11.89. He is survived by his daugh-ter, Lorraine Birkett (Warragul); hisdaughter and son-in-law, Helen andElwyn Scale (Trafalgar); his four grand-children; their spouses; and his threegreat-grandchildren. Laurie was a Chris-tian gentleman, who was always smilingand jovial. He knew his Bible intimately

and was a joy to be with. He wasinvolved in organising four fly’n’buildteams to Fiji, building churches and aschool. For many years he served assenior elder at North Fitzroy and War-ragul churches; also a term on the exec-utive committee of the Victorian Con-ference.

Bill Doble, Tim O’Keefe

Hann, Bernice (nee Hunger), born22.6.1922 at Stratford, NNZ; died18.3.04 at Stratford. On 4.4.45 she mar-ried Vic, who predeceased her. She issurvived by her son, Philip; her daugh-ter, Carolyn Strange (both of Palmer-ston North), her daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Dennett Jaques (Bris-bane, Qld). Bernice provided floralarrangements and organ music at theStratford church for many years. Shehad a strong faith and loved her Lord.

Lawrence Lane

Hutley, Delphine, born 30.1.1960 atWaverly, New Zealand; died on 10.12.03in a tragic accident at her home inMount Colah, Sydney, NSW. She is sur-vived by her teenage daughters, Eliseand Amelia, and their father, Gary, alsoher mother, Valma Zanstra (Tauranga,New Zealand), her brother, DirkZanstra, her sister, Diane Jonasen (Hast-ings, New Zealand), and her colleaguesat Sydney Adventist Hospital where sheworked as a theatre nurse. She washighly respected by everyone as a sensi-tive, passionate nurse and thus an inspi-ration to all.

Adrian Flemming

Pemble, Lawrence, born 22.5.1938 atHarden, NSW; died 14.3.04 in the nurs-ing home at Kings Langley AdventistRetirement Village, Kings Langley. He issurvived by his wife, Gwen; his chil-dren, Jeffrey, Julianne, Darren andNicole. Larrie expressed his confidencein Jesus to bring him forth on the resur-rection morning to unite with his fami-ly once more.

Bill Sleight

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 areavailable to Seventh-day Adventist mem-bers, churches and institutions only. Seemasthead (page 2) for contact details.

A position vacancy for a busi-ness manager/accounts exists atCedarvale Health Retreat, KangarooValley, NSW, commencing July 2004.Experience in marketing helpful. Forapplications and job descriptionplease phone (02) 4465 1362.

April 24, 2004

N O T I C E B O A R D

14

Youth worker, Charlestown church(NSW). Charlestown has a livelyyouth program with about 200 mem-bers. Full job description availableupon request. Self-starter with leader-ship qualities, who loves to work withyoung people. Term: 12 months, com-mencing July/August 2004. Accom-modation, living allowance, return air-fare and car provided.

Elementary teacher, ADRA–SouthSudan—to teach four children of theADRA–South Sudan country direc-tor. Children are in Grade 8, 3 and 1.Post is located in Nairobi, Kenya.Daily lesson plans, teaching, grading,art class and daily worships. Booksprovided. Term: August 16, 2004 toJune 3, 2005.

Email:<volunteers@adventist.org.au>. For more positions, check the webon <www.adventistvolunteers.org>

+61 2 9847 3275

Position vacant

Book Department Support OfficerSigns Publishing Company (Warburton, Vic)

Role: To assist in the operational activities within the Book Depart-

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keting. Computer skills and flexibility in performing tasks essen-

tial. Position reports to Book Manager.

For more information: If you have

an interest in this position, details

may be obtained from:

Liz DunstanBook Department ManagerPhone: (03) 5966 9111Fax: (03) 5966 9019Email: elizabeth.dunstan@signspublishing.com.au

Formal applications will close May 6, 2004.

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Holiday letting—Kingscliff, TweedHeads, beautiful beaches, great weather.A lovely big private flat. The cheapeston the coast and everything supplied.Jim Cherry, 13 Orient Street, KingscliffNSW. Phone (02) 6674 2302.

Go Veg—frozen vegetarian foods.Many products—make mealtime easy!Available for catering. 21 Berry Street,Clyde. Phone (02) 9897 0000. Wednes-day–Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Sundays 10am to 1 pm. Available at Wahroongaand Epping ABC.

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FinallyA person’s character is putto the test when hesuddenly acquires orquickly loses a considerablesum of money.

N O T I C E B O A R D

April 24, 2004 15

Adventist Support Line

Freecall phone numbersAustralia 1800 220 468New Zealand 0800 442 458Norfolk Island 1800 1410

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S E E O N L I N E E X T R A S @

W W W. E D G E O N W E B . O R G

ISSUE # 41 OUT THIS WEEK

The Lion King,the apocalypse & the Bible

Dealing with disabilities

Avondale College

Homecoming 2004August 27-29

1934, 1944, 1954, 1964, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1994

Highlights

Friday: Murdoch Lecture, Dr Niels-Erik

Andreason, President, Andrews University. Alumni

Association AGM luncheon and nostalgic vespers.

Sabbath: Worship, reunions and concert. Jaime

and Emily Jorge from USA will be guest artists.

Sunday: Golf tournament.

Registration for the weekend is necessary.

See details of Homecoming in the April 2004

Refl ections magazine.

For information phone (02) 4980 2296,

Email: alumni@avondale.edu.au

Post: Development and Alumni Relations,

Avondale College, PO Box 19,

Cooranbong, NSW 2265, Australia